Getting ready to see a new production of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, and having played a Greek courtesan (with a scandalous costume malfunction on opening night) in The Boys from Syracuse in the Rodgers and Hart musical adaptation of same back-in-the day, you've inspired me to check out this book, Holly--something very meta to me about this book about a play in "dear old Syracuse!"
I used to also be one of those who gets the guilt thing about not continuing to read a book I'd started. I think this is also known as the 'sunk cost fallacy'. Once you realise that it's your own time you are using up in reading something your heart isn't enjoying, or doing something you know you shouldn't, then it's easier to DNF.
And of course for every reader who doesn't like a certain book, there will be others who do like the book, so we shouldn't feel guilty towards the writer in that respect, just accept that it's not our cup of tea.
It does, however, take a fair while to arrive at that realisation! But on the other paw, it can make us far more discerning about which books we start reading in the first place. We should see our own time as precious, after all.
Having said that, well done for getting through that boring Act II of this book - I don't think I would have done! And if it is that boring then I think that is a justified focus of criticism of the book. I wonder, after all, how many other readers did actually give it up, and thus never get to the twist...
I couldn’t agree more with your first point about it being our time we’re wasting if we keep on with a book that we’re not vibing with. I have so much respect for the writers, and like you say they might be the right books for others, just not for us!
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres but definitely not the bodice ripping end of the spectrum. My favorite in this genre is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield but there are many great reads. I will add this one to my list to check out.
I totally agree with you re: bodice ripping historical fiction, though it seems to be the only type on the bookshelves at the moment (I have a post on this coming up in a few weeks). This book was not like that at all, which I was super grateful for. I’ll make sure to check out Steven Pressfield!
The premise of this one sounds super creative. Maybe readers with a fascination for the period would find that saggy middle less saggy. Glad it all paid off in the end!
Like you, I'm a new DNF'er. So many books, so little time. I have two sitting on the pending pile. One a super popular/I really should read this book which tanked for me. The other by a writer whose prior work I love, love, love, but this one, sigh, I'm struggling. Both involve topics that are a bit rough for me just now, so I have to wonder if it's me. I've set them aside for now. Will return soonish and see how it goes.
Yeah I think you’re right about the middle part. It was interesting to see the development of the play simply as an exercise in bringing that to life, but it lacked a little plot for me personally. But, as you say, it’s not my usual period (and I will definitely return but will also definitely have a break from the ancient world…).
It’s so hard when we decide to stop reading a book, right? I feel a lot of guilt because the author put in a lot of work and I really respect that, but also sometimes it takes a while to get into a book and work out if it really hits what we’re looking for in that moment. And I guess it might just be not right for us just now - but maybe the perfect book another time?
I've often found that books I didn't really "like" end up sticking with me longer. So, sometimes my first reaction is not the full story. That's one reason I don't write formal book reviews. There's just too much interplay between the work and the reader that is subjective.
And, yeah, any writer that actually FINISHED a book? In itself, pretty amazing!
None of that's to say formal reviews aren't legit! Just not where I like to go. As you've done, I prefer to observe my own response, make connections, etc. Plenty of formal reviews out there I anyone wants them.
I am more likely to "review" an indie book that I loved. They need them.
It was quite fun writing this piece from the heart rather than planning it out: I literally just sat and wrote down my thoughts. It was pretty fun to do! Like you say, there are loads of professional reviewers out there who do that job well, but I’m not sure that’s the kind of value I can offer here (nor do I really want to do that kind of writing). And YES to supporting indie writers! I’ve connected with so many here on Substack and love reading their books/finding them in bookshops. It feels much more meaningful than the ‘big names’ who probably get a publishing deal just based on who they are 🫣
There's a series that I almost DNF'd the first book but I got through the slow start and oh my gosh, I was in love. Each of her books kind of take you a minute to get into and get the whole picture but once it does man oh man are you in for a ride. (Gabrielle Meyers Timeless series)
Getting ready to see a new production of Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, and having played a Greek courtesan (with a scandalous costume malfunction on opening night) in The Boys from Syracuse in the Rodgers and Hart musical adaptation of same back-in-the day, you've inspired me to check out this book, Holly--something very meta to me about this book about a play in "dear old Syracuse!"
Ah - forgot to say - I like your style of book review here. You should do more off the cuff ones...
I’m so glad you liked it! I’ll bear your feedback in mind 🥰
I used to also be one of those who gets the guilt thing about not continuing to read a book I'd started. I think this is also known as the 'sunk cost fallacy'. Once you realise that it's your own time you are using up in reading something your heart isn't enjoying, or doing something you know you shouldn't, then it's easier to DNF.
And of course for every reader who doesn't like a certain book, there will be others who do like the book, so we shouldn't feel guilty towards the writer in that respect, just accept that it's not our cup of tea.
It does, however, take a fair while to arrive at that realisation! But on the other paw, it can make us far more discerning about which books we start reading in the first place. We should see our own time as precious, after all.
Having said that, well done for getting through that boring Act II of this book - I don't think I would have done! And if it is that boring then I think that is a justified focus of criticism of the book. I wonder, after all, how many other readers did actually give it up, and thus never get to the twist...
I couldn’t agree more with your first point about it being our time we’re wasting if we keep on with a book that we’re not vibing with. I have so much respect for the writers, and like you say they might be the right books for others, just not for us!
I've been meaning to check this out. Thanks for the push
You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy it. I just finished it earlier this week and it was awesome.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres but definitely not the bodice ripping end of the spectrum. My favorite in this genre is Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield but there are many great reads. I will add this one to my list to check out.
I totally agree with you re: bodice ripping historical fiction, though it seems to be the only type on the bookshelves at the moment (I have a post on this coming up in a few weeks). This book was not like that at all, which I was super grateful for. I’ll make sure to check out Steven Pressfield!
The premise of this one sounds super creative. Maybe readers with a fascination for the period would find that saggy middle less saggy. Glad it all paid off in the end!
Like you, I'm a new DNF'er. So many books, so little time. I have two sitting on the pending pile. One a super popular/I really should read this book which tanked for me. The other by a writer whose prior work I love, love, love, but this one, sigh, I'm struggling. Both involve topics that are a bit rough for me just now, so I have to wonder if it's me. I've set them aside for now. Will return soonish and see how it goes.
Yeah I think you’re right about the middle part. It was interesting to see the development of the play simply as an exercise in bringing that to life, but it lacked a little plot for me personally. But, as you say, it’s not my usual period (and I will definitely return but will also definitely have a break from the ancient world…).
It’s so hard when we decide to stop reading a book, right? I feel a lot of guilt because the author put in a lot of work and I really respect that, but also sometimes it takes a while to get into a book and work out if it really hits what we’re looking for in that moment. And I guess it might just be not right for us just now - but maybe the perfect book another time?
I've often found that books I didn't really "like" end up sticking with me longer. So, sometimes my first reaction is not the full story. That's one reason I don't write formal book reviews. There's just too much interplay between the work and the reader that is subjective.
And, yeah, any writer that actually FINISHED a book? In itself, pretty amazing!
None of that's to say formal reviews aren't legit! Just not where I like to go. As you've done, I prefer to observe my own response, make connections, etc. Plenty of formal reviews out there I anyone wants them.
I am more likely to "review" an indie book that I loved. They need them.
It was quite fun writing this piece from the heart rather than planning it out: I literally just sat and wrote down my thoughts. It was pretty fun to do! Like you say, there are loads of professional reviewers out there who do that job well, but I’m not sure that’s the kind of value I can offer here (nor do I really want to do that kind of writing). And YES to supporting indie writers! I’ve connected with so many here on Substack and love reading their books/finding them in bookshops. It feels much more meaningful than the ‘big names’ who probably get a publishing deal just based on who they are 🫣
There's a series that I almost DNF'd the first book but I got through the slow start and oh my gosh, I was in love. Each of her books kind of take you a minute to get into and get the whole picture but once it does man oh man are you in for a ride. (Gabrielle Meyers Timeless series)