Have you ever given serious thought to what your favorite part of the reading process is? I am sure you have, you all are big readers. Well at least fans enough of reading to spend your free time reading a book blog!
What I mean by the reading process is, when you pick up a new book is your favorite part the beginning, the middle, or the end of a book? What do you love most?
For me, it is always the beginning! When I end a book, sure I am a little sad if it is a great book because I am leaving those characters behind, usually forever, but that sadness is quickly left behind because of the anticipation to read the next great novel! I truly believe that every new book is going to be the best book I have ever read! Is that naive of me? No, I don't think so. I wouldn't keep reading as much as I do if I thought they would all be crappy. Clearly I think the majority of books are awesome or I wouldn't keep picking so many up. I love books and for the most part I love the newness of them. The possibility of the great things they could bring.
I was thinking about this because I am currently in the middle of a slump of some not so good books. But that's ok because each new book I pick up could turn this slump around and be my new favorite!
Sure I love a middle of the book when I am really into it and I am turning the pages and I can't wait to find out what happens next but what if the book is just ok? Sometimes that middle section can seem so long! And sure, the endings. Those can seem so fabulous sometimes. Endings so perfect or so twisty you would have never imagined them yourself. But time and again, once I close that book I excitedly can't wait to decide what my next new read will be!
So, for you, what is your favorite part of the reading process? The beginning, the middle, or the end?
I really enjoy the middle of a book. At that point, I'm usually invested in some or all of the characters and I'm rooting for them. I don't like starting new books, because I feel like I don't know what it going on yet.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely the end -- I love the feeling of accomplishment of checking a book off my list!
ReplyDeleteHmm...I think I'd have to go with the beginning - because I'm just getting to meet the characters, and get a feel for the story. By the middle, I've usually figured out where we're going, and am just settling in for the ride. But at the beginning? There's just so much...promise...But then, I also just LOVE reading ;o)
ReplyDeleteI love the beginnings, always sad when i am ending a book....
ReplyDeleteThe beginning, to sink into a new world and just loose yourself (if it is good that is ;)
ReplyDeleteMrs. Q - I see the allure of the middle because you are really in the meat of the story by then!
ReplyDeleteCol - I do love checking another book of my read list for sure!
Rebecca, Glenda and Bloduedd - Yeah, 3 more for team Beginning!
That's a hard one. Each part is so special for its own reason, but maybe the middle. I love the feeling I get when a book has really taken hold and I am completely immersed in that world and waiting impatiently to see how it all turns out.
ReplyDeleteI like the end. As evidenced by the fact that I've been known to read the end first. :-D
ReplyDeleteI have never thought about this question before, however, I guess for me it is the first 50-75 pages or the beginning of the book. After that many pages if it doesn't grab me by then I usually have trouble reading the rest of the book. Many times with a book like that it will take me a bit longer to get the book read, that is if I ever finish reading it.
ReplyDeleteIn a perfect world all three will be fantastic and when that occurs the ending is the best. I love reaching the end of a fantastic book and seeing everything come together. :-)
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the ending, not the satisfaction that I've finished another book, but the method/way the author ties up the loose ends to a successful conclusion. This usually leads me to the author's next book.
ReplyDeleteNicole - yes, the middle is wonderful when you just can't get enough of a really good book!
ReplyDeleteSoftdrink - haha! Yes it does sound like you like the end!
Gigi Ann- Me too, me too!
Farmlanebooks - Good point, when it all works together, it is a perfect book!
LPR - Yes, when the author knows how to end a book, I too find myself looking for their next work!
I like the beginning. Such an interesting question. I feel that the beginning sets the tone for the rest of the novel.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I love the moment of finding a book, buying it, and plunging in. Usually there is SOMETHING in the book to disillusion me, but those first few chapters, when I am in love? Priceless.
ReplyDeleteI hate finishing a book I love. I put off finishing Gone with the Wind for days because I didn't want it to be over!
I like being in the middle of a great book, knowing how much good stuff I've read and being excited about what I have left to read.
ReplyDeleteI also love the anticipation of picking my next book, but some of that has gone away now that blogging involves as much planning as it sometimes does.
Actually my favorite part is counting down till the book release. I am hoping to get back to that this year---when I would count down till I could walk into the store, put in my hand, and start reading :)
ReplyDeleteGreat question! I love the beginning as long as it is a beginning that grabs me from the first chapter. I love the excitement of a fresh new story and new characters.
ReplyDelete