Thursday 30 April 2009

Booking Through Thursday

Which is worse?

Finding a book you love and then hating everything else you try by that author, or
Reading a completely disappointing book by an author that you love?


This is really hard to answer! I don't think I can actually think of anything that would fit into either category. I'm actually not often disappointed by a book, and its very difficult to say I hated one! Perhaps I'm just not a very discerning reader!

The only example I could think of would be Ian McEwan. The first I ever read was Enduring Love, and I loved it, and nothing else that I've read by him has ever matched up. But I've by no means read everything he's written and I didn't hate any of them. I just didn't love them like I loved Enduring Love.

In terms of hating a book by an author I love, its never happened! I think all authors have a weakest work, or just one that doesn't appeal personally. Taking the question on this level, I would have to say Margeret Atwood's Surfacing disappointed me a bit. Everything else I've read I've loved, I just wasn't as enamoured with this as with the others. But again, I've not read everything she's written yet, although I'm coming close.

I think that is a bit of a cop out answer really, but it would take a lot for me to say I hated a book, especially if I had an affection for the author.

12 comments:

Novroz said...

it's an easy question for me :) I think the second option is the worse

Blodeuedd said...

That's right, I loved a McÉwan book but for some reason I couldn't read Atonement which everyone seems to love

BooksPlease said...

I agree - I can't actually think of a book I hated!

Amat Libris said...

There's another way of looking at the fact you're rarely disappointed - you might be very good at choosing books to read! I don't often dislike books, either, and that's the explanation I like best.

Jess said...

I tried to read Atonement and decided to let it go after 50 pages, maybe I should try Enduring Love instead. So many people love his books.

Melissa said...

McEwan didn't do it for me either, but I've only read On Chesil Beach. Atonement is somewhere in my shelves...I am more forgiving with a favorite author.

Dot said...

Hi Jo, really like the new look for the blog! It was a bit of a tough one this week. I've not ready any Ian McEwan, I know it's a bad reason but I've always been put off by the front covers!

zetor said...

My answer covers the second question. http://zetor-mogsblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/booking-through-thursday_30.html

~*Kaila*~ said...

I have to say that the second option is the worse one for me.

My full answer is here.

JoAnn said...

I really need to read Enduring Love!

Matt said...

What matters to me is whether I'll venture into another book of a new author. It's about building the credit. I do believe in second chances. :)

I'm extra cautious about reading another if the author is not good in my book. At least I wouldn't buy it but borrow it.

Savidge Reads said...

I agree with you totally and think you can be disapointed with a favourite authors work, but hate it... surely they wouldnt be a favourite author?