Can anyone actually finish a book?
I know I haven’t written on here in forever. It is partly due to me not wanting to post from work, and partly because I have this feeling that if I do post something (after this long) it has to be really worthy and relevant. This post is neither.
I continually find myself interested in reading new books, and learning about new things. But, I lack the discipline to finish one before either purchasing another, or actually purchasing and starting another.
For clarity, I have decided to post the books I am currently reading, and that portion of each which I have already consumed:
The Black Swan, 60%.
The Reason for God, 45%.
The Shack, 8%.
Blink, 25%.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, 1%.
How to Get Into the Top MBA Programs, 75%.
Blood Meridian, 20%.
From this, you can see that I actually do read books (or at least I read?). I can’t seem to finish a book.
I think that the problem lies in the fact that I am convinced that I just HAVE to get the next book and read it.
What do you think? A deeper problem with satisfaction? Perpetual grass-is-greener mentality? ADD?
Let me know if you too have problems with this.
*N.B. Since writing this draft several days ago, I have purchased 3 new books. Surprise, surprise.
4 comments
Camp,
I share your desire to move to the next book. Your problem is surely all of the above. I don’t have any suggestions. I always just ask myself why I am reading. Is it for the pleasure of the story or the act of reading? Or am I trying to impress others by being able to tell them how varied and intellectually challenging my reading is. Just my personal demons at work.
your site looks badass man. your posts are a little dated so you must not post all that often but it’s still tight
Currently Reading:
Anna Karenina – 50%
Same Kind of Different As Me- 50%
Power of Praying Wife- 75%
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Under Bedside Table ( Pending Location) :
Harry Potter- Book 3- 65%
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Demoted from Bedside Table Back to Bookshelf Before Completion:
The Robe- 75%
Momentary Marriage- 10%
Putting Amazing Back Into Grace- 65%
Lord of the Rings- 33%
I know why the Cage Bird Sings- 1%
Their Eyes Were Watching God- 1%
( I’m probably forgetting some. And I won’t even mention those started and not completed that were assignments for a class)
About to buy and start reading The Help for my Bookclub. I started the Bookclub to attempt to cure my problem of not finishing books. It has been effective thus far, but might be too early to really tell what kind of long term change is going to take place. We’ve only read two books so far.
I am working on Peyton’s computer and accidentally hit this bookmark, but just felt like you might appreciate knowing you’re not alone. I have my thoughts about why we find our selves in such state.
Another Bullshit Night in Suck City 22%
To Kill a Mockingbird 14%
The Reason for God 8%
An Exaltation of Larks 79%
Crime and Punishment 0% (on bedside table)
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a book i’ve finished and highly recommend:
Marching Powder
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