Lately I’ve been having an internal debate with myself as to whether or not I should continue reading “On Beauty”. I’m really not enjoying the book. The characters are unlikeable, and the book is filled with too much description and lofty art history terms. However, I’ve only got like 1/3 of it left, maybe less. For some reason, even when a book sucks, I feel like I need to continue it till the end.

1. Because I believe I can learn from anything
2. Because I think that even a bad book can surprise you at the end

However, I also find myself wondering if life isn’t too short to read books one isn’t enjoying. I slaved my way through the last part of Shantaram and it wasn’t really worth it. If reading is for pleasure than why bother with a boring book (or a badly written one)?

But is reading just for pleasure? Do we read to make ourselves happy or do we read to grow?

Personally, I am a big believer in the second of those statements. I believe that reading is a soul-building exercise, one in which you enter into a pact with the author. Something along the lines of “even if I don’t like this, I’ll give you a chance. I will allow you to change me.” There is an effort that goes into writing a book that a reader has to acknowledge at the beginning of the reading journey.  After all, we don’t always get to pick our experiences in life, so why should we get to pick them in books?

If reading was only for pleasure then I never would have finished A Little Life. And yet, I am so glad that I got to finish that book and read the ending. There is something really satisfying in finding out how a book ends. It gives one a sense of achievement.

Reading to me is a little like life in that you have to honour the intention you enter it with. When you pick up a book and browse the title and read the little excerpt at the back (or on the side), it’s like you’re entering into a relationship with that book. And like any relationship, it has it’s ups and downs and you should approach it with an open mind.

Does that mean you should finish every book you come across?

No. Part of reading is being able to weed out what works for you and what doesn’t. But if you have chosen to take on a book, I believe you should honour that choice, even when things are not going as you had hoped.  Maybe allow it to surprise you. After all, there’s nothing quite as great as having that murder solved, seeing those lovers work it out, or experiencing the endurance of a friendship.

Personally, I draw the line at badly written though. If I come across one too many plot holes or unneeded flowery language, I have a tendency to shut the book (although even here I like to challenge myself and think of it as what not to do).

What about you?

Why do you read?

In the case of On Beauty the verdict is still out. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Studiously yours,

Girl With One Earring