Into the Fire

I’m one of the few who will press on through a novel I don’t like until the end. I’ve been considering whether or not this is because I’ve either signed up to review it so I feel obligated to read every word or because I’m obsessive and can’t justify quitting on a book. I haven’t decided why I’ve finished some novels.

I know it used to be because I wanted to give the author every possible chance to redeem the story. Now having seen that fail 100% of the time, I’ve learned that if I don’t like the book after I’m into it a ways, chances are (like 100% of the time) my conclusion at the conclusion will be negative. Thus far no author whose story I haven’t cared for after wading into the novel has been able to redeem him/herself. So. Not a good plan in reality to continue—other than to establish that either I will never buy/acquire another of this particular author’s tomes or I will just pass on this individual book because there have been others I’ve enjoyed.

Which brings me to the question in the title: Why do I choose a specific novel to read? Every reader started somewhere. Was it because of a recommendation from a fellow reader or friend? One who raved about a book and made it irresistible? Was it a unique cover design and the flipping over of that novel to read stimulating back cover copy? Originally, there had to be a first reason to dig in to fiction. I’ve been reading fiction as long as I can remember. And the only non-fiction I read usually resulted from a school assignment. Even now it takes a specific and immensely valid reason for me to read non-fiction. And I have no qualms about leaving non-fiction unread after several or even a few chapters.

It’s difficult to remember the initial draw to a novel. Now it’s rather simple really. Refined down to a practical science. Each month I receive a list of books offered for promotion from the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance. Pick out however many you want and review them on your blog—simple requirements. A great way to get books. A blessing in fact. I also get occasional requests from CBA publishers for particular books they are promoting, and their requirements are the same. Very cool. A simple yes or no, and the book belongs to you, or not.

Choosing the novels I want to read consists of reading back cover copy. Occasionally from publishers I get an attachment with more specific information about the release of the novel. Since I read very specific genres, it’s relatively simple to eliminate some right off the top. Then with what’s left I choose based on description of the conflict. If it sounds fairly obvious and I feel lukewarm about it, no thanks. If I’ve heard some favorable discussion about the writing in the novel, chances are I’m in—I want to evaluate it for myself if it’s getting some rave comments.

If I’m in the Christian bookstore, it’s a little different. Since I’m fairly well informed as to when my favorite authors release their latest novels, if I haven’t acquired them from the tours, I look for them on the shelves. And I’m extremely loyal. If I like an author’s work, I will buy it. And I will promote it. Selecting new adventures isn’t so easy anymore. I can say I rarely read any of the writing—in other words, I don’t open the novel—at the store to check out the author’s style. I read some, and usually not all, of the back cover copy to judge whether or not the plot interests me. Covers impact me—I love and am drawn to good covers—but they aren’t the only deciding factor.

Some people read first chapters standing there in the aisle of the bookstore and make a decision based on that. Not me. The simple blurb must decide for me. The less the better. I don’t want anything ruined by too much copy. So the first sentence, first chapter lingo that publishers push to hook and keep the reader interested, involved, or enticed does not apply to me. And, quite frankly, as a writer, I recognize it when it’s overdone. Some stories are not designed to open with a shotgun blast. Effective when appropriate but gimmicky when the story itself doesn’t support that kind of introduction.

How ‘bout you? Ultimately what is it that makes you pick up a novel to read?

Father, you know how much I appreciate your creativity exercised in people. Thank you that you are no respecter of persons. Thank you that we can each mean so much to you in unique ways. Thank you that we don’t have to earn your favor. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.