I was discussing the books I've read, liked, hated along with authors with my friend N and I suddenly had a revelation. I used to be able to get through anything once I started - it used to be a matter of principle - if I started the book, I had to finish it. I was also experimental (in fiction) reading varied authors like Sophie Kinsella as well as Gabriel Garcia Marquez in the same time (of course, much more was read of SK - I mean, Shopaholic, come on!!). However nowadays, I really have to be captivated by the description/synopsis of a book to be bothered to attempt to read it and yes, I say attempt, coz if the book don't grab my attention by like 50 pages, it bye bye bookie!
The revelation being the reason: Before, I never had a job! College was fun, MBA even funner, and you used to get vast periods of time off so you could indulge these whims of trudging through the boring written word just so I could say - I did it! However, once you start to work and a lot of your time is spent doing things you don't necessarily enjoy or even dislike, it is much harder to spend your precious me time, suffering through something you have no interest in!
This explains why my currently read books include such illustrious titles as Chasing Daisy, Love Rosie, One Day, Twenties Girl while my half read copies of Arranged Marriages and Circle of Reason lie gathering dusts on the distant side table! not to mention the bible for all bibliophiles A Suitable Boy has never been turned beyond the 100th page!
Edited to Add: Finished Arranged Marriages last night. Also have friend who is Editor (Therefore reads for a living) and yet manages to read everything BUT pulp fiction! so clearly this is just a me phenomenon!
2 comments:
Yeah, I noticed this too. I am willing and able to drop a book midway if it isn't captivating me. I am also able to stop a book midway, start reading something else and then go back to the other book when more in the mood.
My tolerance is even lower for movies. I just cannot watch movies that I don't like. I can generally tell from the trailer whether it's going to interest me or not and I don't even bother giving it a chance if not. I have even walked out a movie, something I've never done in the past.
I think it's more of low tolerance threshhold for me than time though. I have the time, just not the patience for mediocrity (I read a lot of chicklit, but there are standards for chicklit too). I have this attitude to people too nowadays.
I have made my debut on ur blog!
So now u know what u hav to do right? Quit ur job, NOW!
But also read a suitable boy again, I reiterate its a fab book. And Ur post made me realise, I still read thru all the crappy books I have also, I need to value my time more!
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