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Anyone else super picky with what they read? (literature.cafe)

submitted 2 days ago by rascalnikov@literature.cafe to c/libraries@literature.cafe

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I'm always amazed to see how some of my friends are just able to read any book recommended to them with no hesitation at all; whereas with me, I need to research what kind of book it is, what ideas the book will be wrestling with, the author and their writing style. Like currently, I am struggling to give "Being and Time" by Martin Heidegger a try as I am more of a fan of Bertrand Russel and analytical philosophy which seems to be scientific in nature -- especially when compared to that of Heidegger, so I've heard. I feel that if I am spending my time reading something, that I should come away at the end of the book having learned something of value (to me, that's a pretty subjective statement). I think this is a good thing, as just about every book I've chosen to read has been an enlightening and somewhat euphoric experience that cannot be replaced. I wonder though, does anyone else relate?

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[–] The_HKP@fedia.io 3 points 2 days ago (2 children)

I feel like I am the pickiest reader I know. I prefer reading light, humorous type books. But as it turns out, writing things that are genuinely funny is a difficult ask; generally, at least to me, a lot of "funny" writing comes off as trying too hard and failing miserably.

I will also just stop reading whatever if the book has any one of several items that piss me off. This includes, but is not limited to: bad/unrealistic dialogue, unnecessary romance/sex, cliche or unrealistic plots, or unlikable characters that I am supposed to root for.

I have started so many books - ones that were recommended by trusted friends or that were on a bestsellers list - only to put them down within the first few chapters because I just couldn't stand whatever the book was doing or trying to do.

I'm actually genuinely sad I don't enjoy reading more, but I refuse to slog through books that I just don't like, so the end result is that I don't read very much. It's frustrating.

[–] rascalnikov@literature.cafe 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

This is totally valid and understandable. Do you find yourself feeling this way in media as well; like TV shows or movies? BoJack Horseman comes to mind when you mentioned unlikable characters you are supposed to root for. I can't say that I've had that experience within a book but I do find myself in certain shows rooting for some characters that are assholes or unlikable.

I can't say that I have found much humorous works -- though I haven't particularly looked for it. The best I can think of is Christopher Hitchens' "Hitch 22" memoir having some funny moment in there. Do you have any recommendations?

I am the same way with not reading more. It is why I choose super thick books to try to make the experience last longer if I like it. I end up rereading the same things until I might stumble upon something else. Is there a book or some books you find yourself rereading for comfort or extended enjoyment? I imagine this might be more difficult with fiction.

[–] The_HKP@fedia.io 1 points 1 hour ago

I do generally see the same trends for myself with other media like TV, Movies and even Video Games (to a lesser extent). It's funny you brought up BoJack Horseman, as I tried to watch it and just couldn't get through it. I think for that particular thing, though, rather than an unlikable character, the vibe of the whole thing was really depressing, even if some dialogue was funny, and, well, I engage in media to escape from depressing reality, not to have it called out further.

I've found the best humor writing in nonfiction works, honestly. Authors like Bill Bryson and Dave Barry are really good, although I will say that Barry's more recent stuff seems to have lost his edge. For fiction, I'd have to recommend Terry Pratchett's Discworld series.

I used to reread a number of older Dave Barry books, as well as "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss, as I enjoy language stuff. But lately, I find I'm not even rereading those things, but just playing more video games instead.

I have bought some new books with some Christmas money that are allegedly what I am looking for, so we'll see how that goes!