One year, I did a discussion post on how long it takes to finish a book series. In that post, I said how I was once eager to finish a series, but more recently had found myself reading only one or two books, then leaving the series unfinished. These were the reasons I gave:
- A lack of interest in continuing (though this is pretty rare)
- Unable to find the rest of the books in the series at the library and not wishing to buy the rest if they can't be bought second-hand
- Finding a book other than the first one (happens often when getting thrift-store books)
- No hurry to continue right away, especially series with really long books (e.g., The Outlander series)
- Simply forgetting that I even began (also rare)
How many of you have had these happen to you?
I was reminded of this post when reading Postcards From the Bookstore's post the other day, on Ten Series Deemed as Finished. I'm currently trying to find a book quartet to read for this challenge. Checking my Goodreads account, I found several quartets that I have begun, but have only completed one or two books (one in most cases). I'll have to re-read the book(s) already completed if I want it to count this year. Some of them I read years ago! Or I can start a new book quartet, of which I have at least two series in mind. Again, to count for the challenge, the series has to be completed this year. I must decide how soon to read to read each installment in the quartet, whether right away (one after the other), or whenever I feel up to diving into each one. It will depend on how eager I am to continue, as long as I get it done to count.
What is your preference for reading series?
4 comments:
I prefer standalone books or books that are loosely connected, such as Lawrence Sanders’ McNally detective stories, which don’t have to be read in order. Sometimes I just get tired of a series due to certain repetitive phrases or because the later books just aren’t as good as the first ones…
It's even more challenging to be writing a series! Because it's hard to get readers to come back for the next book. Especially when it takes time, years, between releasing books.
Alas, the fantasy genre has authors famous for making fans wait. George RR Martin, Patrick Rothfuss...
“Think before you speak. Read before you think.” — Fran Lebowitz
J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) @JLenniDorner ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZChallenge international blog hop
I prefer to read series after they are finished being published but that doesn't happen often and besides that, it really no longer easy to find complete series since some of them suddenly got additions - I've seen a couple of series where I thought they were complete but suddenly, a new book came out. I did read a few quartets where a sudden fifth book came out.
Have a lovely day.
I prefer smaller series that are easier to digest. I do love a great series that you can enjoy the world longer, but like you said the books need to be easy to obtain and the series must remain enjoyable.
Julie @ Chapter Break
Post a Comment