Thursday, January 9, 2020

Discussion: Why Punish Yourself?


This Week’s Topic:
Why Punish Yourself?


I always like looking through my Goodreads feed to see what everyone is reading and whatnot, and I noticed a bunch of updates from a blogger I follow, which really caught my attention. She rated the first book in a series 1-star, but then I saw she continued the series. Not surprisingly, she also rated each subsequent book quite low. Several days later, over on Twitter, I saw a blogger asking, pretty much, the same question I am asking - why punish yourself?

I have started, and discontinued, plenty of series. I took a chance on the first book, it didn't work, I found another series to read. Never once, did it cross my mind to read the other two, three, or more books. Maybe I'm a quitter, but I just couldn't imagine doing that to myself, and that's coming from someone, who reads a lot, and could realistically afford to read stinkers.


I wonder what motivates people to do this. Why go back for more? Do you think it's because they ran out and bought all the books, or are they from camp must-finish? Or, are they just really optimistic, and think things will get better? Whatever the reasoning, it baffles me, every time.


The same could be said for people, who have not one, but multiple bad experiences with an author, yet they pick up another book. WHAT? Maybe, that reader really believes in that author, and is hoping to click with their books at some point, but I just don't have that sort of faith. For example, there is this romance author, and EVERYONE seems to love her books. There was a sale, I bought two of her books, and I started with the author's most lauded book. Let me tell you. It just wasn't for me. The style didn't work for me, and it felt like a chore to read. Did I read that other book I purchased? No, I did not. I accepted that we didn't click, and I moved on.


I wonder if I would ever try an author I failed miserably with again. Maybe? Perhaps if the author was targeting a different age group or genre jumped, but I have to be honest, the hype would have to be HUGE to make me do it.

What about you? Would you continue a series after not really enjoying the prior books? Do you force yourself to continue a "relationship" with an author, who didn't work for you? What would make you pick up one of their books again? 

Now it's your turn!

Do you quit or continue? 
Let us know in the comments!

77 comments:

  1. If I didn't enjoy the first book in a series, I generally don't continue it, even if I've already purchased all of the books. An exception to this may happen if other readers advise that the series improves over time, but I probably won't move on.
    As for authors, I will generally give them a second chance because maybe just one book isn't for me. Maybe they tried something different with the first book I chose. But if I get to the second book and still am not enjoying it, then I'm pretty much done with the author. Sometimes I actually like the first book I read, but then the next two don't work for me, so those authors hit the no list as well.

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    1. Second chances are understandable, and I would probably do it, if I could get the book via the library, but I don't think I would buy a second book from an author I had previously not clicked with. Same has happened with me. I have abandoned a few authors. People change over time, and so may the books the author writes, and those new books are just not for me. Totally understandable.

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  2. LOL. Maybe some bloggers love to hate? thrive on writing snarky reviews? or they just need to be in the known about that (hyped) book/series, so that they can talk about it with the rest of the book community? But even then...why force yourself to go through a book (or movie, or whatever) you aren't enjoying? and even worse...to start another book you're pretty sure you won't enjoy? That baffles me too.

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    1. I totally think some reviewers are ruder than necessary, because there is an audience for it, and maybe they want to be known as the Simon Cowell of Goodreads. I don't know. I like being the Paula. I have been victim to the hype-monster, so I get that, but I stopped after one book. I still see reviews for some books, and shake my head, because I disliked it so much. But, hey, different people different tastes.

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  3. I used to push myself more to finish that series or try harder with a book or author that everyone else loved but those days are long gone. LOL There are way too many books that I am genuinely excited to read to be spending precious time on ones that aren't doing it for me. A good example is Jennifer Armentrout's Covenant series. JLA is one of my very favorite authors. I usually *love* her books. But for some reason her Covenant series just wasn't clicking with me. I read the first two books but wasn't getting into it. So, even though it's JLA, even though I own the entire series (plus the spin-off series), there is no way I am going to *force* myself to struggle through the series for some arbitrary reason. Nope! Set it down and move along. Another great read is waiting to be picked up! :)

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    1. That's exactly how I feel. Why waste your time, when there may be the *perfect* book out there for you. I am just not that masochistic. There's enough things in life I have to "push through", because I have no choice, but I will not do that with my books. Sorry. Nope.

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  4. I do give authors second chances. Some of my favorite authors have a few books that I don't care for and I always wonder what would have happened if that was the first book I picked up with their name on the cover. That being said, I am not going to continue reading a series if I didn't enjoy the first book. That makes no sense. I do think that some bloggers seem to enjoy writing negative reviews. Some of my negative reviews are quite popular on Goodreads but I don't try to find books that I know I won't like just to write bad reviews. I suspect there are a few people that do just that.

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    1. I guess it depends on how low I rated it. 3 stars is not the best, but it's still pretty good. I have never finished a book that rated lower than 3, so it's hard for me to relate to the people I am talking about. I agree that people seem to enjoy negative reviews, but I could never waste that much time reading books I don't like just to write negative reviews

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  5. If we say "multiple bad experiences with an author" then that's not something I'd put myself through ever again. I don't see the point of dealing with another book by the same author when I know for certain that I wouldn't enjoy it. I move on. Same could be said for my favorite authors. They do release books that I couldn't click/connect with and I don't like to linger on these said books. Just because they're my favorite doesn't mean I have to go read their other books even if I don't like them. And in regards to continuing a series where the first book's already "bad", NO. I don't waste my time on it anymore (I used to). That only applies if it's a non-companion series. I, however, make exceptions for companion series like for example, book one didn't click with me because of the characters but then the side characters were interesting enough and they're getting their own book, then I *might* just read theirs - as long as my interest is still up there. Sometimes I lose it so I don't bother anymore and move on to another book.

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    1. Yes. I know I have tried again with a companion series, because most of those are romance series for me. It could have been the couple wasn't my favorite, but not that the writing was something I couldn't deal with, you know.

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  6. I saw that Twitter post too, and I don’t understand! Honestly, I think some reviewers just like the attention they get from trashing books. The only time I continued a series I hated is when I read the Wrinkle In Time books for school. I hated every single one of them, but I was forced to keep reading. If the first book doesn’t get 4+ stars from me, I won’t continue. Why would I want to read a series I’ll most likely dislike? I might pick up the author’s other books if they sound interesting. One bad book probably won’t put me off an author forever.

    Aj @ Read All The Things!

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    1. Part of me does think it's about attention. I guess I value my time and enjoyment over attention? Well, I understand continuing, when you have no choice, but not when you are pleasure reading. I am not talking 3 star reviews. I am talking 1 and 1.5. I have never even given ratings that low, because I would have DNFed. You are more forgiving than I am, though, I guess it depends how bad the one book was and how much I loved the author. A new author would probably never get picked up again, but an old favorite could win another chance.

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  7. You're not a quitter-I do the exact same! The author has the opening book of a series to invest me in the story and characters or at least get me interested enough to read on. If they don't manage this, I accept that the series isn't for me and ditch it! I may try a totally different genre by an author whose first series I never liked ie try an apocalypse series after disliking the urban fantasy one. That has worked well but if I abandon two series by an author, I won't try any more!

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    1. It really is their job to grab me and keep me there. I also think, in the case of a genre jumping author, that I might try again, should they switch genres or age groups even. It's good you allow second chances, though, I know I have not been good about that. There are a few books I have been eyeing, but have yet to take a stab at, because I found a prior book by the authors lackluster. They weren't even terrible. I finished them, but they didn't impress me enough to want to read more of their work.

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  8. I sometimes continue with a series even if I didn't enjoy the first book. But usually because the first one had a lot of world building in it. I figured the next books would be better s it would be more about the plot. It didn't always work out though.

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    1. I read a book, last year, where I felt the author had to lay a lot of groundwork, and I know this bothered a lot of readers, but I saw it as something that had to be done. I saw the potential. I also finished the book, which means I didn't find it terrible. It earned in the 3 star range. I don't know if I would allow that excuse if I rated it lower, but I could understand you continuing the series, because you see potential.

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  9. i would never continue a series i don't like and if i rated a book one star I never would. i rarely remember to finish the series i do like. lol i don't dnf many books and have gotten pretty good at figuring out which ones will work for me.
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. Same. I try to give a book a fair shake, 20 - 25%, but if I am not buying in by then, I abandon the book. I have many unfinished series on my shelf as well. Sometimes, the previous book turned me off or I just lost interest. Let's face it, if I lose interest, what's the point. In the case of series, I should be wanting to see what's going to happen next. It shouldn't feel forced to continue the series.

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  10. I'll go a step further and say that I don't get ever rating a book 1 or 2 stars. For me, I will DNF a book that is that bad to me. There are so many good books out there that I refuse to waste my time on a book that isn't any good to me. There are a couple exceptions, like when I'm reading it for a discussion or something. But, I don't understand why people want to read a bunch a books they don't enjoy.

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    1. Same! The one 2.5 star read I can think of was that hyped romance author, and I really only continued because I felt like I was missing something. I will say, I liked the ending, which is why it was 2.5, but I felt like I was slogging through a bog to get to that. Having to read something is a totally different situation. I understand not having choices, but why choose something you don't like when it comes to "pleasure" reading? Baffling!

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  11. Hi Sam! Long time no see! I see you are still going strong with your great discussion. I changed my blog name so if you don’t remember my blog name was Book Nerd Addict. I hope you and your family are doing great. I took a break from the internet but I’m back now. I hope to read your posts again and see you around.
    Have a wonderful Happy New Year.
    Muah 💋 Helena

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    1. Welcome back! Hope you enjoyed your internet break.

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  12. Well Sam I could never read the other books if I rated the first one 1 star! Or it would be because I could already feel they would be way better but .... Same when an author does not work for me after two books I won't read more except maybe if she changes genre...

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    1. If they try something different, I could be persuaded to check it out, but I would need to see a LOT of good buzz about the book. I have trust issues.

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  13. For me, I struggle with not loving a book that everyone else does. Harry Potter for example. I didn't read the books when I was younger so now as an adult trying to capture this magic that everyone else feels isn't easy. I'm just not into them and don't get the hype. I try and try to get into the series though.

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    1. That's how I feel about a few authors, and a few books too. I just don't share the collective enthusiasm, and sometimes, it makes me feel like there is something wrong with me. Then I remind myself, that we all have our particular tastes, and it's ok to like or not like things other people do or do not like. (I have never read HP, and I have ZERO interest in it)

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  14. If I'm kind of meh on the first book in series, sometimes I will continue on, just to see if it gets better, because, you know, sometimes the first book can be slow just to set up stuff. If I really didn't like it, I definitely wouldn't continue. I think if I read a stand-alone book by a new-to-me author and didn't love it, I might try another of their books, you never know, maybe that one book was just not for me. But I wouldn't continue to seek out an author or series that wasn't working for me multiple times, that sounds like torture.

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    1. I can understand "meh" and continuing, but not 1-2 stars. Those are some low ratings. There is a difference between it feeling a bit slow or info-dumpy too. These people I am thinking of wrote very unflattering reviews. I couldn't believe my eyes, when I saw reviews for the subsequent books. I feel a little bad, but a new-to-me author might not get another chance, if I was not dazzled by them the first time out. It would take a lot of pushing and prodding to get me to try again with them. I think I would forgive a long time favorite author more quickly, but I would still be discriminating

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  15. I kind of wonder the same thing. If I didn't at least like the first book I won't keep going in the series. Sometimes even when I rated it a 3 star I'll decide I don't want to even try to keep going in the series.

    Ash @ JennReneeRead

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    1. That 3-star rating gets such a bad rap. For me, 3-stars means it was good, not amazing, not great, but good. If I could pinpoint why I gave three stars, that would weigh heavily on if I continue the series or not. I also have to see potential. The biggest thing for me is feeling invested in the characters' futures, so, if I don't care about them and give 3-stars, I probably won't be reading the next book.

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  16. If I rate the first book in a series anything less than 3 stars, I'm definitely quitting the series. There's clearly something about either the writing or the subject matter that didn't appeal to me, and there's no point in continuing. If I make it to 3 stars, I will consider continuing in hopes that as the story progresses, it will get even better. Caraval is an example of that. The first book was a 3 star read for me and I was on the fence about continuing, but then I heard the second book was from the perspective of my favorite character from book 1 so I continued and ended up loving the series.

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    1. Less than 3-stars has almost never happened to me for a book I finished, so I know I would be out. I like hearing a success story like your experience with Caraval, but then again, it depends on how you veiw 3-stars. Some people see it as the middle, so, meh, but for me, it means good. I would probably continue if I had some motivation, as you did, especially if I wanted to find out the fate of a character I really liked.

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  17. I have definitely been known to give a series a second or third chance, but never if I rated the first book one star! That's crazy! One series that immediately comes to mind is The Red Queen. I liked the first book okay but hated the second. I still gave the third one a try and it was SO BAD! I ended up DNFing it and didn't attempt the last book. I don't rage read often, but I read enough of that one to write a bad review! XD

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    1. I am laughing, because The Red Queen series is one I jumped ship from. I loved the first book, but it was downhill from there for me. I bailed once I didn't like it, though, I feel like the author's Twitter shenanigans had something to do with it too. Rage read! That's fabulous.

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  18. I definitely won't continue with a series in which I hated the first book! Hell, if we're being honest, I have trouble continuing series that I LOVED the first book in 😂 Now, when it comes to authors, I AM more lenient! Sometimes it works out in my favor (for example, Seeker is one of the worst books I have ever had the misfortune of stumbling upon, but Stronger, Faster, and More Beautiful is one of the BEST, go figure), and sometimes not so much. I usually don't give more than two chances though- like you said, unless it's something totally different.

    I LOVE this topic, because i saw something like that too recently and I was so confused! Not only does it seem unfair to the reader, but to the author/other readers, because the one-star isn't really a true reflection of a sequel- I generally expect sequel reviews to be higher because I (wrongly, apparently) assume that the reader enjoyed the first one at least to an extent!

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    1. I wish you could have heard me laughing as I read your Seeker review (right now). I had to see what you were talking about. I give you a lot of credit for giving the author another try. It's harder for me with new-to-me authors. If I have a "relationship" with an author, a good one, I would be more forgiving, but I am a cold woman, and will cut off those new ones that don't make the cut. You bring up such a good point. It isn't fair of someone, who doesn't click with an author or story to keep reading a series. You would like to think that sequels would be something someone really is interested in reading. I will admit, I have quit series 2 - 3 books in, because of where the story went, but that is not the norm for me.

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  19. When I first started book blogging, I felt obligated to read all the books I received from publishers (back when hardcopy ARCs were more of a thing) - or at least attempt to read them and give a rating. Nowadays, if I didn't like the first book, I won't read the later books. Not unless people I trust give me very good reasons to try the second book.

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    1. I understand feeling an obligation. I know my daughter used to feel like that about all the ARCs she got at BEA and whatnot, but I just never got there. I have submitted DNF reviews to publishers without ratings, but I just cannot "push" through for the sake of finishing. I feel like I have to do too much of that in my everyday life, you know? Maybe I could be persuaded to big up subsequent books in a series, but the people pushing the books on my would have to have a pretty air tight case

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  20. I hate to admit it, but I have done this once. I did it with the After series by Anna Todd. I listened to the first book and did not like it. I have it 2 stars...but I felt the need to keep reading the series. There was a cliffhanger that drove me nuts (why it probably got 2 instead of 1 stars)and I felt like if so many people love it, there had to be something redeeming coming. The second book I gave 2.5 stars. Better, but not great. I almost didn't keep reading, but I did because I was slightly addicted and kept hoping for the characters to wise up. Each book got slightly (and I do mean slightly) better for me. I still feel like I wasted a lot of time reading that dang series, but it paid off for me with book 4. That was the series' salvation in my eyes and it got a whopping 3.5 stars. I had a couple of friendly bloggers encouraging me to keep reading. I may have given in and given up if they hadn't. Would I keep reading a series I 1 starred the first book? Probably not. I probably wouldn't do it again with a 2 star unless I had someone I trusted explaining why I HAD to give book 2 chance.
    Anyways. I guess what I'm saying is that people don't always do it for malicious reasons. I know the majority who do keep reading and then bashing are doing it just so they can bash, which is sad.

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    1. I mean, at least you have some sort of motivation with the cliffy and some outside encouragement. I am not sure what I would have done in the same situation. When I first saw this situation in play, I never thought it was because they love to hate books. I just don't automatically think that way, but the more people suggested it, the more I thought it could be true. Honestly, I thought it was that they don't quit books or they were driven to read them because they bought them, though, I have not heard this from many people at all.

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  21. This is such an interesting discussion! I think I might give an author's book another try if the synopsis interests me, even if I didn't quite connect with the first book I've read, but... only if, like, that first book was an average read. If it was a terrible read and I just couldn't stand the writing or anything about it, it would discourage me from reading more by the author, too. As for series.... there are just too many books to read, I wouldn't pick up a second book in a series if I didn't like the first one for sure! :)

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    1. If the book was 3 stars, I would most likely try again, if I heard good things and the book sounded promising, but if I had DNFed or rated lower, I could not see myself doing it. And, sorry, the first book in a series has to sell me on the commitment to several books featuring this world and these characters, and if it doesn't happen, I am out.

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  22. I used to sometimes stick with authors that I used to love but have had less than stellar recent experiences with their books. And I used to read books that got great reviews even though they weren't necessarily my thing hoping I would find a book in the genre I *did* like. Or wondering why I don't like what everyone else is raving about.

    With series, I used to stick with them if there was even one character I connected with hoping the story would improve overall.

    I don't bother anymore though because I have too much to read and I'm not worried about staying current with the latest and greatest.

    I'll give something a second chance but not indefinitely.

    Karen @ For What It's worth

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    1. I seem to have less and less time every day, and I am taking my "me" time seriously. I want to enjoy it, so, like you, I have stopped trying to figure out why people like things I don't, and not wasting time on things that don't work for me.

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  23. Ooo good question. I'm really quick to drop a book (or an author, depending on what's going on) HOWEVER I can be tempted by the hype train if people are like, "YOU'VE GOT TO READ BOOK 2, IT'S SO MUCH BETTER." Sometimes, people are right, and sometimes they're wrong. I think the furthest I've gone in a series is Maas' Throne of Glass series. I read the first three because of all the hype around it even though I didn't really like it. I've finally allowed myself to give it up.

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    1. It's because that darn hype activated my FOMO, but I am getting better controlling that. As for "it gets better", that declaration would have to come from someone, who really knows me and understands me. Wow! You read three books you didn't really like? That's quite the fair shake you gave the series. I do love that series, but I can understand if the writing doesn't work for you or if you have no interest in the characters or the world.

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  24. I've been known to try an author again if the first book didn't work for me, especially if they come highly recommended or I just like the ideas involved and want to keep trying. But if the second book didn't work either I would probably stop at that point? I mean, there's just so many books, right? Why stick with an author or series that isn't clicking?

    I'm kind of that way with urban fantasy. I WANT to like UF but I'd say for every 3 or 4 I try I really get into maybe one. Maybe it's because I'm looking more for the fantasy element than the PNR elements, or maybe it's just author style or whatever, I don't know. But yeah if an author's not clicking for me I won't keep trying forever- I totally get what you're saying.

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    1. A second look seems fair enough, but I would really need some motivation. I am so greedy with my time, and I would be so mad at myself if yet another book by the author didn't work for me. You know, "fool me once...", and all that. What I hear about UF is that a lot of books that call themselves UF are not really UF. Maybe that's a possible explanation for what you have experienced.

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  25. If it was that bad and I dnf'd or gave it one star, I would not give that author another chance. I have way to many books on my TBR list that I just can't afford to waste time.

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    1. You pretty much summed up my feelings, and my actions too, for that matter.

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  26. I definitely would not continue with a series if I gave the first book 1 star. I wouldn't even finish that book! There have been times when I've read other books by an author when I didn't necessarily love one of their other books. If I'm going to try a new author, I usually look at Goodreads to see which of their books got the highest rating and start there.

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    1. I have never really finished a book, that has received less than 3 stars. I DNF like a pro, so the concept of having that many low rated books is beyond my own understanding to start with. Not a bad idea with respect to starting a new author, unless they are a debut author. I love trying debuts, and if I can get an ARC or a library copy, there's no monetary loss. I also know within the first hour of reading if it's for me or not, and therefore, the time loss is not that great.

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  27. I am definitely not a quitter.

    And there are books in a series that often end at cliffhangers and I hate it when that happens because that pushes me to read the other books as well. Both of these reasons made me avoid book series totally! Sigh, my loss!

    Gayathri @ Elgee Writes

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    1. I feel like I sit firmly on team quitter as well. I think I have a love/hate relationship with cliff hangers. I tend to find them sort of intriguing when the series is already all finished and published, but hate them, when I have to wait for a book. I tend to not mind them as much, when the book gives me closure on a smaller in-book ARC, but leaves me hanging for full resolution of the series' overarching storyline.

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  28. I couldn't see continuing a series if I would have given the first book less than three stars. (And, actually, I'm also less apt to continue a three-star book series too because it would be much easier for it to fall off my radar.) I agree---why waste time on books you KNOW you're not going to like?

    Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction

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    1. I feel like the author has a duty to wow me with that first book. I am pretty hesitant to start series, because I feel like they are a pretty big commitment. If I am lukewarm about the first book, I have to have quite a bit of faith that it will get better.

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  29. I have a habit of buying all available books in a series in a onesie rather than reading book one and seeing if I like it... Especially if they're on sale. However, if I HATED book one to the point of a 1-star review, I wouldn't bother reading more. There'd be no point in that. Reading time is too precious.

    If I was invested in the series, say I'd finished up to book 3 of 6 or something and liked them, and book 4 was a 1-star, I'd probably still finish the series regardless because I'm stubborn like that.

    If an authors first book is a 1-star, I'm unlikely to read anything from them ever again.

    PS - I'm almost 100% sure I can guess the author whose books everyone seems to like but you couldn't connect with. I'm pretty sure I fangirl over her books a lot! 🤣

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    1. I cannot bring myself to buy whole series of books without having read them first, though, we have all the VA books, because when my daughter was in high school, she purchased them all on sale. I have read them, she has not.

      I guess I am ruthless, because I have DNFed series on book three. I just couldn't embrace where the author was going, I didn't enjoy the book, and frankly, it made me not care.

      If you are thinking of a romance author whose last name starts with a Z, than you are right. People are allowed to love her books. They just didn't work for me. Or, in her own words, "poop"

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  30. I'd never finish a book that was one-star - it has to be in the three star range for me to finish. I guess some people enjoy a hate read but I agree that it's a waste of time.

    Ooh, interesting on the author. I wonder if I know who it is and that I agree!

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    1. That's what I'm saying. A book that bad would be a DNF for me. Glad I am not alone in this. The author is a romance author, and she writes 500+ page contemporary romances, which is insane on its own, but then when you read it, there's a lit of fat that could be trimmed. That's probably what bothered me the most. I hate having my time wasted.

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  31. If I don't click with an author or a series after the first try, I won't try again. The only exception is if it's a 3 star/ok read, then I might try again, but definitely not with a 1 or 2 star read. I tend to stick to authors that I know I'll like. I'm actually trying to venture out a little more by trying out new to me authors. Great topic Sam :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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    1. That's where the perception of what 3-stars means. It equals good to me, and from there, I would need to weigh other factors, like if I am interested in learning more about the world or the characters or if I care what happens to them. Nothing wrong with sticking with what you know, especially if you have limited reading time or buy your own books, but because of my situation, I will try a lot of new authors, though, I stick closely to my genres

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  32. I feel like if the first book by an author/in a series was bad I wouldn't read more. But if they start off well I might keep going through two or three bad ones in case another good one comes along?

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    1. It's like the author's duty to hook us with that first book, and make us want to come back for more. Series are sort of a commitment, and if I am not feeling the first book, I just couldn't push myself to continue. I don't have enough optimism when it comes to things, and wouldn't be able to hold out hope that things would get better

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  33. I... I struggle to dnf. By the time I know I don't like something I feel like I have invested so much time as I might as well finish. Sometimes if it is a hyped series I stick through just for the lols - like harry potter. But the main reason why I push through would be because I bought the box set and already own all of them... Nowadays I don't buy box sets anymore so eventually it is not going to be a problem and if I don't like the first book I will stop reading. But if I bought in bulk I so finish the series...

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    1. I am tight with my money, so part of me understands sticking with the book, because you paid good money for me. BUT, I am also tight with my time. I think I am at an age, where it feels like time is moving so fast, and I have had to push through so much I didn't enjoy. I can't do that any longer with my entertainment.

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  34. Yeah, I also don't understand people who are like I hate YA but decided to read this book but hated because it's about teens...ummmmm what did you expect???? Or the same thing with romance. It just doesn't make sense to me why people hate read. Sometimes I barely have time to read at all so I choose wisely of books that intrigue me or are genres I enjoy.

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    1. I roll my eyes so hard, when the non-target audience, who admits they don't like YA, then read YA. Hate-read, that's a perfect way to describe it. Time is one of my biggest enemies, and I, like you, want to get the most out of it. I cannot see reading books I am not enjoying. So much truth in your comment.

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  35. Sometimes the first book in a series/trilogy can suffer some from trying to do too much world building/set-up and not be all that it can be. I can see reading on if the first book intrigues you but wasn't great. But if the next book is also not great then no, I'd be done. Same with an author. Sometimes an author I ADORE will have a book that just doesn't do it for me, so I might give a new to me author another try if I didn't love the first book I read by them, but again it's pretty much two strikes and you're out. I don't understand going back again and again. :/

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    1. There would have to be some sort of motivation for me. If it was ok, but I saw promise, I would probably read the second book, but if it was meh and it didn't pique my interest, I would abandon it. I think two strikes is fair. If they cannot impress me with that second book, I couldn't see trying again, UNLESS they do something really different and there is lots of amazing buzz. Even then, I would be leery of it

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  36. I used to be horrible at leaving things unfinished... Whether that was DNFing a single book, or bailing on a series. I finally hit a point where I realized I can't keep doing that. The last series I pushed through was The Southern Reach trilogy. I have so many regrets! I should have left off just reading Annihilation and considering it a standalone lol Life is too short to read books you don't enjoy!

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    1. I guess you could suffer from regrets either way - feeling like you might have missed it getting better or feeling like you wasted your time if you didn't enjoy it. But, I stand firmly with DNFing, and I really don't regret any books or series I have abandoned.

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  37. This is an interesting topic, and one I had to think about, because even though I don't finish series - or books, for that matter - that I truly dislike, I definitely used to push through until the end. I think in most cases I was curious; I needed to know how it would all end, and what would become of the characters. I recall reading this dystopian trilogy I was meh about from the get go - it never got better, in fact it got worse, and yet, I pushed through. Before that, when I was reading in Hungarian only, I would push through/continue because I didn't have enough books to pick from in the genres I liked, e.g. YA Fantasy and Dystopia. So I made do with what was available/translated.

    The author topic I feel a bit different about. It depends on how disappointed I was by their books. If I really-really hated them, I probably won't try again because, let's be honest, there are so many other things I could be reading! But if I was more in the middle, I may give an author multiple chances.

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    1. I feel like if I was curious, the book had to be decent, at least for me. I always say, that if there was something that kept me flipping the pages, the book wasn't that bad. You summed it up in that one statement - there are so many other things we could be reading. Too little time to waste any on books you are not enjoying.

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  38. I'm not much of a series person anymore, but really, if a series lets you down, you really don't need to keep reading it. That's what happened to me with both the Harry Potter books and Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome books. Now, I try to avoid reading books in series for the most part (although I wouldn't mind recurring characters in books like cozy mysteries - if I could find someone who writes like Agathe Christie!)

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    1. I have not been starting any new series, for the most part, unless they are companions. I don't know, maybe it's a combination of let down and the commitment

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  39. I've done this once or twice with series. Usually it's because there was one thing about the series that I cared about, and so I'd read an entire book just for that little element. With authors on the other hand, I tend to be more generous. As long as my issue wasn't with the author's writing style, I'll give their next book a chance if the premise sounds interesting enough. But if I dislike more than one book by the same author, I don't think I'd pick up a third, no matter how great the premise sounded.

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