Reading 2024 - a stumbling start

Nothing kills the enthusiasm for reading than ploughing, dragging, coaxing your way through a book you aren’t enjoying. Each page is hard work. I should know, I’ve encountered two this month. My fresh start to a New Year has been totally marred by two one-star reads! I’m not one for naming names but I can’t even bring myself to record them as completed reading on my Goodreads account. Seriously, what a dire start to my reading year! 
 
Many readers will ask ‘why did you plod on rather than ditching each book at page 100?’ to which my answer always is – I wanted to. I wanted to reach the end of each story and attempt to figure out what I wasn’t enjoying, didn’t like or simply what the attraction might have been for other readers, who clearly enjoyed them. Both books have a plethora of five-star reviews. Sadly, neither were for me. I’ve previously read and enjoyed other books by both authors, to which I’ve given five stars reviews. Was it the topics, the characters, the point of view or the delivery of the story? The truth is - a combination of each. 
 
Experience has taught me that some books switch pace and interest after page 100, and I can name several books where I’d have ‘missed out’ had I shelved them early on. Sadly, not these two. Though it wouldn't do for us all to like the same titles. 

I was delighted to reach the final page of each – which isn’t why I read. I’ve spent a life-time reading for pleasure, to relax, for escapism, for entertainment and education. Thankfully, my third reading book of the year is a cracker and yes, I’m in awe of the author’s talent.

---