Booking Through Thursday is a blog that posts a reading-related question every week. You’re supposed to answer the question on your own blog, then go back to the original post and add a comment linking to your response. It seems like a cool way to discover new blogs (and get them to discover you, too), so I’m trying it for the first time with this week’s question.
- Do you cheat and peek ahead at the end of your books? Or do you resolutely read in sequence, as the author intended?
- And, if you don’t peek, do you ever feel tempted?
It’s easier to answer #2 – sure I do!
#1 – Sometimes, but not very often. I don’t have a problem with “spoilers” in principle, and I think peeking at the ending would pretty much be the same thing.
I record most of the TV shows I watch on DVR to watch later, but I’ll read recaps of the episodes online the next morning before viewing – I still get to see how it unfolds, even if I already know what unfolds. (I’m just not allowed to tell my husband anything when I do that, and watching him react to the story as we watch actually adds to my enjoyment, especially when it’s Lost or 24.) So in that case, I definitely read ahead.
I don’t do that nearly as often with books, unless the plot’s getting really twisted and I’m getting overly curious and frustrated. And depending on where I am in the story when I peek, it might actually make me even more interested in seeing how the heck things get to that conclusion – it’s a chance to enjoy the journey more, knowing the destination. Although if it’s not a well-crafted journey, I might just be annoyed when I get to the end for real.
I’ve very rarely skipped to the end and then decided not to read any more. Maybe I should, though…it might get me some closure on some books that have been languishing half-read for awhile.
I’m all about reading ahead! You can read my reasons here. Happy BTT!
I had to peek! I would have ruined my manicure!
I’ll read an advance synopsis of a tv show – I’m a LOST fan too! – but with a book, I’ll often not even read the entire blurb inside the cover once I learn that the subject matter & the time period are to my liking. I want the surprise that comes with following the story through. {I make an exception if I suddenly get the feeling that I’ve read the story before – then I’ll sample a few random paragraphs to see if they feel as familiar as the one I just finished. There are too many books and not enough time to read “reruns”}