Books that disappoint

​Speaking of New Year – well, I did in my last blog (see below) – I looked back to see what I resolved a year and a bit ago. I see it included –
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I’m looking forward to [the reading] the coming year will bring my way, and anticipating discovering enough literary gems to provide frequent highlights.. 
Resolution 2 – in the case of books that disappoint, make an early decision to abandon them, rather than keep reading in the hope they’ll improve. 
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    Did I keep to my resolution and do that? Yes, I did.
      In 2018 I read 75 books. These covered fiction and non-fiction, in a variety of genres – contemporary and historical novels, thrillers, humour, collections of short stories, fantasy, even a paranormal or two.
    In addition, I started another 14 that I put aside when, after giving them more than a fair chance. 
    Years of experience reading and assessing  books and manuscripts, told me they were unlikely to improve. Whereas in the past I’ve always felt obliged to carry on to the end, I now know there’s little likelihood I’ll be rewarded for it, so I put them aside. With some regret that they didn’t deliver, but I figure that with so many books available to be read, there’s no point in wasting time persevering with those don’t shape up.
    On my kindle I have a virtual shelf where I’ve placed these titles. One day, with a few clicks, I’ll remove the lot. At least I’ll be glad that in the case of my copies, no paper was involved.

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