Comments on: What Are Your Reading Quirks?

By: Naomi Rawlings

Naomi Rawlings — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:22:38 +0000

Well, I read the first paragraph to see if it gets me. Then, (hopefully) I'll keep reading. I'm a sucker for a good beginning. BUT, at some point in my reading, I normally skip ahead and read the end, then go back and read the middle.

Weird, I know. But as the tension starts to ratchet up, I get too impatient. I HAVE to know that the book ends well, and I HAVE to know it now!

Interestingly enough, I tend to plot my books the same way. Think of a really dramatic beginning, then come up with a breath-taking end that includes a riveting twist and powerful character moment, then I figure out the middle (you know, how to get from the dramatic opening to the breath-taking end.

And wow, I just rambled way too long about my reading quirks. Can anyone say "writer nerd?"

By: Rosslyn Elliott

Rosslyn Elliott — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 21:13:14 +0000

I open the book to the middle to sample the writing style. This is a writer quirk! I know that the first chapters get so much attention from editorial that they may be very different from the rest of the novel. So I have to open it at random to get a good peek. 🙂

By: Dona Watson

Dona Watson — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:53:07 +0000

I thought I added a comment, but I see the somehow it didn't post. I read *everything*, cover to cover, appendix, index, glossary, usually at least part of the copyright page. I tend to read quite fast so when I read a really exciting part, my tendency is to want to read even faster, but part of me still wants to read every word. So I put my hand in the way to slow myself down and so I don't spoil the story without reading all the good parts.

As for bookmarks, I always have several books laying around and have been known to use another book as a bookmark. Normally, though, I use one of my business cards. Someday I'd like to see my name on the cover, but this is close. :)

By: Lindsay Harrel

Lindsay Harrel — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:38:35 +0000

Fun post, Joanne!

I don't use bookmarks. I dog-ear the pages. Awful, I know. Especially when it's a library book. *Oops* I do try to straighten the fold back out when I move on, though...

Don't know why I don't just buy a bookmark.

By: carla stewart

carla stewart — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:11:13 +0000

Love all these quirks. I'm getting better at putting a book down if it doesn't grab me instead of slogging through it. I, too, read all the credits, and even though I've never studied publishers imprints in the bookstore, I've noticed that my tastes do run with certain ones.

My quirk? I calculate all the time how much I've read and what percent is left. p. 75 of a 300 page book is 25% of the way through. 75% left. Compulsive counting is a family trait - my son does it too and he doesn't use a bookmark at all - he just remembers what page he's on.

Fun topic!

By: Joanne Bischof

Joanne Bischof — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:00:04 +0000

You ladies crack me up! I'm loving learning what your quirks are. I'm one of those who can't read the ending until the end. Probably the strangest thing I've used as a book mark is a Walmart receipt. Not nearly as hillarious as a knee high! =)

By: Nettie

Nettie — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:42:11 +0000

My strangest bookmark has probably been a kleenex (I won't confess if it has been slighly used but probably not as I always have one in my hand it seems). I have been known to read the ending first IF the book is stressing me out and I'm not sure I can hang on until the end. I love to read the author bios and reviews and usually start with those. Lastly a book better grab me within the first few pages or it goes on the pile to return to the library!

By: Cathy

Cathy — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:10:57 +0000

When I start a new book I have a few quirky things I have to do before I start.

I first have to study the cover and read and re-read the back cover. Then read all the reviews about the book on the first few pages. Then check out the table of contents to see how many chapters. Then I check how many pages are in the book and find the half way point.(I know weird):) Then I usually read the authors notes at the back of the book. Then I start reading!

I love to savor every word, so I'm not the fastest reader. I love authors like Liz Curtis Higgs...so many great words to savor in her books! And I never read the end, that would ruin the story!

By: Jessica R. Patch

Jessica R. Patch — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:27:26 +0000

I never read the ending first and I'll give an author about 100 pages (unless it's utter dreck) to pull me in.

I've used a knee-high as a book mark. If the book is really good and funny, I'll talk aloud to the characters. "You're so crazy! I can't believe you told him that!" Things like that. LOL

By: Miriam Forster

Miriam Forster — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:51:37 +0000

Sometimes if I'm convinced I know the twist, I'll read ahead to see if I'm right. Or if a book is too tense or sad, I'll skip to the end to make sure the payoff is worth it.

And sometimes I find myself skimming long passages of description. Maybe this year I should force myself to slow down! :)