MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT, DOES IT SHOW ON YOUR FACE?
You wait with great expectations. Your favorite author’s new book is about to be released. Let’s see, $13.96 through Amazon, wait a week, wait for the mailman each day around 11:30, chew your lip, think it over. Hmmm, maybe download to Kindle.
Instant gratification! Woohoo!!!
Cup of tea and some butter cookies, fireplace crackling, kids taking a nap, hubbie’s off to work so the lounge chair is all yours or:
Mug of coffee (none of that sissy kind), wife’s shopping, kids are out playing, and the throne room is empty, no one around to pound on the door!
TIME TO READ A BOOK!
You’re on page fifty (the house is unusually quiet today) but you still can’t get into the characters, still can’t connect. You already know whodunit and the female and/or male protagonist is a wimp. There’s just not enough suspense to fire up your blood pressure.
BUT ISN’T THIS YOUR FAVE AUTHOR?
Every single aim at the target doesn’t come away with a prize. Your favorite author is no different. Somewhere in his or her repertoire there lurks a story that won’t appeal to everyone. And while it’s a disappointment to you, it might be just what another reader needs to hear. I was reminded of this recently when I whined to a friend about a book I’d just read. She told me ever so sweetly (she’s one of those who says everything with much humility and kindness) that each book has a purpose. Each book has a reason why it was written and for whom. I just wasn’t the target audience this time. And this made me view “my opinion” a bit differently.
So, here I am, anxiously awaiting the “next” book by my fave author and maybe this time, the message will be for me!
Instant gratification! Woohoo!!!
Cup of tea and some butter cookies, fireplace crackling, kids taking a nap, hubbie’s off to work so the lounge chair is all yours or:
Mug of coffee (none of that sissy kind), wife’s shopping, kids are out playing, and the throne room is empty, no one around to pound on the door!
TIME TO READ A BOOK!
You’re on page fifty (the house is unusually quiet today) but you still can’t get into the characters, still can’t connect. You already know whodunit and the female and/or male protagonist is a wimp. There’s just not enough suspense to fire up your blood pressure.
BUT ISN’T THIS YOUR FAVE AUTHOR?
Every single aim at the target doesn’t come away with a prize. Your favorite author is no different. Somewhere in his or her repertoire there lurks a story that won’t appeal to everyone. And while it’s a disappointment to you, it might be just what another reader needs to hear. I was reminded of this recently when I whined to a friend about a book I’d just read. She told me ever so sweetly (she’s one of those who says everything with much humility and kindness) that each book has a purpose. Each book has a reason why it was written and for whom. I just wasn’t the target audience this time. And this made me view “my opinion” a bit differently.
So, here I am, anxiously awaiting the “next” book by my fave author and maybe this time, the message will be for me!
Woohoo!
What has your experience been?
What has your experience been?
I've certainly had this happen to me a few times. But it hasn't stopped me from grabbing the next one he/she comes out with. You're right - we need to keep in mind that it's "not all about me" every time. Books I don't love or can't relate to will likely touch many other people in a huge way. Great post.
ReplyDeleteFabulous post, Linda. And yeah - I've had that happen to. Gotta watch that "opinion," don't we?
ReplyDeleteROFLOL....that has happened to all of us at one time or another. Even Stephen King has let me down a few times :-)
ReplyDeleteYup. Been there! Fun post, Linda. Let us know when you read the next "Best Seller!"
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting point. Well done!
ReplyDeleteOh, yes, I love the thought that each book has a purpose. It's something the Lord has been showing me lately. Though something might not appeal to me, it will be exactly what another needs. I love how the body of Christ comes together like that--we need the different genres and styles.
ReplyDelete-Mel
Oh, so true. You're friend said that well...but I still wished I liked the book. ;)
ReplyDeleteOh yes that has happened to me--and it is really a let down when it does. We expect a certain level or kind of work but I usually try them again.
ReplyDeleteThat is so true. I just read a past fave author and I don't think I'll read her again because several of her books have let me down now. *sigh* I guess she's no longer for me. It is a disappointment but the nice thing is that there's another fave waiting to be discovered.
ReplyDelete