The Art of Unfinished Reading and Viewing: When Books and Movies Fail to Capture Our Imagination

Have you ever encountered a book or movie that was so bad you couldn't finish it? It happens to many of us. We've compiled a list of books and movies that, despite tempting us, we never managed to complete due to their quality or our personal preferences. Understanding why we abandon certain readings or viewings can offer valuable insights into our tastes and preferences.

Unfinished Books - A Closer Look

Books often lead the way when it comes to abandonments. Here are a few notable examples:

The Entity by Frank de Felitta

One of the most notable books in my collection lies unfinished on my bookshelf - The Entity by Frank de Felitta. Despite starting it, the book just didn't capture my interest. This and other books often fail because of their lack of engaging plot or characters that resonate with the reader.

Classical Literature and Personal Preferences

Another example is the Canterbury Tales. While I have a soft spot for works by Shakespeare, the same isn't true for the classic literature that doesn't spark my imagination. This is a common issue: readers have varied taste, and when a book fails to meet one's expectations, it might not be completed.

The Stephanie Plum Series by Janet Evanovich

I tried to finish one of the later books in the Stephanie Plum series but it became too predictable and formulaic. The first few books were enjoyable, but as the series progressed, it lost its charm for me. This shows that even beloved series can become stale or predictable over time, leading to abandonments.

The Tommyknockers by Stephen King

One Stephen King book that I couldn't finish is The Tommyknockers. While I adore many of King's works, this particular book just didn't hold my interest. It is a reminder that even the giants of storytelling can produce works that don't resonate with certain readers. This highlights the importance of matching an author's work to a reader's personal taste.

Unfinished Movies - A Diversion With a Heart

Movies are another area where abandonments are more common. Here are some films that we never managed to finish:

Death Wish 5

We've seen how Death Wish 5 is a more frequent instance of viewing abandonments. I managed to finish the first three installments but couldn't get through the fifth. I often find better shows or movies when I'm already halfway through one, leading to early exits or better viewing decisions.

Stalker (1979)

Stalker, an old Soviet-era Russian science fiction film, is another example. While it is considered a masterpiece by many, it's just too heavy and laggy for my tastes. Abandonments in movies can be worse due to the time invested, but sometimes, the right film can revive interest and prevent the abandonment.

31 (2000)

In the context of Rob Zombie's filmography, 31 wasn't something that captured my interest. It is important to note that even respected directors like Rob Zombie occasionally miss the mark. This underscores the importance of a film aligning with a viewer's tastes and current mood.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

It's perhaps ironic that despite my love for the entire series, I have never seen the entirety of Stanley Kubrick's monumental 2001: A Space Odyssey in one sitting. While I have seen the entire film in segments over time, the challenge of sitting through it in one sitting has proven too daunting. This highlights how challenging it can be to invest the time and focus required to fully appreciate certain works.

Challenging Myths and Reflections

One of the books that I couldn't finish despite trying is The Seven Per-Cent Solution: A Story of Sigmund Freud, Sherlock Holmes, and Patient One. I read the first page, and the title alone didn't resonate with me. Sometimes, the choice to abandon a book is simple and immediate, rather than a long process of disinterest building up.

Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow by Peter H?eg

The most significant book I couldn't finish is Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow. I am Swedish, and being brought up in snow and ice, it was difficult for me to grasp the main character's romanticized views on snow. The cultural disconnect made it challenging to connect with the narrative, which is a valuable lesson in how cultural context can influence our enjoyment of literature.

A Misconception Regarding Snow in Greenland

Additionally, it's a misconception that the Inuit people in Greenland have a hundred words for snow. Linguistic diversity is vast, and naming conventions for snow vary tremendously across cultures. This example highlights the importance of cross-cultural understanding and the potential pitfalls of making generalizations based on stereotypes.

Conclusion: The Journey of Selection and Appreciation

Abandoning books or movies is not about failing as a reader or viewer. It is part of the journey, helping us refine our tastes and preferences. Every book and movie has its own unique charm, but it's crucial to recognize when they aren't speaking to us. This understanding allows us to make more thoughtful and satisfying selections in the future.