I love this. It's such a thoughtful way to read, and it's also respectful to the authors, trusting them to make the artistic choices that make sense to them even if they don't work for us. A classic one for me is that sometimes (though definitely not always!), when I'm finding myself bored, I realise that the author is trying to get me into the character's head and show me how monotonous their life is. (Madame Bovary is, from what I remember, a great example of this!)
What about when you encounter grammatical errors, plot inconsistencies, factual mistakes, or sloppy writing? I’ve found these things even in highly regarded, prizewinning books and even though I’ve still enjoyed the books, I’ve been disappointed.
Well those wouldn’t be artistic choices so this question wouldn’t apply and I would probably be disappointed too. I think some factual errors are okay for fiction—it is fiction!—but major ones would bother me.
I don't blame the author for these errors or choices. It really comes down to editing. I'm a newspaper editor (soon to be replaced by AI, I'm sure), and I see a lot of rough writing. It's my job to make it readable. I recently read David Nicholls "We Are Here," and I thought it was a terrific description of what copyeditors do.
I felt the same way about Bear. And that was frustrating because Sam was so narrowly focused and self-absorbed, but I think you’re totally right about why the author did this - I don’t think the book could have worked otherwise.
I really appreciate this perspective because it helps me articulate an aspect of my reading life that I feel passionate about. I love reading deeply reflective works that push me in some way ... so it's not uncommon for me to read something I don't really LIKE but I keep reading because there's something about it that seems to have gotten a hold of me. I think you are totally right, when there is purpose to the writing/theme/scene/character you ultimately feel that the experience is worthwhile.
This is such a thoughtful way to not only examine books but to examine your own views! I think there’s nothing wrong with leaning into books/genres/tropes that make us comfortable and avoiding those we hate, but de-centering and challenging ourselves when we come across something unexpected makes us more empathetic readers, too. And I think immediately asking ourselves why we have certain reactions or assumptions is a pretty good way to life our lives outside of reading as well!
Everything you’ve mentioned is fine or can even be great in the right hands but if you detect a pattern in a certain trope or approach detracting from the experience I can see why you’d start to avoid it. It’s a rare book that shines new light on the tired “professor/student relationship”. I have come to dread their deadening effect on portrayals of education - one example is in Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow. I think it’s worth overcoming these “no go zones” for good books but they’re often symptoms of the kind of writer who just isn’t for me.
Of course. As I said here, it’s also totally fine to avoid certain tropes and styles full swath! That’s just generally not how I like to handle my reading! Personally, I think there have been recent books that have added to that particular conversation—MY LAST INNOCENT YEAR and WE DO WHAT WE DO IN THE DARK come to mind—though I agree it was purposeless in Tomorrow x3. Also for what it’s worth the older man in question in PRACTICE was not a professor.
Good to know! I would have said I was similar to you in being open-minded but actually I think I’ve developed these patterns without even thinking about it, so I’ll try to challenge that. I mean, look at how I just went straight to professor/student in my assumptions. We can’t allow our reading to become all cosy all the time.
I feel embarrassed to admit this, but I stopped reading "Demon Copperhead" because I couldn't stand all the swear words. Yes, I know it's a bestseller and instant classic! I just couldn't get past it.
I’m so glad I found this in the midst of trying to learn how to better “read like a writer.” I am also someone who has avoided certain subjects in the past due to my personal history with them, but am actively trying to let that go.
Gratuitous drugs is a non-starter for me, and "sloppy writing" (like setting a world-renowned medical facility in Rochester NY instead of Rochester MN, or having characters take red-eye flights from the east coast to the west coast) irritates me more than it probably should (surely someone in the editing process could catch that stuff?!) BUT I will give an author all the leeway in the world for most everything else. I love when the prose itself challenges me to pause and re-think ... books that make me change my mind are books I end up loving.
Sara, this is so helpful! I'm reading a book right now that I'm thoroughly enjoying except for one plot point that feels confusing and random but now reframing it with this question is giving me a new perspective.
I love this. It's such a thoughtful way to read, and it's also respectful to the authors, trusting them to make the artistic choices that make sense to them even if they don't work for us. A classic one for me is that sometimes (though definitely not always!), when I'm finding myself bored, I realise that the author is trying to get me into the character's head and show me how monotonous their life is. (Madame Bovary is, from what I remember, a great example of this!)
I'm reading Madame Bovary for the first time and yes, I completely agree!
Yes! So true. I definitely remember that about MADAME BOVARY but I hadn’t made this connection. Brilliant!
I felt this way about A Gentleman in Moscow! Still not completely sure how I feel about this book as a whole because of it.
Agree.
What about when you encounter grammatical errors, plot inconsistencies, factual mistakes, or sloppy writing? I’ve found these things even in highly regarded, prizewinning books and even though I’ve still enjoyed the books, I’ve been disappointed.
Well those wouldn’t be artistic choices so this question wouldn’t apply and I would probably be disappointed too. I think some factual errors are okay for fiction—it is fiction!—but major ones would bother me.
I don't blame the author for these errors or choices. It really comes down to editing. I'm a newspaper editor (soon to be replaced by AI, I'm sure), and I see a lot of rough writing. It's my job to make it readable. I recently read David Nicholls "We Are Here," and I thought it was a terrific description of what copyeditors do.
I felt the same way about Bear. And that was frustrating because Sam was so narrowly focused and self-absorbed, but I think you’re totally right about why the author did this - I don’t think the book could have worked otherwise.
Yes I felt exactly the same!
I really appreciate this perspective because it helps me articulate an aspect of my reading life that I feel passionate about. I love reading deeply reflective works that push me in some way ... so it's not uncommon for me to read something I don't really LIKE but I keep reading because there's something about it that seems to have gotten a hold of me. I think you are totally right, when there is purpose to the writing/theme/scene/character you ultimately feel that the experience is worthwhile.
This is such a thoughtful way to not only examine books but to examine your own views! I think there’s nothing wrong with leaning into books/genres/tropes that make us comfortable and avoiding those we hate, but de-centering and challenging ourselves when we come across something unexpected makes us more empathetic readers, too. And I think immediately asking ourselves why we have certain reactions or assumptions is a pretty good way to life our lives outside of reading as well!
Everything you’ve mentioned is fine or can even be great in the right hands but if you detect a pattern in a certain trope or approach detracting from the experience I can see why you’d start to avoid it. It’s a rare book that shines new light on the tired “professor/student relationship”. I have come to dread their deadening effect on portrayals of education - one example is in Tomorrow & Tomorrow & Tomorrow. I think it’s worth overcoming these “no go zones” for good books but they’re often symptoms of the kind of writer who just isn’t for me.
Of course. As I said here, it’s also totally fine to avoid certain tropes and styles full swath! That’s just generally not how I like to handle my reading! Personally, I think there have been recent books that have added to that particular conversation—MY LAST INNOCENT YEAR and WE DO WHAT WE DO IN THE DARK come to mind—though I agree it was purposeless in Tomorrow x3. Also for what it’s worth the older man in question in PRACTICE was not a professor.
Good to know! I would have said I was similar to you in being open-minded but actually I think I’ve developed these patterns without even thinking about it, so I’ll try to challenge that. I mean, look at how I just went straight to professor/student in my assumptions. We can’t allow our reading to become all cosy all the time.
I think that’s okay though! And sometimes it depends on the season of life. I definitely avoided student-teacher tropes when I was teaching.
I feel embarrassed to admit this, but I stopped reading "Demon Copperhead" because I couldn't stand all the swear words. Yes, I know it's a bestseller and instant classic! I just couldn't get past it.
I’m so glad I found this in the midst of trying to learn how to better “read like a writer.” I am also someone who has avoided certain subjects in the past due to my personal history with them, but am actively trying to let that go.
Gratuitous drugs is a non-starter for me, and "sloppy writing" (like setting a world-renowned medical facility in Rochester NY instead of Rochester MN, or having characters take red-eye flights from the east coast to the west coast) irritates me more than it probably should (surely someone in the editing process could catch that stuff?!) BUT I will give an author all the leeway in the world for most everything else. I love when the prose itself challenges me to pause and re-think ... books that make me change my mind are books I end up loving.
Love this reflection!! Will definitely utilize this posture/question in future reading.
Sara, this is so helpful! I'm reading a book right now that I'm thoroughly enjoying except for one plot point that feels confusing and random but now reframing it with this question is giving me a new perspective.