- Dan Crook
Head of Library and Information Services

I was talking books with a friend the other day; an avid reader, she had been looking for some light reads in new genre for the holidays, and so had sought out the wisdom of the internet. After watching a few BookToks (Tiktok book recommendations) she’d settled on some titles and begun to read. However after investing a good amount of her time and getting half way through the first and most highly recommended book, she asked herself, and then me “Is it OK to not finish this book?” she was feeling guilty, she’d put in a lot of time; she wasn’t enjoying it even though it seemed everyone else loved it, she didn’t like the characters or the writing and it was really slow. So, “Is it OK to Stop?”

The short answer is Yes, of course it is, and that’s OK.

The slightly longer answer is Yes, of course it is, there are a huge number of amazing books, and time is short, so it’s OK. However, before you do, here are some things to consider and questions to ask yourself if you are thinking of stopping your current book.

Am I enjoying this?

Reading is not supposed to feel like homework (unless of course it is a set homework text…), when I’m reading a book that I’m enjoying, I’ll think about it in my spare time, I’ll grab it when I have the opportunity, I want to find out what happens next; in short, I am invested and enjoying the journey.

If that is not the case, it might be time to look elsewhere.

Is this the right time for this Book?

Sometimes it is simply not the right time for a particular book; this could be due to a number of factors. The book might be too long for the amount of time you have; the tone may not be right for what you currently need in your life, a thriller may not be the best choice if you are feeling anxious, for example. Remember, just because you may stop a book now, doesn’t mean it is forever, books are not ephemeral beings that disappear by the coming dawn; when the time is right, you may give it another go.

Does this Author speak to me?

It took me a little over a page to work out that I didn’t like the way Chuck Wendig writes, and that is a shame since he was writing Star Wars books when I encountered him as an author; and I love Star Wars, I want to find more stories, I am invested; but I just couldn’t bear his writing style, his tone, his descriptions; reading every word was painful, I put the book down and moved on. Others have loved his books, and the publishers obviously liked it, so it is subjective, but that doesn’t mean it is wrong.

Did I give it a fair chance?

I didn’t give Twilight a fair chance; I gave it more of a chance than the book above, but not by much, I don’t even think I got to the sparkly vampire bits. Would I have enjoyed it if I kept going, probably not, but who knows? These days, when I try a new book, particularly if I’m treading into the unknown, I try to follow the “Rule of 50”; Librarian Nancy Pearl suggests ‘If you are under 50, read the first 50 pages (About three chapters) and see if you want to continue; If you are over 50, subtract your age from 100 and read that many pages’. Hopefully, this will give you a sense of the characters and where the story is going, at least enough information to make an informed choice.

What am I moving on to?

If you stop reading one book; that doesn’t mean you need to stop reading; as I said at the outset; there are many great books, and not a lot of time. So, as you put one down; find another, each book is an opportunity to discover a new favourite; but if it isn’t working, don’t feel guilty, put it aside, take what you have learned about yourself as a reader from the whole experience and find something new.

Best of Luck on your reading Journey!


Latest Blog

Community Engagement
/
Friday, 09 Feb 2024

The TGS Interact Club - the Reward for Work Well Done

The Interact Club successfully raised over $10,000 last year for charities and services on a local, statewide and international scale through the hard work and commitment of its members. With these funds, the Interact Club has donated Backpack Blankets to Toowoomba's homeless, helped AEIOU's efforts in supporting children with autism, contributed to the "Are You Bogged Mate?" campaign for rural mental health and raised funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. As well as many other individual…

Read More
Character & Wellbeing
/
Thursday, 01 Feb 2024

A Question of Character

In an age bursting with technological innovations and an overwhelming abundance of information, the present era appears to be characterised by a swift and unrelenting pace of change. Our society, young and old alike, finds itself constantly bombarded with provocative and sensationalist narratives. The media floods our consciousness with constant streams of global dilemmas, highlighting the flaws of our leaders, uncovering corporate or political scandals, and bringing conflicts and tragedies…

Read More
Boarding
/
Thursday, 25 Jan 2024

Coping with Homesickness

Homesickness can be brutal for both your son and for parents. As a parent it can feel like your heart is being ripped out in some cases daily. It is extremely hard hearing how sad your boy may sound on the phone, and then you are left reeling for 24 hours until the next call – you are often left worried that they are feeling like this all day. Rest assured only vary rare cases are that bad and in most cases it’s temporary and things usually improve as your son settles in. The reality is that…

Read More
People
/
Friday, 19 Jan 2024

Introducing Gabe Robbie, the new Head of Curriculum

I am excited to be joining the staff here at Toowoomba Grammar School in the role of Head of Curriculum. I grew up in a small coastal town in NSW and attended the University of Sydney to complete my undergraduate degree. Please don’t hold my NSW origin against me (Go Blues!). Teaching, and education, has always been a passion of mine and ever since I was in high school, the plan was to be a teacher. I graduated from the University of Sydney with a double degree in Education and Arts, majoring…

Read More
Old Boys
/
Thursday, 11 Jan 2024

What Old Boys Have Contributed to TGS Over Time

The Old Boys’ Association has played an integral role in the history and tradition of Toowoomba Grammar School. It was formed on December 29, 1888, when 25 Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys met at Long’s Imperial Hotel to create a new society. The Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys’ Association rules were drawn up, and office-bearers elected. The inaugural president was Mr Joesph Vincent Herbert Esq. (TGS 1877-80) From there, the TGSOBA has grown significantly, ensuring that the Blue and Gold…

Read More
Sports & Activities
/
Thursday, 11 Jan 2024

TGS Strength and Conditioning Program

Toowoomba Grammar School has a unique approach to athlete development that focuses on providing students with the skills, tools and mindset required to succeed in sports and life. At TGS, the long-term athlete development (LTAD) philosophy is ingrained in every aspect of the School's approach to sport and fitness. The LTAD philosophy emphasises the importance of age-appropriate training and skill development over a long period of time. This approach recognises that athlete development is a…

Read More
The Arts
/
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023

We Knew Them Before They Were Stars

Our boys at Toowoomba Grammar School are fortunate that Performing Arts is as popular as sport and academics, thanks to our culture of respect and inclusivity. Boys are supported and encouraged to immerse themselves in music, drama and art and are not afraid to chase their dreams in these fields. The success of our performing arts students dates back decades, with our Old Boys performing all around the world in theatre, music, film and photography and are accomplished and well recognised in…

Read More
Boarding
/
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023

Country Roads Take Me Home

Toowoomba Grammar School boarding provides the ideal living environment for our boys while they develop the values that will define their character. Throughout the course of this year, I have been privileged to visit many of the towns and properties that our TGS boarders call home. When walking around those towns wearing a shirt with a TGS crest, it doesn’t take long to meet an Old Boy or to be asked about one of the boarders currently at the School. Our boarding staff pride themselves on…

Read More
Boarding
/
Tuesday, 19 Dec 2023

TGS Corfe House - A Home for Young Boarders

In Toowoomba Grammar School’s Boarding Program, Years 5 to 7 students reside at Corfe House – a nurturing environment providing close pastoral support and guidance to the School’s youngest boarders. The skills, relationships and perspectives that boys develop here set them up for the rest of their boarding and school journey. Toowoomba Grammar School understands the challenges for young students transitioning into boarding. Leading the way in creating a ‘home away from home’ is the Corfe House…

Read More