- 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
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…
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…
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…
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…
TGS Mates Program - Character Building Education
Current research into character education has shown that educators should not be focusing solely on preparing students for their Year 12 final exams but should be supporting them to become humans who exhibit good character and virtues to contribute to creating a healthier society (The Jubilee Centre, 2022). The Jubilee Centre, which is attached to the University of Birmingham in the UK, maintains that good character is the foundation for improved attainment, better behaviour, increased…
Our TGS Old Boys' Wall of Achievement
The next time you visit the School grounds, pause for a moment at the Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Wall of Achievement. This concept was the initiative of the then Deputy Headmaster, Mr Roger Buttenshaw, and was supported by the Board of Trustees, Headmasters Mr Hugh Rose and Mr Peter Hauser, and the TGSOBA - Toowoomba Grammar School Old Boys' Association. The opening of the Wall of Achievement took place in 2003. Thousands of TGS Old Boys have gone on to lead productive and valuable…
A Musical Reflection
As Director of Performing Arts, there is perhaps no bigger undertaking than a School musical. It requires an enormous effort from a huge team of teachers and students, and to get all these moving parts heading in the same direction is certainly no mean feat. The 2023 co-production of Footloose was my first time involved in a Toowoomba Grammar School and Fairholme College musical, and I found it to be a very rewarding, though exhausting, experience. The process began in Term 3, 2022, as my…
TGS Success in GPS Sport
In 2023, Toowoomba Grammar School witnessed a remarkable resurgence in several of our sports programs, marking a year of triumph and growth. Although an elusive GPS premiership did not fall our way, a number of our 1st teams competed to the final whistle in Round 9 of their respective competitions, vying for their premierships. The achievements of our boys on the field and court were nothing short of exceptional, reflecting the commitment, dedication and character development that participation…
An Exceptional Learning Experience
As a member of the Junior School Leadership Team at Toowoomba Grammar School, my role involves ensuring that the Junior School’s Teaching and Learning programs are designed, implemented and managed effectively. This role is grounded in the vision, mission, and values of TGS and is crucial in supporting the Head of Junior School and the Director of Studies in providing an exceptional learning experience for our boys. At TGS Junior School, we prioritise the use of explicit teaching to ensure that…
