READ OR DROP?
Ever wonder how much of a book to read before it's quitting time? How much of a book should you read to "give it justice" before giving it up? Have you ever continued reading because a book was supposed to be "amazing", but found it never really got "amazing" for you? Never fear, that's what this page is for! I've written out a cheat sheet for how far you need to venture into each of these books to give their stories justice. I mark the place where I personally got "hooked" on the story. I also make note of a location in the book-- a location where if you are not intrigued or eager to continue on, you should probably drop the book and save yourself the time. I hope this is a valuable resource!
The Woman in the Window
HOOKED: Chapter 4
(32 pages)
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If you're not hooked by Chapter 10, chances are this book isn't for you. The character development up until this point is crucial in establishing the narrator before the event occurs which will trigger the page-turning, gripping mystery thriller you're craving. Hang in there!
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This is the beginning of the true plot of the book- prepare for loads of twists and turns and unexpected surprises that will leave you breathless!
Before We Were Yours
HOOKED: Chapter 5 (51 pages)
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If you're not hooked by Chapter 6 (definitely read through chapter 6 before you quit) you may not like this book.
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This chapter marks the beginning of the end for the Foss children- this is where the real story begins! It's gripping, horrifying, awe-inspiring and mystefying all in one. If you can make it this far, you'll be overwhelmed with how suspenseful, gut-wrenching, mesmerizing and eye-opening the story truly is.
Little Fires Everywhere
HOOKED: Chapter 4
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If you aren't intrigued by the characters and this town by the end of Chapter 4, you may not like this book. The plot does thicken but this is a gradual process-- you'll need to be patient.
This story is more one of character development and introspection, not a page turner in the suspenseful sense. If you hang on, you'll see real people in your life reflected in the characters on the pages, and a story of resilience and truth and love and strength.
All the Light We Cannot See
HOOKED: Chapter titled "Bigger Faster Brighter" (64 pages)
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If you're not hooked and entranced by the prose and the characters at this point, you're allowed to DROP!
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If you've made it this far and you're engaged, the story is only going to venture deeper and deeper, forcing you to question your understandings of simple premises, and envision your life in the circumstances presented. This is a tale of bravery like no other, and it truly begins after this point.
Magpie Murders
HOOKED: Chapter 5 (of the manuscript in the book)
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If you feel swamped by the number of characters and clueless about what's going on, feel free to DROP! at this point
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If you're captivated/intrigued and trudge on, though, this book within a book is quite a page turner, with shocking twists which are nearly impossible to predict! Every detail in the manuscript is important, so read it as if you were Sherlock Holmes yourself, and you'll certainly feel like him by the end!
A Gentleman in Moscow
HOOKED: Chapter 1
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If you aren't enchanted by the count, and mesmerized by the author's use of language, by the end of Chapter 1, you may as well drop the book then
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This book is fascinating on so many levels, the language continues to heal the soul, and the Count is such a multilayered character that evolves in his circumstances before the reader's eyes, through his companionship with a 9 year old, his fellow waiters, and the world that shares the hotel with him for periods of time. Absolutely breathtaking read, definitely worth your time.
Gone Girl
HOOKED: Part 2
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If you feel disgusted at both characters, or feel annoyed at a lack of development of outside characters, definitely drop this book.
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Read on only if you're the kind of person that has to get to the end of the mystery. The book gets a little better by the end of part 1, but personally I wish I had dropped it much sooner. Some enjoy the psychodrama of two characters who are equally despicable in character and morality, some care more about the mystery, the "what's going to happen" aspect. If that's you, carry on! If not, feel free to drop this one after a few chapters. Not worth the read.
The Woman in Cabin 10
HOOKED: Chapter 1
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An absolutely thrilling read that you won't want to put down. The first chapter/prologue grips you so much that you know you're in for the ride of your life. Beautifully written, unbelievable twists and turns that are guaranteed to keep you on your toes. A must read for anyone that loves psychological thrillers!
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There are some classic elements -- making the witness an unreliable drunk/mentally unstable -- and that element feels dragged out. But once the story on the Aurora begins, you're in for a magical experience!
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The Hate U Give
HOOKED: Chapter 4
(32 pages)
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If you're not hooked by the end of chapter 1, that doesn't mean you won't be invested as the story progresses. This is a very timely novel written at a time where the story within is a real time reality outside. It is important not just for young adults to read the novel, but for people of all ages and all interests to read and appreciate the reality of police brutality against black teens in particular. Refreshingly accurate dialogue, a well contrived and paced story and an incredible message. A must read for our time.
The Great Alone
HOOKED: Chapter 8 (113 pages)
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This book takes some time to warm up to, figuratively and literally, as its set in the frigid setting of Alaska. The book is written well but the story lacks pacing. If you get frustrated easily or need a clear driving force/urgency in a novel, this is not the book for you.
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For anyone who is able to delve deep enough to get to the time jump when Leni is now 17, you will be rewarded for your patience. The story picks up, the reality of some tough situations are revealed and the characters evolve drastically. The story is one you think about for a few days after you're done.
Something in the Water
HOOKED: Chapter 1 (5 pages)
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If I'm being honest, I listened to this on Audible from the beginning and was hooked from the first sentence. What an opening.
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It didn't ever get dull. It was a thrill from start to finish.
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But if you're not intrigued enough to continue after the first chapter, then this is probably not for you.
The Wife Between Us
HOOKED: Chapter 2
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I mean this book was spellbinding. Absolutely enthralling and magnificent. Julia Whelan does fantastic with the narration and that really got me hooked right in the first chapter, but plot wise by chapter 3 I was sold.
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This is one of those books that you want to start over half way through, just to see if you would have noticed the big reveal at the midway point, but you stop yourself because you have to find out what happens. It's like the first time you watched the Sixth Sense. It's that good.