Skip to main content

Labouring Away

phone sitting beside book with glasses on top all resting on wooden table

On this Labour Day, I've been wondering if and when reading begins to feel like work. For the most part, reading is a very enjoyable activity for me, which is why I engage in it as often as I can. There are times, however, when I've noticed that reading can be a bit of a slog. Though I try not to dwell on it, this has been a helpful signal to me to be better about not completing books that fall into this category.

I don't have an extensive list, but here are a few things that can make reading a book begin to feel laboursome:
  • Too many typos. I feel like this is universal amongst all readers, so I'll leave it at that.
  • Too many complications. When so many characters get introduced or the plot lines are quite convoluted, this can make reading less pleasurable.
  • A lot of pop culture references. A few well-placed ones that enhance the story or make it relatable to the audience is fine; however, when I'm reading a book and it starts to feel like a tabloid magazine where I don't know most of the people who are named, it doesn't make the book as fun to read anymore.
  • Toeing the line too much. This might be less work-related and more stress-related, but there are times when I'm reading scenes that make me squirm on behalf of the characters. This is different from when books have grittier content and show the reality or consequences of sin versus books that seem to romanticize or glamourize actual cringiness or where it seems like the author is trying to get as close to the edge as possible.
  • Superfluous writing. This is straightforward and probably something I struggle in personally doing. I have to remind myself that only the Apostle Paul can get away with run-on sentences 😅
  • Bad formatting for digital files. I will say that this is likely the number one reason why it can take me forever to get through an ARC, especially if it's a PDF that requires zooming in on every single page when using a device, or a digital file where the the text is laid out in such a way that it can impede the flow of reading. Talk about a lot of work just to read!
  • Questionable claims without references. This more so applies to non-fiction books, but I do encounter a number of books that make declarative statements without citing other sources. After a while, the book can either veer toward ranting or being overly authoritative in what readers should think/say/do based on the author's opinions.
  • Making assumptions. When I feel like I have to work extra hard to fill in all the blanks, it makes me more prone to give up. If an author is assuming I know something and I don't, I just end up feeling lost.
I'm sure there are many more I could add to the list, but I'll keep it reasonably short. Thankfully, I don't encounter these obstacles too often, which means that reading is still largely leisurely for me. And when that's not the case, I'm feeling more empowered to walk away and find other books that are less work in reading 😀
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Review: A Heart to Treasure - Searching Hearts #1

There can be a genteelness to Regency books that allows for reflection while reading about the hardships that people faced during this time in history. A Heart to Treasure by Dienece Darling probes both the heart and the mind, allowing readers to be immersed in an era where trust in God is required when circumstances appear bleak. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis The vicar’s son and the draper’s daughter have fought against all odds to be together, but a storm is coming. One that will shatter everything. Life hasn’t been easy for Obadiah Howard, especially after that misstep at Oxford which nearly obliterated his chances of joining the church. Added to that, he fell in love with the draper’s daughter. But a miracle revived his dreams of having a curacy and his strict father allowed his betrothal to Miss Hill. Only, what if there was no miracle? What if all of Obadiah’s br...
Post a Comment
Read more

Review: The Road Unveiled - Bicycle Adventures #2

If you've had the opportunity to read The Persistent Road by  Tim Bishop , The Road Unveiled is the second book in the Bicycle Adventures series where you can follow along for an up-close look at trekking across America with nothing but the wind and the open road. It's a book that will keep you guessing until the end as you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of American national parks. Many thanks to the author for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. Content to be aware of : violence, assault, kidnapping Book Synopsis Two wounded hearts. Long, winding roads. And second chances neither saw coming. Lauren Baumgartner pedals toward Yellowstone National Park, anticipating a grand celebration when she reaches the Atlantic Ocean. But when her wedding plans collapse, old wounds resurface—and a haunting secret still holds her heart hostage. Traveling alone with bear spray and a one-woman tent, she shares the highway with...
3 comments
Read more

Review: The Biblio Diet

Over the years, I've had the joy of reading many books on health and nutrition, partly a product of some studies I've done on it and also due to personal interest. As a result, I'm always intrigued when there is a Christian perspective on this subject. I'm grateful that I learnt about The Biblio Diet by Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe after having previously read Eat Dirt by Dr. Josh Axe. Many thanks to Worthy Books for providing a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own. Book Synopsis In this breakthrough book, New York Times bestselling authors and nutrition experts Jordan Rubin and Dr. Josh Axe offer a simple and holistic plan for building strength, health, and longevity. Based on the ancient wisdom of the Bible and confirmed by modern science, The Biblio Diet’s intuitive and easy-to-follow plan invites you to experience a breakthrough in the health of your entire family by learning to eat and live God’s way. In this book, you’ll receive powerful in...
Post a Comment
Read more