In fact, when I was checking out all my books all I could think was "Dang it, what have I gotten myself into? THESE ARE SOME REALLY THICK BOOKS." I then proceeded to find a nice and non-intimidating contemporary novel that had less than 300 pages. You know, just to even everything out. :P
So this brings me to the topic of this post.
Does size matter?
When you're at the bookstore, or at the library, or even just picking the next book to read of your shelf, does the size of the book matter to you?
I know that normally when people think of big daunting books they think of classics. Books like:
or
But long and somewhat intimidating novels can also be found in the YA genre. Some examples are:
or
All three of these books are really quite hefty for YA clocking in at 550, 578, and 870 pages (according to Goodreads). That's no light reading!
Personally, when I see a really huge book on the shelf, I do get intimidated. I know I can finish it, but I also know that it will take me more time and effort to read than the average novel. Furthermore, I don't know whether or not my investment in the novel will actually pay off in the end. What if I hate it? What if it's just so so? Then all the time I spent will not have even been worth it! And what about my yearly book goal progress? It's gonna take me nearly twice as long to finish a long novel as compared to a shorter novel. If I read this book, I'll fall behind on my goal! And yes, these are actual thoughts that run through my brain when picking out the books I want to read. Embarrassing I know. :P
So for me the answer is yes, size does matter. Of course this doesn't mean I blacklist all of the imposingly thick novels I run across. I do read big books, I just have to spread them out because if I don't and read too many in a row I tend to get burnt out.
That being said I do have a book confession to make: I CAN BE DISCRIMINATORY AGAINST BIG BOOKS. *sigh* I feel so guilty! There have definitely been a few books that I decided not to read partly because of their long length. What books were these? Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, and Going Bovine by Libba Bray immediately come to mind. Sorry Jennifer Donnelly and Libba Bray! Maybe I'll get around to reading them eventually.... :P
So how about you guys? Do you tend to avoid reading bigger books? Why or why not? Do you find yourself constantly reaching for the thinner looking novel on your shelf simply because it's less intimidating and will help you reach your reading goals faster? Have you ever consciously avoided reading a book simply because of its length? I'm so curious to hear your responses! I hope I am not alone in my big book intimidation. >.<
Now I'm off to go read The Diviners by Libba Bray. It's a biggie guys, but I will conquer it. I WILL.
Julia :)
