How long should I keep going with this book?

[CardiffUniversityNetballTeam]

I'm reading The Name of the Rose. I'm finding it really heavy going. Normally I read a book per week but I've been at this one for a fortnight now and I'm still only halfway through!
I feel like I've invested so much time in it already I should really try and finish it. I also don't feel I read enough "good" fiction so I ought to make the effort!
How long do you carry on with a difficult book?

[PositiveAttitude]

After years of believing that I really SHOULD finish every book I started I have trained myself to have a 100 page rule. If I am not enjoying it by page 100 then I figure life is too short and there are so many better books out there and I now have no qualms about closing the book and moving on the the next one.
Close it, move on and find one that you will enjoy.

[LexLoofah]

agree with positive, post-kids reading time is precious, if you are not getting into it after a fortnight move on, there are so many other books and you don't need to read terribly worthy 'must read' books, read what you enjoy even if it is not considered to be high brow although there are some great 'good' fiction books out there.

I laboured through a tale of two cities a few years ago. hated it and can I remember anything about it? nope, not worth it.

100 pages is a good guide or chapter 3 maybe

[CoveredInWit]

I found that one really tough too- stuck with it but took ages and I enjoyed it more in hindsight. It's a good story, just feels a bit like wading through molasses to get to the end. If I had my time over I wouldn't bother. I ditch books after a few chapters of they're hard work. I feel guilty but life's too short and there are too many gripping page turners out there to spend masses of time on "important" books if they aren't enjoyable to read!

[Provencalroseparadox]

I would disagree with this mainly because of Catch 22. I tried to read it for years and kept giving up. Then I read that it gets better after page 100 and lo and behold it really did and became rip-roaringly funny.

[LexLoofah]

provencal you have a point, maybe it is just a matter of not being the right time for some books. for instance I tried the Dante Club, could not get into it at all, put it aside. about a year later tried again and ripped through it.

can't say the same for any AS Byatt book though, will never ever get through one of those, I am obviously not intellectual enough !

[widdle]

You're doing much better than me OP - I didn't make it past page 10!

[Sgtmajormummy]

If you don't look forward to reading it, just stop. Life's too short and you're not at school any more!

[CardiffUniversityNetballTeam]

I am going to put it back on the shelf and try it again in a couple of years months. You're all right, life's too short!

[Scotchmincepie]

Watch the film - it's quite good! And feel no guilt about abandoning a book.

[BirdyArms]

I read name of the rose years ago whilst travelling in south america and loved it. But I had nothing else to read, dh and I read all of each others book and anything we could pick up in hostels etc. Not sure I'd have stuck with it under normal circumstances. Maybe put it down and take it on holiday?

[aeon456]

I read that when in a very bad period of depression as a way of focusing my mind away from myself, so I was reading it in a desperate manner. I wouldn't call it a page turner and generally when a book doesn't hold my interest I switch off and stop reading.

[MrsPeterQuill]

I read this (years ago, pre DC when I had more time on my hands) and I enjoyed it, but found myself skipping some of the more dense parts.

Agree with PP, watch the film which is excellent and you may find it easier to get into the book.

[XiCi]

I have a 100 page rule too. Just have far too many books to read to persevere with one I'm not enjoying.

[Cornishblues]

I settled on reading every other chapter - that way you get a readable mystery story and miss the impenetrable philosophy :)

[Allthatnonsense]

This was on my university reading list. Apprently the first 100 pages or so are supposed to be a penance of sorts. I couldn't do it, it just wasn't my bag.