I've gotten to be a more judgmental reader as I journey further down the path of being a novelist myself. I used to NEVER leave a book unfinished. I would white knuckle my way to the end, bleary-eyed and anxious, perhaps only allowing myself to skim a bit near the end.
Now, I have something like a 50-page rule. If I'm not completely caught up in the story or have some other reason to keep with the book, it's a goner -- tossed in the back seat of my car to be returned to the library.
That happened yesterday with the The Love Affairs of Nathaniel P. by Adelle Waldman. I got to about page 80 before I realized I just didn't care about the character and that in fact it was making me feel uncomfortable to read any more about him. DOn't get me wrong -- Adelle Waldman seems to be a terrific writer and the fact that she created a character that I so actively disliked is amazing. But I just didn't want to spend another three to four hours in the room with him.
As I often do before abandoning a book, I go on Goodreads to read what others have to say about it. For this one, I was dismayed to see Ron Charles' 5-star review. I really like Ron Charles and respect what he has to say. I felt better when I saw the review posted by "Elizabeth": "Turns out Nathaniel P. is a self-absorbed dick. End of story." I smiled. I felt justified. Out came my bookmark and to the back seat of the car for you, Nathaniel P!
This morning I picked up "The Dinner" by Herman Koch from the pile beside my bed. I'm only 56 pages in and I'm entranced! I want to sit here in my pajamas all day and read.
I'm so glad I banished Nathaniel P. But I will very much look forward to reading whatever Adelle Waldman comes up with next.
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