Have you ever been unable to finish a book because it hurt too much to read ?

Question

I have tried to finish Joseph Hellers " Something Happened " twice . In far too many ways Bob Slocum and his fears are a reflection of me .
I relate to the contentious nature of his home life as well .
I am highly self critical and do not shy away from introspection . Its possible I feel Heller is directly criticising me through this book and I take it personally .

Answer 1

yes, Sometimes the words of a book are just too powerful and overcome your mind and really make you think about the story and feel for the charcters. It's not bad it just means that you have a beautiful heart that doesn't only think about yourself. You care about others. You may think the author is criticising you personally but unless they have been secretly watching you it's fine! I'm over positive that many people have felt the same way as you but it's a very common feeling! Hope this helps

~***EMMA***~

Answer 2

That's such a good question! Yes, the book I couldn't finish because it hurt too much, made me ashamed and angry was "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee". I had to stop reading it.
Even though these events happened way before I was even born, and my ancestors were actually in Italy and Ireland at that time, as an American I still felt responsible for all that was inflicted on the original inhabitants of this country.

I did eventually go back and read it some years later, but it was tough!

Answer 3

I haven't quite that reaction to a book but I often get pretty involved with what is happening and the emotions of a book. If I can't make that connection I usually loose interest. I did try and read a book in which I found the main character so repugnant that I could not read it. I know people that have really liked the book but I found it just horrid.

Answer 4

I put away books if I feel they're going to bring me down. I once was very self-critical - until a friend of mind pointed out that it bugged the crap out of him and told me "Just stop". So I did, and I haven't looked back since. (It was a very heated argument, actually.) You don't have to beat yourself up. It's a choice you make. Heller isn't pointing fingers at you. That's for certain.

Answer 5

that is perfectly understandable - sometimes movies, music, art, literature, etc strikes a nerve deep down - and I've had that kind of thing happen a number of times. If it bothers you too much you don't have to finish.
Plus authors nowadays really do try to criticise their readers - it isn't very professional but they do it anyway.

Answer 6

Most of us have enough drama in our lives that we don't want it or need it in our fiction and look to it for an escape. That doesn't mean sunshine and peppermints, but it doesn't mean page after page of pain.

I think you're normal in that sense that it's painful to read and therefore not an enjoyment. There are so many other books to read.

Answer 7

No, i would not examine this. Animal torture is disgusting and there would desire to be something incorrect with you to choose to place in writing approximately it intimately. Your writing is definitely a cry for help. there is no way that this sickening and poorly written rubbish would be printed.

Answer 8

No, I can't finish my book because there' s no inspiration... I just can't find it. And I'm also starting to think I'm not so talented as I thought I was... But I need to finish it.

Answer 9

i had to wait until my adult years to get thru upton sinclair's 'the jungle'. very disturbing. but in this rare instance, movies are what come to mind. i originally turned off 'splendour in the grass'.

Answer 10

No that never happen to me but great question.