Throwing in the Towel

I wrote last year about how the library in Troy Michigan was closing due to a no vote on a library millage. Well, this week the voters of Troy (population 80,000) came out and reversed that decision and the library is safe for five years. Sanity reigns.

**************************

Jeff Meyerson and I have been discussing how long we stick with a book before throwing in the towel. He mentioned a fifty-page rule; I wish I was that generous.

If a book has very good reviews, or word of mouth, or I have liked other books by that author, I might stick with it that long even if it wasn't interesting me.

But I have closed books after 5 pages, 20 pages, 200 pages. And once or twice within ten pages of finishing.

I have a friend who has finished every book she started except one. I can't imagine this because I am a very careless chooser. Especially with library books. I have a table full of them now, all due in two weeks. Like the cover: pick it up, Like the title: pick it up. Read a good review, pick it up. See where I am going. Incidentally THE SISTER BROTHERS was a sure pick-up for me. Terrific title, terrific cover. But will I like what's inside?

What about you? How long do you give a book?