At the moment I’m reading Proust’s In search of lost time and it’s been 3 months since I started and I’m currently going through the 5th volume and my excitement is still high. I think it helped me to have some small breaks in between volumes. I truly love reading large books because of the immersion and complexity of thought but when I start a big book that I’m interested in I have this sense of defeat in a good way, because of the big task ahead of me, but also very excited. This combination leads me feeling patient & serene.
Reading a large book can present several challenges due to its length, complexity, and time commitment required. Here are some reasons why tackling a hefty tome can be daunting:
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Time Commitment: Large books often demand a significant time investment to read thoroughly. With busy schedules and competing priorities, finding uninterrupted time to delve into a lengthy book can be challenging.
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Intimidating Length: The sheer size of a large book can be intimidating, especially if it contains hundreds or even thousands of pages. This can deter readers from even starting the book or cause them to feel overwhelmed when they do.
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Complexity of Content: Many large books contain intricate plots, numerous characters, and sophisticated themes. Keeping track of all these elements can be mentally taxing, requiring readers to pay close attention and often necessitating re-reading passages for full comprehension.
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Difficulty Sustaining Interest: Maintaining engagement with a lengthy text over an extended period can be difficult, particularly if the pacing is slow or if the narrative becomes repetitive. Readers may find themselves losing interest or becoming fatigued, which can impede their progress through the book.
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Physical Discomfort: Large books can be cumbersome to hold and read, especially if they are hardcover editions or lack convenient methods for propping them open. This can lead to physical discomfort, such as hand cramps or strained neck muscles, further detracting from the reading experience.
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Interruptions and Distractions: Long reading sessions are often interrupted by external distractions, such as phone calls, social media notifications, or household chores. These interruptions can disrupt the flow of reading and make it challenging to maintain focus on the book.
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Risk of Burnout: Immersing oneself in a lengthy book for an extended period can lead to reader burnout, where the enjoyment of reading diminishes due to mental exhaustion or monotony. This can result in readers abandoning the book altogether or taking extended breaks before returning to it.
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Limited Mobility: Large books are less portable than their smaller counterparts, making it impractical to carry them around for reading on the go. This limits opportunities for reading during commutes or other downtime, further prolonging the time required to finish the book.
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Fear of Missing Out on Other Titles: With so many books available to read, committing to a single large book can feel like a significant opportunity cost. Readers may worry about missing out on other titles or feel pressure to prioritize more accessible or popular books instead.
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Lack of Instant Gratification: Unlike shorter books or articles, which can be consumed relatively quickly, large books require a more sustained investment of time and effort before the payoff is realized. This delayed gratification can be challenging for readers accustomed to instant access to information and entertainment.
Despite these challenges, reading a large book can also be a rewarding and enriching experience. It offers the opportunity to immerse oneself deeply in a complex narrative, explore profound themes, and engage with ideas in a way that shorter texts may not allow. Overcoming the obstacles associated with large books requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the journey of reading as an enriching pursuit in itself.