I'm one who never gives up on a book, even when it's a struggle (i.e., The English Patient). However, sometimes it is worthwhile.

I'd chosen to read Room as part of my Contemporary Challenge. People had been making such a positive fuss about it that I had to read for myself!

Of course, the concept is horrendous (a woman and her child are kept trapped in a storage shed), and I really disliked the book for quite some time.

But, true to form, I persevered, and suddenly the book hooked me! So sometimes it pays to keep reading. . .Does anyone agree with me? 

                                                                                                                                                Rose

I had kind of the opposite experience with Room. I liked the first half and didn't care for the second half. I thought she should have ended it when they got out, I didn't buy anything that hapened afterwards. 

That same thing happened to me with Still Missing.  I am really glad that I finished it but I really, really almost put it down after 50 pages or so. 

Sometimes the movie is better than a "long" book.

ENGLISH PATIENT

Back in the Eighties, I read And Ladies of the Club by Helen Hooven Santmyer.  I trudged through the first 250 pages thinking I'd never make it to the end.  Finally, I became totally engrossed in the story and had a hard time putting it down.  A worthy piece of historical fiction--almost 1200 pages!  It still has a place on my bookshelf and I may just read it again someday.  Because of my experience with this book, I finish most every book I start, just in case!

I agree with Mary B. My wife had bought the book and read it. After her death I picked it up. It is slow at the beginning but is a lovely story and I enjoyed it.  Our daughter now has it and when she finishes it it will go my daughter in-law.  A few pages a night was a ral confort to me.

I really enjoyed And Ladies Of The Club, it's on my keeper shelf.