The concept of finding the right book or genre fits perfectly with what seemed to me to be a huge epiphany about a year ago. I was reading this novel (can't even recall the name of it now), and it was just like pulling teeth. I hated it. After about a month or two of this novel sitting by my bed, not getting read, I decided that I just had to return it. No more teeth pulling. Dentistry over. I thought, "Why am I wasting my time feeling bad about not reading this book when I could just get a new one and spend my time liking it." I talked to Dr. Pytash about this earlier in the semester. She said that she can't stand not finishing books, and I totally understand. It's just a personal thing, I think. But, for struggling readers, I think it's super-important for them to know that, for the most part, they aren't contractually obligated to finish a novel. Now, that's not to say that I'd let my students read a page and get a new one--they'd never know the great feeling that accompanies a riveting conclusion. But, I just have to realize that each one of my students are going to have a different reading interest, and it probably won't be mine.
I was trying to help my boyfriend figure out what genre he might like a few months ago. I didn't know about this chapter. The list on page 285 about what aspects of a book a student might like will be really helpful.
The section on "selling the book to students" is really useful, as well. This is definitely a chapter I'll be revisiting many times in my career. I especially like the idea of the read and teases. I seem to feel familiar with this strategy. Maybe it has something to do with the past 4 months. ;]
Good points... students shouldn't feel "obligated" to finish books that are for their personal reading. I have a good friend who never finishes a book that she doesn't like... her point is that there are too many good books out there she wants to read - why waste her time on a book she doesn't want to read.
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