Discernment in selecting books to read

R

Rose65

Well-known Member
Location
United Kingdom
I began reading a book called 'The Owl who liked sitting on Caesar' by Martin Windrow because I love books about animals.

However, I returned and was glad to get a refund for this book very quickly, within the first chapter.
Reason - it seems he obtained this beautiful wild animal purely so he could keep it indoors for all it's life and write about it. I'm just not comfortable with that, it's selfish.

Recently I read two other excellent animal books. One about a dog rescued from imminent euthanasia because his owner didn't want him and he went on to have a great life and career as a police tracker dog. The other about a penguin who was rescued from imminent death by oil in the seawater off the coast of Argentina. This extraordinary penguin attached himself to the author, who truly tried to return him to the sea and went on have a lovely life with him very happily. These were different bases.

I looked at reviews of the book and found some other people had felt the same.

Maybe I am too fussy but I have to like and respect an author to commit my time and money to read them.
Have you ever read a book and been similarly turned off by the attitude and character of the author?
 

Rose65 said:
Maybe I am too fussy but I have to like and respect an author to commit my time and money to read them.
Have you ever read a book and been similarly turned off by the attitude and character of the author?
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You're not too fussy at all... I love reading and I have a big problem with wasting my time on books I don't like, or worse yet, books that are offensive on some level. I like clean reads... I don't need to see all the profanity and graphic scenes that don't really add anything. Most times the story would be exactly the same without those parts.
 
CallMeKate said:
You're not too fussy at all... I love reading and I have a big problem with wasting my time on books I don't like, or worse yet, books that are offensive on some level. I like clean reads... I don't need to see all the profanity and graphic scenes that don't really add anything. Most times the story would be exactly the same without those parts.
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So true. Thankyou, I thought I was being over-sensitive!
 

Actually, as a result of trawling for other animal books I've just bought a hilarious funny book called 'Tails of the Unexpected' by John Donoghue , my goodness I have found a new author I immediately like. I have laughed at every paragraph so far.
It's good to laugh for a change and feel better.
 
Remy said:
@Rose65 I'm completely with you. I would have been upset by the first book also.

I recently got a copy of this at the Goodwill. I haven't started and hope it won't be too sad. I also read Dewey the library cat book.
https://www.amazon.com/Paw-Prints-Moonlight-Heartwarming-Story/dp/0312668295/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IFNYBNWGZGBW&keywords=paw+prints+in+the+moonlight&qid=1701818855&sprefix=pawprints+in+the+moo,aps,301&sr=8-1
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Maybe you will be enjoy it as it has great reviews. Don't be put off by me, you will have your own opinion.

I have a sample of Dewey and will read it soon.
 
@Rose65 I didn't even think to read the reviews since I got the book thrifted. I think often animal stories have sadness as the animal will pass away. But taking an animal and not treating it right, is beyond wrong, such as the book you mentioned.
 
Rose65 said:
I began reading a book called 'The Owl who liked sitting on Caesar' by Martin Windrow because I love books about animals.

However, I returned and was glad to get a refund for this book very quickly, within the first chapter.
Reason - it seems he obtained this beautiful wild animal purely so he could keep it indoors for all it's life and write about it. I'm just not comfortable with that, it's selfish.

Recently I read two other excellent animal books. One about a dog rescued from imminent euthanasia because his owner didn't want him and he went on to have a great life and career as a police tracker dog. The other about a penguin who was rescued from imminent death by oil in the seawater off the coast of Argentina. This extraordinary penguin attached himself to the author, who truly tried to return him to the sea and went on have a lovely life with him very happily. These were different bases.

I looked at reviews of the book and found some other people had felt the same.

Maybe I am too fussy but I have to like and respect an author to commit my time and money to read them.
Have you ever read a book and been similarly turned off by the attitude and character of the author?
Click to expand...
Iā€™d be the exact same way. Itā€™s one thing to adopt and help an injured animal that make not make it in the wild, otherwise. Itā€™s completely different to take an animal from the wilderness for the mere enjoyment of observation. Itā€™s incredibly selfish and cruel.

I , also, wouldnā€™t be able to read it without being haunted. I wonder how he would like being kidnapped and observed 24/7 in unfamiliar surroundings. No family or friends.
 
PeppermintPatty said:
Iā€™d be the exact same way. Itā€™s one thing to adopt and help an injured animal that make not make it in the wild, otherwise. Itā€™s completely different to take an animal from the wilderness for the mere enjoyment of observation. Itā€™s incredibly selfish and cruel.

I , also, wouldnā€™t be able to read it without being haunted. I wonder how he would like being kidnapped and observed 24/7 in unfamiliar surroundings. No family or friends.
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Exactly. I got rid, there are so many other books to read.
 
I am absolutely loving this book Tails of the Unexpected' by John Donoghue and recommend it anyone who needs cheering up. His observations on the absurdity of life are hilarious. I loved his writing from the first page.
This shows life, money and time are way too short to spend on a book that doesn't satisfy. Ditch and move on I say!
 
Remy said:
@Rose65 I didn't even think to read the reviews since I got the book thrifted. I think often animal stories have sadness as the animal will pass away. But taking an animal and not treating it right, is beyond wrong, such as the book you mentioned.
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Oh he treats the owl most perfectly well I am sure. It's just confinement of a truly wild animal is so sad to me.
 
Rose65 said:
This shows life, money and time are way too short to spend on a book that doesn't satisfy. Ditch and move on I say!
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I agree completely. My man will read a 500 page book that he doesnā€™t like. I donā€™t get it.
If I donā€™t like a book, I donā€™t get page the first few pages.
 
Remy said:
@Rose65 I didn't even think to read the reviews since I got the book thrifted. I think often animal stories have sadness as the animal will pass away. But taking an animal and not treating it right, is beyond wrong, such as the book you mentioned.
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Thatā€™s why Iā€™m hesitant to read books or watch movies with dogs in them otherwise it may be a tearful day!
 
PeppermintPatty said:
I agree completely. My man will read a 500 page book that he doesnā€™t like. I donā€™t get it.
If I donā€™t like a book, I donā€™t get page the first few pages.
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Normally I give it a chapter or two and it can grow interesting. But sometimes I just know it's not for me.
Sometimes if it is a literary classic I feel I ought to love it, then I force myself to stick with it.
 
Rose65 said:
Normally I give it a chapter or two and it can grow interesting. But sometimes I just know it's not for me.
Sometimes if it is a literary classic I feel I ought to love it, then I force myself to stick with it.
Click to expand...
I usually give it a chapter or two also. Some books start out slow just like some movies. They then often pick up momentum.
 
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