Do you read forewords/notes that precede many classics? Does it help you or hurt you in your enjoyment/understanding of the work?
I usually skip the forewords and notes until I finish the book. I’ve been burned in the past when the forewords gave away major plot points when they assume the reader has already finished the book.
I do always go back and read them after I finished. It’s interesting to learn more about the context of the story or interpretations of the plot. Depending on who wrote them they can definitely enhance my reading experience. I’ve read some that are basically just a brief author bio and others that give a point-by-point break down of the plot. I can’t help but feel I haven’t finished the book until I’ve read every page.
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9 comments:
I'm the same way - I always save the forewords for the end!
My answer will be VERY similar to this one. lol I hate getting ahold of a spoiler before I've finished the book.
JoAnn - I've certainly learned my lesson!
Andi - I know! I'm always shocked when they include spoilers in a foreword.
I usually skip the intros/forewards, and forget to read them after the end. I did however just read the Foreward to A Room of One's Own, and it may have tainted my opinion going in. I haven't finished it yet, so I'm not quite sure yet.
Sarah - That's my problem with reading them first. I feel like it affects my view of the book, making me pay attention to certain things and miss others.
Another spoiler burn victim here! They should put the forward at the end. I guess then they'd have to call it the backward.
Captain - Ha, true. I definitely wait to read them now, which has helped me avoid spoilers.
I usually read them first if for noting at all for the historical background of the book or the author information.
readinpleasure - I love learning about that stuff, but I'm so nervous about spoilers!
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