If You Heard A Book Was Sad.....Would You Read It?

Last week, on one of the social media venues, a young lady could not decide whether or not to read a beginning trilogy book because, she said she had heard that the end of the trilogy story was sad.

I told her that the book she had picked to read was very good.

She said she knew that book was good, but, she had heard the final book in the trilogy was sad.

So, I ask you, would you not read the trilogy because you knew the ending and it was basically not an ending that you wanted to read?

Now, I love to read.

I mean love it. 

When we first moved to this town, the first thing I made sure my son and I did was to get a library card.

He participated in the reading programs at the library and I tried to read as much as I could with a young son in the house.

I didn't read much when he was growing up. 

However, now that my son is grown, I am at the library every week. 

So, for me personally, I answer this question with a "Yes." 

Now, yes, some of the books that I choose from the library are sad.

In fact, when I borrow a Kristin Hannah book, I know to have some tissues next to me. Because, inevitably, I'm gonna cry.

For example, Firefly Lane.

A tearjerker.

But, I loved this book, so much, I had to read the next book,  Fly Away. I recommend both of these books. 

The young lady went on the explain that life is hard enough why would you want to read about others difficult lives.

I agree, life is very difficult.

But, reading takes me away from problems and stresses of everyday life. 

I have heard it said that when you stop reading and look at the world around you, every one is going about their normal business.

You, on the other hand, have just come from an exciting adventure or traveled from a far away place.

This is so true. 

The next time you read a book, stop, and look at others around you. Notice how you feel in contrast to the way they act.

Now many of our books that cater towards young children can be very sad.

How about Charlotte's Web, Anne of Green Gables, and some of the Laura Ingalls Wilder books can be sad. But there is no way you could have stopped me from reading any of these books.

Classics all of them. 

I do understand that at certain times in your life, reading a story with a character who has lung cancer may be upsetting, when you have just learned that someone near and dear to you was just diagnosed with this disease. 

Probably not a good time to read this type of book.

However, not reading a book simply because it will make you feel sad, I say, read it. 

You might learn something to change your life. 

Or maybe, you might even thoroughly enjoy the book.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. I am interested in how you will answer this question.