The Art of Reading Before the Conclusion: A Writer’s Perspective

Do you read the end of a book before you finish it? Unless you're like my grandmother, she deeply enjoyed Agatha Christie's mystery novels, always reading the end first. As a writer, I personally detest this approach, finding the suspense as enjoyable as the journey itself. But before we delve into the world of pre-reading endings, let’s explore why this practice exists and its effects on our reading experience.

Why Read the End?

Reading the end of a book can be a deeply ingrained habit, rooted in a desire to satisfy curiosity or understand the author's planning. For many, the ending provides a sense of closure, which can be important, especially in genres like thrillers or mysteries. If the ending is unsatisfactory, it can ruin the entire reading experience. However, for others, the process of discovery is part of what makes reading enjoyable. Here, we will explore both viewpoints and the benefits and drawbacks of each practice.

Importance of Reading the Book in Full

Before tackling the editing process, it is crucial to read the book from start to finish. This helps gain a broader perspective on the story and identifies areas that need improvement. It’s a time-consuming step, but one that can save dozens of hours over the course of multiple drafts. For writers, this full reading is essential to ensure coherence and consistency throughout the narrative. It also helps in identifying areas that may need more development or tightening.

Personal Pre-Reading Habits

Some individuals, including my wife and I, pre-read endings or even entire last chapters because of their inability to handle suspense. We, for instance, often have to fast forward through the second act of a Hallmark Christmas movies to avoid knowing the outcome from the beginning. This approach can be seen as a way to prepare emotionally or to avoid ending disappointment. However, true pleasure in reading often comes from going through the story with an open mind, enjoying the narrative build-up and the satisfaction of the ultimate resolution.

Character and Setting Over the Plot

As a writer, what I truly appreciate is the character development and the environment they exist in. The story serves as a canvas for characters to grow and settings to unfold. In genres like magical realism or literary fiction, the focus is often on the prose and character interaction, rather than the straightforward plot. Here, the writing style and atmosphere become more important than the outcome of the plot. Reading the ending can sometimes detract from the immersive experience of discovery.

Sampling Before Purchase

However, in today’s digital age, the necessity of sampling doesn’t apply as much. With platforms like Amazon, readers can access generous excerpts of books before purchasing. Kindle ebooks also offer this advantage, making it easier to decide whether to dive into a full reading experience. In this context, reading the end becomes less critical. Instead, the focus shifts to the representation given by the sample or the overall writing style captured in the excerpt.

Finding Satisfaction in the Ending

Ultimately, the ending should reflect the plot sensibly and feel satisfying, considering the journey the characters have undertaken. For instance, a book with a dark and oppressive atmosphere will not resonate well with an overly upbeat ending. Balancing the story’s tone with the conclusion is key to a satisfying read. When the ending feels forced or unsuitable, it can undermine the entire reading experience.

While pre-reading the ending can be a useful tool for some, others enjoy the journey of discovery. For writers, understanding your own preferences in reading can inform your approach to crafting stories. Whether you prefer suspenseful anticipation or the satisfaction of immediate resolution, your choice can influence the reading experience and the narrative itself.