First Things First
I always read the Acknowledgements in the front of a book. Niel thinks this is odd and our recent conversation about it made me contemplate why, in fact, I read them so dutifully. I enjoy reading them because it tells me a lot about the author. Are they oh-so-serious in their gratitude-giving, or are they laid back and fun-natured as they lavish thanks and praise on friends and family? Most important to me is how the author acknowledges his/her spouse. I’ve read multitudes of Max Lucado books, and it amazes me that each time he has a unique, creative, and endearing way of expressing his love and thanks to his wife.
While I used to be compelled to finish any book I ever started–even if I hated it–now I’m convinced that my life is too short to be wasted on reading bad writing. These days I’ve been known to scrap a book after chapter one (not quite after just reading the Acknowledgements, but almost!) rather than waste my time completing it simply because I’m anal about finishing what I start!
I just got a book by a new-to-me author, and seeing as it was the first book of hers I’ve ever read, I had no idea what to expect of her writing style. As usual, I began with the Acknowledgements; upon reading them, I knew I would enjoy the book. I was enjoying it already and it hadn’t even begun!
Any other Acknowledgements-readers out there?
Absolutley!! I agree- you can get a sense of who the author is by how they express thanks. I’m also one to make a pretty quick opinion about a book and call it quits if it doesn’t grab my interest. After all these years I never knew we had this in common :)
Yes. I’ve been thinking about this the last few days. That’s funny! Thanks for the website idea :)
For the author a book is a big deal and those mentioned were key in that journey of obedience to God, to imagaination. Those people helped the dream come alive.
I got all excited because when I first glanced at your blog I thought YOU had written a book! :)
Not yet, but we’d like to someday. Just the thought of it scares me, though. I feel so much pressure just to get the Acknowledgements right – nevermind the rest of the book!
I do it too. :-) Hey, Ted Dekker’s new book “Saint” is coming out soon I think.
You havn’t answered my e-mails. :-( I was wondering what the dates were that you were going to be in town, so I can get it off work.
Loce you,
Bean
looking forward to reading it! :)
I read the ack. in case there’s someone I know!!! Really, that’s the main reason I read them. I also like to read all the credits at the end of the movie… You never know. You will write a book one day, not as ghostwriter, and you’ll get the acknowledgements right. Don’t worry.
Maybe if you read the last page first, you could skip the first chapter in a not-so-good read! LOL! I, too, read the acknowledgements – most important! I won’t even buy a book if the acknowledgements and the last couple of pages aren’t good! Like mother, like daughter – sounds like a retreat!
I love the SA clock and the pics…hhhmmmmmm….
I have to admit, I don’t usually read the acknowledgements. I do however read the credits at the end of a movie … and it bugs me when they go so fast I can’t read them! Typically, with a book I’ll read the opening couple paragraphs, and skip to someplace random in the middle of the book. I look for content, writing ability and style, and just general story line. I don’t get to read these days as often as I used to though.
PS: also like the SA-time clock and pics ….. question: did you take the pics of the animals yourself or ??? They’re terrific.
PS2: Thank you for the kind comment on my blog. :)
I’d like to join the club! I do read the acknowledgements…and the preface…and introduction…just about any other thing between the covers! lol, i just don’t want to miss anything. :)
This book sounds like a good one! I’m still reading ‘The Guardian’ …it’s startin to get scary… :/
Christen – have you ever found someone you knew in the acknowledgements or credits??
Abigail – Glad you like the new additions! ;-)
Annie – yes, the pictures are all mine!
Kel – Keep reading; it’s a good one!
Alece, thanks for your comments on my blog! :) Just wanted to say hi here, too. I’m like you; I also read the acknowledgements in just about every book I read. I think it’s fun to find out a little more about what the author is like as a person, not just as a writer.
Nope, not yet. But one day I will. I’m ack in a friend’s devotional book, but no one else I’ve ever found. :)