The Read Well Podcast: Episode 99 - "Why I Quit Some Books (and You Should Too)"

Release Date: May 12, 2025
Host: Eddy Hood

Introduction

In the 99th episode of The Read Well Podcast, host Eddy Hood delves into his personal reading strategies, specifically discussing why he chooses to continue with some books and abandon others. This episode, titled "Why I Quit Some Books (and You Should Too)," offers listeners valuable insights into cultivating a meaningful reading habit by selectively engaging with literature that truly resonates.

Eddy's Reading Philosophy

Eddy Hood emphasizes the importance of reading well over merely being well-read. He introduces his 50-page rule, a personal guideline that determines whether a book deserves further investment of time. This approach ensures that his limited reading time is spent on books that significantly impact him.

"I always give every book 50 pages before I make a decision as to whether it's worth reading all the way through... I want to make sure that I read books that absolutely move me."
— Eddy Hood [02:30]

Book Reviews

1. "Less" by Andrew Sean Greer

Eddy passionately reviews Less, a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that tells the story of Arthur Less, a gay author grappling with personal and professional challenges. The protagonist's journey is marked by his attempts to avoid the wedding of his ex-lover by accepting numerous speaking engagements worldwide.

Key Highlights:

• Relatable Themes: Eddy connects deeply with Les's struggle with aging and personal loss, finding solace in the character's introspective journey.

  "Les is trying to grapple with this concept of how he lost his youth and why his body's changing and how he feels about it."
  — Eddy Hood [15:45]

• Emotional Depth: The novel's ability to evoke genuine emotions keeps Eddy engaged, leading him to continue reading beyond his initial expectations.

  "Andrew Sean Greer is a phenomenal writer, and he does it in such a way that makes you feel as though you're in that bathtub and you're assessing your own life."
  — Eddy Hood [12:10]

• Personal Connection: At 45, Eddy resonates with Les's near-50 experience, reflecting on his own life transitions.

2. "Artemis" by Andy Weir

Contrasting his experience with Less, Eddy discusses Artemis, a high-concept novel set on the moon, featuring a gritty female protagonist involved in a lucrative heist.

Key Points:

• Lack of Connection: Despite the book's action-packed premise, Eddy struggled to connect with the protagonist, Jasmine ("Jazz"), citing a lack of relatable feminine energy.

  "She is very sexualized... If we could build into this story the sense of what it means to be human, right? To somehow connect with how Jazz is processing these feelings... would have been a really powerful leap for this book."
  — Eddy Hood [25:20]

• Character Development: Eddy found Jazz's motivations superficial, primarily driven by financial gain without deeper emotional or humanistic layers.

• Decision to Quit: Ultimately, Eddy chose not to continue with Artemis, highlighting the effectiveness of his 50-page rule.

  "I've decided that I'm not going to finish that book. So that's how I process reading fiction."
  — Eddy Hood [30:05]

The 50-Page Rule and Its Importance

Eddy elaborates on his 50-page rule, explaining its role in fostering a disciplined and enriching reading habit. This rule helps him evaluate a book's merit early on, ensuring that his engagement is with literature that offers meaningful insights and emotional resonance.

"At 50 pages, I know whether I like the protagonist enough to stick with his or her story for the next 200 to 300 or 400 pages."
— Eddy Hood [35:40]

Connecting with Characters and Human Experience

A central theme of the episode is the necessity for books to provide a human connection. Eddy asserts that regardless of genre, novels must delve into the human experience to captivate readers meaningfully.

"We are human beings and we want to read stories that entertain us... they're lacking the human experience, that connection that makes us go, huh? That's what it means to be living this weird and crazy life."
— Eddy Hood [10:50]

He emphasizes that the best books provoke introspection and emotional engagement, enabling readers to reflect on their own lives and values.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Eddy concludes the episode by recommending Less to his listeners, highlighting its emotional depth and relatable protagonist. He contrasts this with his experience of Artemis, advising listeners to employ their judgment when choosing which books to continue.

"I highly recommend Andrew Sean Greer's 'Less'. I think you'll really enjoy going through the experience of being human with the beautiful and fun protagonist, Arthur Less."
— Eddy Hood [40:15]

Eddy reiterates his mantra: read slowly, take notes, and apply the ideas, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with their reading material.

For those looking to enhance their reading strategies, Eddy directs listeners to the podcast's website for additional resources, including daily posts, book notes, and tools for becoming a better reader.

Key Takeaways:

• Implementing a structured approach, like the 50-page rule, can streamline book selection and enhance reading satisfaction.
• Emotional and human connections in literature are pivotal for maintaining engagement.
• It's acceptable to abandon books that do not resonate, freeing up time for more impactful reads.

Eddy Hood's candid discussion offers listeners practical advice on building a meaningful and enjoyable reading habit, encouraging them to prioritize quality over quantity in their literary pursuits.