Last week I wrote about the phenomenon of experiencing disappointment after reading a great book. I described it as “the characters [moving] on with their lives” while “the reader gets left behind with their own”. I feel like this must be a shared experience between readers, especially those that turn to books as an escape. Speaking from experience, it’s so easy to become engrossed in a great book. When I read I don’t pretend to be a character, it’s more like I’m a part of the scenery. It’s as if I’m an invisible yet ever present force that witnesses everything that occurs. It’s a place any reader could get comfortable in. It’s the loss of this familiarity that jolts the reader so hard when a book ends. But what happens when this doesn’t happen and the reader has the opportunity to remain in that world?
I’m bringing this topic up because I purchased a special edition copy of a book I read over the summer that contained an ‘exclusive new chapter’. Over 10,000 new words to be precise. I didn’t hesitate to purchase this book. Not after I was left completely floored by reading it the first time. And especially not after I saw it was a hardcover book, contained a letter from the author, and featured a beautiful gold cover. Now I haven’t received it yet as it’s supposed to ship out starting Sept. 27th, but I’m curious as to if I will think it really added to the book or positively impacted the reader. There are certainly questions I had about the characters once I finished the book but I feel like most of the drama had already passed. All of the creepy, mysterious, tension building moments occurred and the characters ended with starting a new life. If I’m being honest I don’t think I would be interested in reading the additional chapter if it’s just them living happily ever after. I’ll be happy for them, sure, but I would be more entertained if the author somehow found a logical and clever way to reintroduce some anxiety causing problems (for the characters). I personally think the author would have a hard time doing this as all the tension in the story was the result of the conflict between all the characters. I don’t want to spoil the book for anyone else but the author finished the book in a way where it would be virtually impossible to get one character back into the plot. I’m curious to see if the author plans on doing this or if she has something else in store.
This topic has also got me thinking about other things that people are revisiting and altering. Disney is the first example that comes to mind as I feel their new business approach consists of turning all their old movies into live action films. Now some of the movies are cool but others feel unnecessary. If I’m being honest, I view most of these ventures as a grab for cash. I also feel like Disney is struggling to create new quality movies that will become the classics of the future. I think their most successful live action movies are the ones that offer a spin on the classics like Cinderella (the one with Lily James) and Maleficent. Or like the new The Little Mermaid movie which will offer representation to little brown and black girls all over the world. These movies bring something new to audiences. They’re intriguing and feature more complexities. If these movies were exactly like their animated counterparts, there’s really no value added as improved CGI and the use of real people don’t really make up for the feel-good, nostalgic feel that comes with watching the original films.
I think this topic proposes an interesting question: Are things better left preserved or can they always be revamped and improved? The answer really depends. Is it being brought back for the sake of re-existing? Or do people feel that their new contributions will actually make the item better and provide a greater impact on the rest of the world? These are the types of questions the people in charge of recreating or embellishing something should be asking themselves. And if they answer these questions truthfully, the the act of preserving classic, beloved, and quality items would take priority over any opportunity for monetary gain any day.
jjhuang2
September 30, 2022 — 3:36 am
Hi Gabby! I like how you quoted from you last post and how in depth your reflection was. Personally, when I read, I also don’t put myself in the character’s point of view but let my imagination run free. There’s been plenty of times where I have read like an epilogue or an addition and just thinking “what?” the entire time and sometimes it just ruins the whole book. With movies, I think the live action movies are great. In a sense it helps people relate to the character more since they’re played by people rather than cartoons. But like the live action of Mulan was super controversial and they got rid of the most important details to try but fail to present a theme. I agree that nothing can beat the original cartoons as it’s a huge part of everyone’s childhood. Honestly in my opinion, whenever I see many popular actors and actresses casted into movies, I automatically wonder how high the budget for the movie was.
To answer your question, I also agree that it really depends on what’s being changed. Like how you mentioned the new little mermaid movie, it tackles a more diverse audience and can provide an impact because of the representation
Rin
September 30, 2022 — 5:25 am
Hi Gabby! I love your title, it’s so creative. I totally get what you mean by being disappointed by a great book. Books are supposed to be something we relate to, more than just spectating the characters. I also agree that books are supposed to be an escape, so it’s kind of disappointing when they don’t measure up to that. I think your concept is very interesting. I’ve only had an experience like that when the book was ongoing, so that it felt like I was immersed for as long as the book didn’t finish. I’m interested in your book! Is this a continuation of a series? What is the book about? What about the book makes it special to you? After reading your expectations, do you like thriller books more than romance and comedy? I do kind of get what you mean though. A happy ever after is always spectator like, and having more problems and climaxes really engages the reader more.