I bought *A World of Curiosities* by Louise Penny a few months ago, and it’s been on my TBR list. It was a book I purchased at random, not knowing anything about it. It was just something that looked interesting. I read the cover info, flipped through it a bit, and there’s nothing in it to indicate that it’s part of a series. Usually I’m more careful to make sure a book I choose at random isn’t part of a series because who would want to start somewhere in the middle?
Well for whatever reason, I looked it up the other day and it actually IS a part of a series. And it’s not like it’s book 2 or 3. It’s the 18th book in it’s series. Apparently all of them are written in a way that they can be read as standalones, but the main character is the same throughout and he does go through character development that I’d be missing out on if I don’t read the others first.
So here’s my problem. I can’t return or exchange it as it’s already been too long since I’ve purchased it. Do I read it as is and just somehow try to get over the fact that I’m missing out on character development and possibly other things? Do I commit to reading the other 17 books first? (I’m worried about that one because it’s a big commitment for a series I don’t even know if I’ll like or not). Or do I cut my losses and donate this book? I really want to read it, but im struggling to get over the fact that there’s 17 other books preceding this one. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
by Slurav
10 Comments
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I think it might be difficult knowing that you are so far ahead without any background knowledge, honestly. I would suggest starting from the beginning, but I know that is easier said than done.
What if you start reading it and then decide if you like it enough to continue?
Buy the first book.
* If you like it, you can continue buying the series.
* If you don’t like it, you already have a christmas present.
Read it and sell online. Easy-peasy.
Your options appear to be:
* don’t read it – you’re out the price of the book and get no enjoyment from it
* do read the book – it’s terrible and you’ve wasted a few hours
* do read the book – it’s ok and you get a few hours of enjoyment from it, but don’t read the rest of the series
* do read the book – it’s amazing, you enjoy it and have discovered a new favorite series with 18+ titles
To me, reading it seems like the best option. You don’t even have to finish it if it’s terrible.
I bought a book only to find out that it was the 3rd book in a trilogy. So I bought the first two
My mom reads those books & she hadn’t read them in order and says it’s fine to read them out of order if that helps.
I believe it’s just the same detective character & the different books are separate crime mysteries.
See if your library has the first book (e-book, if you have a reader)
Please post ‘Should I read X book”What do I need to know before I read X’ questions, in our Weekly Recommendation Thread.