Book Peeves: Those Things That Annoy

I was inspired by Charlotte's recent post about those little things that ruin a book for her (and those in the comments).  I know we all have them, both the little and the big things.  So, I thought I'd talk about mine and hopefully get you to tell me about yours.  Or maybe talk about how we can make peace with our peeves and get over it (or not).  Either way, let's chat about those peeves.  (I decided against using specific book as examples, but you are welcome to use some to illustrate your issues.)

I am not surprised.

The surprise ending that doesn't surprise.
For some reason, this has become even more of an issue for me recently.  Perhaps I've read too much and nothing can surprise me anymore (not likely).  Or it could be that I spend more time near the beginning wondering just what plot twists lie ahead.  Whatever the cause, this is often one of those peeves that can ruin a book for me.  I also know that there are exceptions to this rule - sometimes I'll still enjoy a book whose ending doesn't surprise me when the characters are likable or the writing is exceptional.  But I tend to enjoy a book more when I don't see that end coming.

I can't believe it.

When an incredible plot becomes unbelievable.
This is entirely an individual thing, but when an already pretty out-there plot takes one more step, I just have to shake my head in disbelief.  Truly, it is a fine line to walk to between a plot that isn't boring and one that isn't so far-fetched it sounds like a dream sequence.  I have a pretty high tolerance for the ridiculous, especially if I'm immersed in the story, but if I'm not into the story, I don't want to start noticing how unbelievable it's becoming.

The rushed ending.
These are all so subjective!  I get frustrated when there's all this build up and all this crazy tension, and then the ending finishes in about two pages (don't get me started on those cliff-hanger series' endings either).  I want something a little bit more when I've invested all that emotion.  Sometimes all I want is just a little bit more time to recover.  Of course, this also goes the other way when there are five or six epilogues and post scripts.  Another difficult balancing act, for sure.

Image credit: NASA

Astronomical blunders.
This is one of those issues that is very individualized (like the ones in Charlotte's post).  I was an astronomy major in college, so naturally I sit up a little straighter when a story has any astronomy elements.  And yes there are definitely liberties that can and should be taken with space stories - there is so much unknown out there.  But as someone who spent four years studying the topic in great mathematical detail (which, admittedly, I've largely forgotten), I'm more particular with those details.  And usually those details are very minor and no one else would even notice them.  But, I'm sure that all of us have those little areas of specialty where the mistakes are glaring to us.  This is mine.

There are other issues, like grammar and spelling, though I tend to be very forgiving unless it's a published book with numerous problems.  But these are kind of my top four right now.  And I think often my reactions to these kinds of peeves are related to my book mood too.  Funny how so many factors go into liking or disliking a book.

Now it's your turn - what are your book peeves?

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