Not all books have a prologue but those that do are usually boring and not pertinent to the storyline. Do you still read the prologue just in case it does give valuable information or do you skip it and after reading the book, if your still confused go back and read it?
The prologue is at the beginning of the book, before the first chapter, and can sometimes even be considered the first chapter.
So, now that I say that, lol, if it is the first chapter (as it sometimes can be) do you read it, even if it's boring?
[question posted by SomeCowgirl]
responses and comments:
Yep, I always read the prologue just in case I'll miss something. Generally I do go back and reread the first few chapters in the book to see if I missed anything the first time through. (As a writer, the prologue is the most fun part! You gotta be mysterious but interesting. Apparently prologues aren't always interesting :P) [Avalonmyst]
I've read a few that didn't give the book any justice what so ever, but I think that was back in school in any case. I think it's great that you go back and reread the first few chapters again, I think if I did that I'd want to read the whole book again though, lol! I appreciate the response, have a wonderful day! [SomeCowgirl]
The prolouge is something I always read. If I read a book I read it from cover to cover. Not reading the prolouge is like not reading the the last page, in my book! [thezone]
I can understand what you mean about that, if you don't read the last page of a book you never know what happened, what the clinche was. I appreciate the response. [SomeCowgirl]
Some books have very insightful prologues, deep studies that help to understand better the book, the author, the context, etc. BUT I prefer skipping it so I don't have other people ideas about the book. I've noticed that when I read "such book is amazing" I expect too much and I get all disappointed. So I read first the book and then I read the prologue so I can compare what I thought with the ideas of the person who wrote those forewords. :) [raxxie]
That's true that some books have prologues that are insightful and more knowledgeable, more about what the author thought about it, and the author's thought process. I think those are the prologues that I don't really enjoy. The ones I like to skip as well. I think I have gone back and read a prologue after reading the book or reading it half way through. Forewords, as they are sometimes called, I generally don't read because I think they take the fun out of the book as they give the summary of it in more detail. I appreciate the response! Have a wonderful day! [SomeCowgirl]
I always read the prologue, even if it is boring and long winded. I read it in case there are any details that may contribute to my understanding the book. I also read the epilogue as well as the little blurb that explains the font that was used. [LieutenantDan]
I totally forgot about the epilogue! Those are fun, especially if there's an idea in the book that it will be continued. Some books have both, but then again some books might just have one. I think I've read the epilogue before reading the book itself before, but then again that's just if I think the book is going to be really interested. I envy you for reading it even if it's long winded and boring, it has to be a really good book before I read the prologue, most of the time. I appreciate the response! I hope you have a wonderful day. [SomeCowgirl]
There are t imes when I read the prologue. Sometimes it helps give you an idea of what is going on and why the storyline is going the way that it is. Prologues set the stage for the story and some just add to the suspense and joy of reading the story. [Jezebella]
I don't like taking the risk of it giving away anything, well I have to admit most of the time. There are times that I do read it, and I guess it just depends on whether I think the book's going to be interesting anyway, or really what. It's one of those things that don't have a general rule, but that can be stretched depending on my mood before reading, and sometimes after reading. I do love finding prologues or even epilogues that add to the suspense! I appreciate the response. I hope you have a wonderful day. [SomeCowgirl]
Sometimes I read the prologue. I usually read the first chapter, and from there I can figure out if i should read the prologue or not. They are boring usually. I have aquestion for you, do you read a snipits of a different novel the author sticks in at the end? You know the sneek peeks. They are usually the first chapters of another book? I do. It gives me an idea if I want to read that one or not. Sometimes its hard to tell if the book is good though. [juveriam786]
I think i've read the first chapter of a book before reading the prologue, but I also think it was back in school. I've read the sneak peeks in the back of books before to see if I might like another book from that author. It's fun to read those actually! I appreciate the response! Have a wonderful day! [SomeCowgirl]
I've always thought of the prologue as part of the story and an introduction as telling about the author and how the story came to be. I usually will read the prologue but rarely read introductions. I've also been known to read the last pages of a book and still read the entire book as well. It never spoils it for me, as some people suggest. LOL! But then...I'm weird as you well know! [Irishfrndly65]
Yes I always read the prologue even if it's boring because it is where the story starts. To understand better the story, I will read first the prologue. I am also a manuscript writer, right now I am writing a fiction book about a Scottish royal, I wrote a prologue to prefer my reader what is the background of the story and how it started. Then for my first chapter I jump on the present time, so a prologue is my way of introducing my story to the readers how the whole thing started. [jlamela]
I like to write snippets of things here and there but wouldn't call myself a writer, when I do write, I don't put a prologue but I have done that in the past. I've come across books with prologues that do not grab my interest at all, so as a rule I try to pick and choose which prologue I will read, I guess it depends on my mood too. Earlier I think I've said the same on another response, and on my own discussion I think I've said I don't read the prologue, but really I have to admit "it depends" I appreciate your response, the book you are writing now about Scottish royal sounds very interesting! I hope you have a wonderful day. [SomeCowgirl]
Generally speaking, yes, I will read the prologue. Although sometimes I will skim through it, if I don't find it very interesting. But i will still read, to some degree. [dodo19]
I think your response, is just what I like to do. I'll admit that I do skim through it more often then not, but with so many different genres I can't really say what I do, lol... I appreciate the response Have a wonderful day. [SomeCowgirl]
Yep I always read the prologue of books. Some are boring but I read them anyway, in the Wheel of time series by Robert Jordan, the prologue has actual useful stuff, to the story. [darkjedi]
Because I borrowed the first three from a friend, and he didnt have any others, they hadnt come out yet, and then a few years later, a different friend had them, so I read them again, but then couldnt get the rest, so a year or so later, I started buying them so read them again. And now Im reading the series over again lol. [darkjedi]
I don't normally skip prologues. Well, even if it's boring, I'd still read it, maybe speed read if it's super duper boring? HahalolHmm...seems that it has somewhat become a ritual? Hahalol [zweeb82]
HahalolWas laughing away when I read your reply. Yeah, "books and things that you know you need to read but don't want to, like helping kids with homework" Hahahalol [zweeb82]
If there is a prologue in the book that I am reading, then I read it. I never skip them because I feel they really do set the scene for the book. Whether it tells you how the story began or it tells you a really important piece of information about something in the story, so I feel that it is important. Now, if I find the book to be a boring read or I'm not really interested in reading it, say I'm reading it for a class or something, I'd probably skip reading it or just skim over it. [highflyingxangel]
I'm a writer too, and I can tell you, a prologue only gets written if the publisher demands it! LOL [sparkofinsanity]
In cases where the prologue becomes too long and I can't seem to understand it, I skip that part and when the story becomes clear to me, I check it out again. And then I see how it was connected to the main story. I also like reading the epilogues as I think it ends the story nicely, no loose ends. I don't like the stories that leave you hanging or to many unanswered questions. [ayenacsi]
That's great that you go back and read it afterwards, I might have done that a few times but haven't done it in awhile. Epilogues are nice and I agree that those books that leave you hanging can be very very disappointing. I appreciate the response. Have a wonderful day. [SomeCowgirl]
I feel differently about prologues. I feel that it is a very interesting part of the book many a times giving us some background information about the subject. It is written with that purpose only. I am yet to come across a prologue that has been boring and written out of context.. [kiran8]
many different people have many different interests on books, and prologues can be just as complimentary to the story. I guess that I have a different opinion now then I did when I started the discussion, but at the same time I'm confused about how I feel on prologues. I've read so many responses that have gotten me to thinking of different times when I have read and liked a prologue of a story but even then I think it was for fictional short writings that I did like the prologue, amateurish writings actually... not to say they were badly written by any means. I appreciate the response. Have a wonderful day! [SomeCowgirl]
It depend on what type of book that I am reading. If it is a book that i know the prologue will have a ton of info in, I will read. Usually just skimming it though. I want to get to the actual story!! [sweetpeasmom]
That is so true, I love getting a book and anticipating what's to unfold in the story lines. [SomeCowgirl]
I usually skip the prologue. Most of them I have seen are written about the background of the story rather than the story itself…what the author's thought process was, where s/he was residing, who were the friends, what was the social condition and such. I may read it sometimes when I have finished the book and would like to have some extra info just to relate with the storyline [sudiptacallingu]
I think that those kinds of prologues are what bores me the most, not because of the author's writing location and etc, but just because that information is better to be found out in the story itself, the prologue can still be there but I agree relating to the storyline you've already unfolded makes the story that much better... makes me feel like I could really keep thinking of what could happen to the character. [SomeCowgirl]
I read every single page. I read the copywright/printing date page, the prologue, the didications, the acknowledgements, the epilogue, the first chapter of the next book... EVERY page. Don't know why, but I thought it was funny that in talking to my family members, most of them do too. [reinydawn]
I think I've read a book from front to back cover. There's nothing wrong with it either, shows the dedication you have to the author and books in general, also it gives me the feeling your prepared if ever you want to write a book report on the story itself, all the resources listed, lol. [SomeCowgirl]
Yeah definitely will read the Prologue no matter how Boring it is, because like you said i consider it the first chapter. what the prologue is too boring I don't expect much from the book. [agirlfromtomorrow]
I agree about not expecting more if the prologue serving as first chapter is bad. [SomeCowgirl]
I read the Prologue. It might add some insight into the novel or story I am reading... [chunijole]
So many people here agree, lol, I appreciate the response. [SomeCowgirl]
I always read the prologue but usually I won't read the forward if there is one. [laglen]
I agree that the forward, well there's not much to read there. lol. I appreciate the response though, have a wonderful day. [SomeCowgirl]
ya i do read prologue coz it gives an idea abt the book but ya thats true that its boring n one gets impatience to start reading..... [sachin6606]
eagerness, especially if it's a long anticipated release, lol. [SomeCowgirl]
it depends on the book... i won't read the prologue to books that don't interest me... [mindymelena]
I wouldn't bother borrowing/buying the book if it doesn't interest me. blink rasp [lordwarwizard]
I read the prologue all the time. It gives me an idea on what is going on even if it is boring. Why buy a book if you are not going to read the whole thing! [bricked]
I guess the whole thing is anyone's interpretation though, lol, but I do understand what you mean. I appreciate the response. [SomeCowgirl]
Hello, Yes, I always read a book's prologue. I always read a book's "Afterward," too, if I find the book to be intriguing. I really don't like to miss out on any information the prologue may have to offer. I suppose that I want to be as knowledgeable about the author and characters as possible. Have a great day! happy [fineartist]
That's a good trait to have when reading books. [SomeCowgirl]
I always read the prologue, but I don't usually find it boring. Often, I learn about the author's interests or reasons for writing the book. No, I don't think it is often necessarily pertinent to the storyline, but it helps me judge the author's intent and interests, which may lead me to want to read others books by the same author. I also usually read the covers and any introductions. If the author didn't think it would be valuable, he/she wouldn't have included it. Prologues can serve many purposes, regardless of their immediate relevance to the storyline, and I read them for all these reasons. [philtaylor]
Your reasons for reading the prologues are very nice, and I do agree that it can be very helpful and that an author would not intentionally add anything that would not be of interest to the readers. [SomeCowgirl]
Hello SomeCowgirl, when I read a book, especially the one that got me interested, I always read from page 1 till the end. I don't want to missed even a single word, lol. Yes that including the prologue. But if you asked about the boring ones, maybe I just skipped it, lol. [HiLia2008]
There's so many different genres and so many different styles of writing that the prologue in one book could be different from a prologue in another book from the same author. lol, I appreciate the response. [SomeCowgirl]
I only do that with authors I'm not familiar with. It gives me a better sense of them and the way and why they write. What I never skip though is the 'Acknowledgments". That's often where I see the sense of humor of the author..... [sparkofinsanity]
Just lassoo him, wrassle him to the ground, put your dainty cowgirl boot on his chest and he'll be licking your spurs! ROFL [sparkofinsanity]
Hello again Some Cowgirl. I will always check over the prologue and if it seems interesting in general, from a blink eye preview, i will read it. I think it also depends if i am going to read something i like, as i will read it just to hold on longer to the respective book in my hands. [elitess]
I can understand about wanting to hold on to the book longer, I'll admit i'm not a big book reader but when I do read I do like to juice the story for all it's got.. lol. [SomeCowgirl]
If the information in the prologue weren't necessary, then why would the author have written it in the first place? I agree, that a lot of the time the prologue is not really a great way to start a book, but they can be done well. If you ever read Lolita, not reading the prologue will really set you back a foot. It's not that you need it to understand the book, but without it you miss the perspective. Why would you buy a book (or borrow), sit down to read it, and then pick and choose which bits you're going to read? Doesn't that miss the point. I'm assuming that your question is about pleasure reading and not assignment reading. If you want to skip the boring bits, why not just pick up a review or spoiler? It doesn't make sense to me that someone would choose something to read and then say "Prologues are boring, I'll just skip ahead." If that's the case, then why not pick a book without a prologue, they're a lot more of them than the other. [DoriLentrich]
Yes, I was talking about pleasure reading, and I also know that there are very few with prologues, I seldom come across a selection like this, and to be honest I think the only time I have has been reading snippets and such online. I appreciate the response. [SomeCowgirl]
Not often. I usually skim over it in case there is something there but I mostly move on to Chapter 1. [saffrondallas]
Understandable, sometimes I get eager to read the story, lol. [SomeCowgirl]
Hi SomeCowgirl, Sure I do! I slurp at every page of the book lol. lol Prologues are in fact usually helpful in helping you connect to the rest of the story - that's why they add it in the first place. But if it is those prologues that have nothing to do with the story but about the author himself, well, I will just glance through and read more carefully if it proves to be interesting. lol [lordwarwizard]
I do like reading the prologue to some books. Sometimes the prologue doesn't make sense, but other times it sets the stage for what is going to happen within the book or help us come into the story with some background. I have been reading the prologue more and more lately and I agree that it can be the first chapter. [Jezebella]
I am glad that you are starting to read the prologue more, I know most books it doesn't really capture my attention, but I'm not saying it can't. Thanks for responding, I appreciate it! [SomeCowgirl]
This is another really good discussion baby and I am sure that different people have different opinions when it comes to reading and the prologue of a book,I am sure there are some people who enjoy reading the prologue of a book to get an idea of what the book is about,and then I am sure there are people who do not like reading the prologue because they think it is a waste of time and would rather skip it and go straight into the book,and I can understand both sides,and I know most books do not have a prologue and the ones that do are usually boring,and if I am reading a book with a prologue like our friends book that he is writing has a prologue and I read it because it gave an insight into the story and gave us sort of an idea of what to expect,and his prologue was not that boring even though it was a little hard to follow,I love you with all my heart and soul,have a great day,good luck with all your mylotting goals,and Happy Posting. [hellcowboy]
Prologues are interesting things. They can be boring and then again they can be interesting. Some can be hard to follow wherein others just aren't. I think that if the person tries to make the prologue as interesting and easy to understand as possible it's great. Some people skip over the prologue and miss it. I know I don't like to read the prologue because it could be boring but I also know that it's better to read the prologue to get a better idea of the story. I love you with all of my heart and soul! [SomeCowgirl]