Over the past few months I've tried to read various books but haven' t been satisfied or able to finish any...

How to Read Literature Like a Professor--
This one has OK information, but the writing is terrible. It's actually subtitled "A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines." False. This professor is obviously a skilled reader but crappy writer who I find to be patronizing. And totally boring. He's not clever as he fancies himself to be. It's the worst thing when a writer tries to be clever but just sounds lame.

The Art and Craft of Feature Writing--
I love this book, but it's not something you can finish in a few sittings. You'll get your money's worth though with all the insights. The stories used as examples are great reads in themselves. And this one is truly written in a lively and entertaining fashion, but that is to be expected since he is the expert on feature writing...

and other books not worth a mention. I've resorted to re-reading the Virgin Suicides. Off to Dymocks now!