It is rare that I don't finish something that I start. I justify this partly by the fact that some truly excellent books have less than perfect beginnings (LotR is to some extent guilty of this, as just one example, there are many others), I further justify it by the fact that some writing takes time to grow accustomed to (many classics fit this, as do various "literary" authors). The real truth behind it is probably just that I have something of an obsessive nature.
That approach to reading books hasn't changed much since my writing has become a more serious habit/compulsion.
I like to think my writing has increased my appreciation for some books, it has given me some insight as to why I enjoy some more than others. And when those books are kids books I feel a bit like Professor Frink on
The Simpsons playing with a kids' toy, and telling the girl: "No, you can't play with it; you won't enjoy it on as many levels as I do."
