My question is to readers of academic books. Is it ok to say that I have read a book if after midway through a book I am convinced of the main points an author is making and do not wish to continue to the very end. For instance, I have been reading Polanyi’s Personal Knowledge for a while now. I have made it to halfway and think I have got his main propositions. Is it ok to claim I have read this book? What are your views on this?
What the hell is this question?
Why don’t you also say you climbed Everest? You’ve heard about it and get the gist of what it would be like, so you might as well just go ahead and cross that off the bucket list, champ! Wow, I didn’t realize you were also a veteran of the Second World War! I mean, you heard about it and think you know what happened, so I’m sure you’ll tell me you served, too.
More importantly: who are you trying to impress by saying you’ve read a book that you haven’t? Like anyone who’s actually read the book will see through you, anyone who hasn’t won’t give a shit. Is it to pat yourself on the back? For what? Not finishing something?
Did you get hit in the head with a rock?