Let Me Finish!

A young boy searches in vain for a spot where he can enjoy a book uninterrupted in this charming debut picture-book from Minh Lê. But every time he thinks he has succeeded, he discovers that nearby animals are ready and willing (eager, even) to comment on his reading selection, and their own reactions to it. Finally, in desperation, he flees before them, only to confront the dinosaur (of which he had been warned) at the end of the book...

In this age of internet book reviewing, in which much attention is paid and concern expressed at the idea of 'spoilers' - here on LibraryThing we use html to hide spoilers - Let Me Finish strikes me as a picture-book response to the current trend of readers demanding that they be protected from any show more accidental exposure to fore-knowledge of a book's defining episodes or (most importantly) conclusion. For my part, although I strive to avoid 'spoiling' a book for other readers, I do sometimes grow weary of the idea that it is my responsibility to protect others from knowledge that they'd prefer not to obtain, rather than their responsibility to avoid those venues and experiences (such as book reviewing sites) that might lessen their reading pleasure. Howsoever that may be, I found this an entertaining meta-fictional tale, one which amused me with its references (intentional or not, I am unsure) to contemporary book reviewing and discussion culture. The conclusion, in which the young boy disappears into his book, fleeing the dinosaur, was a nice touch, and perhaps a clue as to the author's ideas of how readers should behave (i.e.: simply become absorbed in their book and ignore all else). The accompanying illustrations by Filipino artist Isabel Roxas, are just as fun as the story they complement, adding to the madcap sense of fun. Recommended to anyone looking for meta-fictional picture-books in which the reading process is emphasized. show less

This is a children's book about how much everyone hates spoilers! The animals in the forest keep spoiling books for this kid who just wants to read in peace! Those animals are jerks. Though I like spoilers...but I try not spoil things for other people so I won't tell you what happens at the end of this book. THERE'S A DINOSAUR

A kid is excited about their new book, but creatures keep spoiling the ending for them! They try to find a quiet, secret place to read, and they do...then they realize their perch IS "the dinosaur at the end of the book"! A great visual joke.

This is the perfect book for all readers who hate spoilers and who appreciate reading without interruptions or distractions. I identified with the boy.

I loved this book and its illustrations.

Fun, creative story with a great ending, great for book lovers, and I think all ages readers/listeners might be amused. I was. I knew the ending before it was revealed but that didn’t diminish how much I was entertained by it.

The illustrations are tremendous fun and I loved the colors used and the art style.

The only reason I’m not giving this book 5 stars is that it felt a bit slight for that, but the premise and the pictures are 5 star worthy for me. 4-1/2 stars

Pretty darn good for a debut! Art fits perfectly. I, personally, prefer books that are great even if 'spoiled' because imo the journey to the end is the best part... so this picture-book didn't resonate with me. But it's def. cute!

A boy is trying to finish his book, but other creatures around him are interrupting, making it difficult for him to finish. He finally finds a quiet spot where he can finish his book alone
6 books

Well done! A story that is fun for anyone to read. Great illustrations and a fun story.