Just like with your favorite TV shows, the best new books can be spoiled for those who haven’t read them yet. So how do you share about your favorite books without ruining them for others?
However, research suggests that having a book spoiled for you doesn’t actually ruin the reading experience at all. This comes from a 2011 study out of the UC San Diego, which says that people who know the twist ending to a story rate the story higher than if they didn’t know what was coming.
Perhaps that’s because people like to feel smart while reading and can pick up more clues that build toward a twist when they know what the twist is. And reading is already deeper than watching a movie, which would be completely spoiled by knowing the ending.
To enjoy a spoiled book, just read the book. Don’t think too hard about the twist, but also don’t actively try to ignore it—because that will only make it harder. Look for clues that point toward the twist or ending. And remember, that there’s more to the book than just the end. The book is a journey can be enjoyed even if you know where it’s going.