I have a bizarre tendency to over identify with fictional characters and/or become overly attached to specific characters. This sort of extends beyond fictional characters in some situations, which is why the Olympics are so stressful for me (I always have favorite gymnasts or ice skaters).
This tendency of mine is likely the reason why I had such problems with soap operas as well. Seriously. You mess with Jessica Buchanan and I will never forgive you.
Why, you may ask, is this relevant? Well, when I become overly attached to a character or characters, my reading really slows down. Significantly. I don't want to deal with the bad things the characters are destined for, so I take pauses. Lengthy ones. That's why it took me longer to read Captain Corelli's Mandolin than it really shoudl have.
Sometimes, the more I enjoy a book the longer it takes, and not because I'm savoring it per se (though sometimes it was the savoring piece as well, and that was true with Captain Corelli's Mandolin; really, it's a mix of both of those). Part of increasing my speed is disciplining myself to push past the tendency when it is that first aspect; I don't feel the need to push past when it has to do with savoring.
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