My sister Annie is one of the most voracious readers I know. This has always been somewhat surprising to me, given that most of my friends who are heavy readers are also writers, whereas my sister Annie has zero interest in participating in the literary arts.
Annie is also unusual in that when she reads a book, she reads the last chapter first, before she procedes to the front of the book to read the rest. She claims that knowing the ending has never detered her from reading the rest of the book. (Incidently, she also sneaks peaks at Christmas presents before Christmas, and eats the middle of the Oreo before the chocolate cookies.)
I have always admired both my sister’s reading habits and her ability to read books her own way. As for me, reading the end of a book is simply against the rules. I don’t know if reading the end first would affect my emotional response. But I have too much respect the art of writing suspense to even give it a try. (Or perhaps I’m simply a coward.)