Books motherfuckers, do you read them?

[Luinbariel]

On the recommendation of my friend, I'm reading Black Sun Rising (and then the rest of that trilogy) by C. S. Friedman.

Having a hard time actually getting through this, it's a bit of a slog. Not sure why...

It's a fairly interesting world and story so far. Lots of good detail, interesting characters that are pretty well fleshed out, etc. But I just can't seem to get engaged with it.

My question is this: when do you folks drop books? At what point do you decide "enough is enough" and move on to something else? Or is that just weakness?

[Didzo]

[quote author=Luinbariel link=topic=1145.msg284487#msg284487 date=1429141396]
On the recommendation of my friend, I'm reading Black Sun Rising (and then the rest of that trilogy) by C. S. Friedman.

Having a hard time actually getting through this, it's a bit of a slog. Not sure why...

It's a fairly interesting world and story so far. Lots of good detail, interesting characters that are pretty well fleshed out, etc. But I just can't seem to get engaged with it.

My question is this: when do you folks drop books? At what point do you decide "enough is enough" and move on to something else? Or is that just weakness?
[/quote]

When I read something I enjoy or find interesting for any reason, it sticks around in my head even when I'm not reading it. That's what keeps me going back. If that doesn't happen and especially if it feels like a chore to read, then it's easier for other things to start taking my attention and the book doesn't get opened again.

[Kor]

My question is this: when do you folks drop books? At what point do you decide "enough is enough" and move on to something else? Or is that just weakness?

Consider this Luin: Books, and the stories they tell, are still art. Occasionally, the form is unappealing or the content is obtuse; these are objective reasons to set aside a book.

Personally, I set aside fiction books that disrespect/abuse the suspension of disbelief. For non-fiction I set them aside when the author begins to interject on the subject matter. My 2 most recent drops were the 'Sword of Truth' series by Terry Goodkind. Started well enough with two equal-yet-different protagonists, and devolved into 'the woman is weak and must be rescued by the hero who conjures deus ex endings at will' drivel that insults the reader. The other was the Divergent trilogy which turned into poorly-edited tripe about halfway through the second book(Everyone gets serums! Yeaaaaaaaah!).

Seriously, don't feel bad. You can always bury the bad books and return them to nature.

[Kor]

Double-posting on topic!

Finished Ready Player One. Great romp and interesting look into a deeper version of the internet. It's only guilty of the Harry Potter plot-armour trope.

Edit: Currently reading The Martian by Andy Weir. Super-feels about the noblity and resolve of the human spirit.

[Luinbariel]

[quote author=Luinbariel link=topic=1145.msg284948#msg284948 date=1432147862]
My question is this: when do you folks drop books? At what point do you decide "enough is enough" and move on to something else? Or is that just weakness?

Consider this Luin: Books, and the stories they tell, are still art. Occasionally, the form is unappealing or the content is obtuse; these are objective reasons to set aside a book.

Personally, I set aside fiction books that disrespect/abuse the suspension of disbelief. For non-fiction I set them aside when the author begins to interject on the subject matter. My 2 most recent drops were the 'Sword of Truth' series by Terry Goodkind. Started well enough with two equal-yet-different protagonists, and devolved into 'the woman is weak and must be rescued by the hero who conjures deus ex endings at will' drivel that insults the reader. The other was the Divergent trilogy which turned into poorly-edited tripe about halfway through the second book(Everyone gets serums! Yeaaaaaaaah!).

Seriously, don't feel bad. You can always bury the bad books and return them to nature.
[/quote]
Hm,  very good points.  

I think I will put these aside for now.  Maybe they will interest me later. I have something else I have been waiting to read,  sort of like a prize for finishing this other one.  It's the newest in a series that is very much like Pride and Prejudice,  but with a sort of magic introduced,  called "glamour".
It is pretty sweet,  I really enjoy that world.  

The author is Mary Robinette Kowal,  and this one is "Of Noble Family".



EDIT: Also I meant to say, I also couldn't really get into the Sword of Truth series for some of the same reasons. You should try watching the show...

[Kor]

EDIT: Also I meant to say, I also couldn't really get into the Sword of Truth series for some of the same reasons. You should try watching the show...

No thank you  :-[

[rumbot]

Finished Ready Player One. Great romp.

Ernie Cline's second book is coming out ...fall-ish I think?

[Neptune]

[quote author=Luinbariel link=topic=1145.msg284954#msg284954 date=1432161206]
EDIT: Also I meant to say, I also couldn't really get into the Sword of Truth series for some of the same reasons. You should try watching the show...

No thank you  :-[
[/quote]

I saw the actors they got for the two leads and was immediately uninterested.  I didn't recognize them, but they just didn't fit the parts at all.  Of course, I don't know how I got through that series.  Some of those books were just awful and/or gratuitous.

[zaneyard]

Finished Ready Player One. Great romp and interesting look into a deeper version of the internet. It's only guilty of the Harry Potter plot-armour trope.

Was just looking at getting this as it's 5 dollars on play books.
Also watched The Maze Runner movie last night. Thinking about reading the series but not sure yet.

[Luinbariel]

I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

[Surf314]

I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

Lucifer.  Based on the devil from The Sandman and it delves pretty deep into christian and other mythologies.

[K2]

I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

As far as newer ones, Saga is fantastic. Also Locke and Key.

[Xineoph]

I've been reading Margaret Atwood and Discworld novels alternating.  I'm on The Blind Assassin to be followed by Sourcery.

[Luinbariel]

[quote author=Luinbariel link=topic=1145.msg285882#msg285882 date=1438872449]
I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

Lucifer.  Based on the devil from The Sandman and it delves pretty deep into christian and other mythologies.
[/quote]

I've heard this one come up a LOT. I don't know why I haven't picked it up yet since it seems everyone says good things (and mmmmmm mythology).

[Surf314]

[quote author=Surf314 link=topic=1145.msg285891#msg285891 date=1438889427]
[quote author=Luinbariel link=topic=1145.msg285882#msg285882 date=1438872449]
I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

Lucifer.  Based on the devil from The Sandman and it delves pretty deep into christian and other mythologies.
[/quote]

I've heard this one come up a LOT. I don't know why I haven't picked it up yet since it seems everyone says good things (and mmmmmm mythology).
[/quote]

It's one of my favorites.  I also really like his characterization of the devil.

[[fr31ns]Karrde]

Rereading "Foundation." Here's to hoping HBO doesn't fuck it up. Spoiler: They probably will as Foundation is kinda resistant to being filmed by its nature.

[Eschatos]

I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

You should read Transmetropolitan.

[Luinbariel]

[quote author=Luinbariel link=topic=1145.msg285882#msg285882 date=1438872449]
I have re-discovered that graphic novels are cool.

Please tell me about your favorites.

You should read Transmetropolitan.
[/quote]

AGGGGHHHH so THAT'S what that's called! I'd seen bits of it before ages ago and could never remember what it was called!

[Surf314]

I just finished reading The Martian.  It's really quite good.  Looking forward to the movie.