January 2011: What Are You Reading?

cw gortner · Post by **cw gortner** » Wed January 5th, 2011, 11:34 pm

I agree, rooftop chase scene was stunning. One of those moments when I sat in awe of Dunnett's sheer prowess. But other than isolated scenes, I mostly felt as if I were struggling against a tide of incomprehensible language that I was too stupid to decipher. I had the key to that garden EC mentions at moments, and, yes, it was like, "Wow. I get this!" but mostly I was locked outside, banging on the door.

I understand she's sublime, a true classic, but with the Niccolo series, the last volume went completely over my head. 500 pages of tiny print and I don't recall a single scene or even what it was about. I remained steadfast in my determination to finish that series, and as I said, I had moments of sheer delight but I was brain-exhausted when I finished. I started Lymond a year later - one can hardly read her back-to-back - and gave up after the second book. I couldn't do it again, not with so many other books enticing me from the TBR pile.

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Wed January 5th, 2011, 11:43 pm

[quote=""cw gortner""] But other than isolated scenes, I mostly felt as if I were struggling against a tide of incomprehensible language that I was too stupid to decipher. [/quote] That is exactly how I feel; there are a few scenes that I really enjoyed, but the other 400 or so pages of the book make me feel dumb. Very dumb. I know there are companions volumes to help readers make sense of her books, but I don't want to have to go to that much work to understand something that I'm reading for pleasure.

Misfit · Post by **Misfit** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 12:03 am

[quote=""Michy""]That is exactly how I feel; there are a few scenes that I really enjoyed, but the other 400 or so pages of the book make me feel dumb. Very dumb. I know there are companions volumes to help readers make sense of her books, but I don't want to have to go to that much work to understand something that I'm reading for pleasure.[/quote]

There are just going to be times when you, I or another reader just aren't always going to see a book the same way. I know I've ended up scratching my head at all the fuss everyone makes and I'm sure you've done the same (and CW). That's life, there could be things from your life that you bring to a book that the rest of us might not have experienced. Don't sweat it, if it doesn't work I always say move on.

Michy · Post by **Michy** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 12:38 am

Yup! Just a few more pages and I can move on to something else!

Tanzanite · Post by **Tanzanite** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 1:33 am

[quote=""Michy""]That is exactly how I feel; there are a few scenes that I really enjoyed, but the other 400 or so pages of the book make me feel dumb. Very dumb. I know there are companions volumes to help readers make sense of her books, but I don't want to have to go to that much work to understand something that I'm reading for pleasure.[/quote]

I'm with you - especially about not working that hard for something that should be fun. I made it through one book but quit after about 70 pages of the second. Life's too short!

princess garnet · Post by **princess garnet** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 2:41 am

Rereading Alison Weir's Life of Elizabeth 1

javagirl · Post by **javagirl** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 4:31 am

I'm one of the ones who gave up on GOK. I just wasn't enjoying it and agree with others here who have said if you're not enjoying it then it isn't worth it.

Currently I'm reading non HF - C J Box' Open Season , the first in the Joe Pickett series, because my husband has spoken so highly of the series.

But I think I'm due to get Follett's Fall of Giants from the library tomorrow or Friday after waiting months so I'm looking forward to that.

I finished and enjoyed Crichton's Pirate Latitudes (late 17th century Jamaica & Caribbean) pretty much. Though not one I'd really rave about, I did enjoy it and it kept my interest.

A belated Happy New Year to all here. I enjoy everyone's contributions. It's such a great forum! Special thanks to the moderators and the authors who contribute too!

Leo62 · Post by **Leo62** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 1:59 pm

Have been off fiction for a while, H or non-H, but just started The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet. It's slow, but have to persist cos it was a Christmas present.

Brenna · Post by **Brenna** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 2:11 pm

Perhaps I shall wait and read Dunnett when I feel adventuous and dedicated. Right now, I'm just in the mood to enjoy all of the loot I got for Christmas! Thanks everyone for your input, and I agree with Misfit on everyone has a different opinion on a book. That's what makes this forum (in my humble opinion) such a great resource. You can kind of pair up with someone who has similar tastes as you do and follow their recommendations while realizing that other's recommendations could be hit or miss.

Ludmilla · Post by **Ludmilla** » Thu January 6th, 2011, 2:41 pm

Re Dunnett, I would recommend her stand-alone novel, King Hereafter, to those interested in trying her. It's not nearly as cryptic or arcane as her series fiction.