let's help each other decide whether to finish these books

[Cheryl]

In the 'bad book' discussion I brought up this idea:

"I find myself checking out goodreads' and amazons' reviews thoroughly at that point, looking for readers saying something like "Slow start but I'm glad I finished."

I'm a new member here so let me ask - do you think it'd be a good idea for me to start a discussion so we can help each other? That is, something like "If you don't like the beginning of each book, let us tell you whether or not we were glad we stuck with it"?"

Karen said: "The Eight very slow to start but I'm glad I stuck with it as it was really good. Also it wasn't just me that thought it was slow to start, after I'd read it I passed it on to my Mum and she found the same thing but I told her to stick with it and she really enjoyed it."

(thank you Karen for getting us started - sorry the link didn't copy & paste when I brought the msg over here)

[Maicie]

Ditto for We Need to Talk About Kevin. It wasn't an easy read in the beginning but the ending was so powerful that it is now a favorite book.

[Brenda]

Cheryl: I really like this idea of yours. Here's my book:
Inside, Outside: A Novel by H. Wouk. Do not be put off by the slow start.

[Cheryl]

And here's mine: Fragile. If you like the beginning, do read it. If you don't, don't. It doesn't do anything except get even a little weirder.

I sure appreciate the participation!

Mainly my idea is to work the other way around, though: I want to be able to come here when I'm struggling with a book and ask you-all if I should stick with it! So, please everyone, keep this thread on your update feed and recommend your friends check in here, too, so they're alerted when someone needs help. :)

[Gitte]

I've read about 100 pages of the sci-fi classic Dune, and I'm finding it a bit difficult to follow. Is there anyone her who has read it and has any thoughts on this? Does it get easier? I would really appreciate some help!

[Cheryl]

I also gave up on it, but further along, and never regretted doing so. I think it's one of those books that is a classic because of the influence it had on readers and other writers, but if you're not crazy about epics you don't need to bother.

[Cheryl]

One book that is long (much longer than almost anything else I've read) and not easy (I don't like long books or series but I do like good science books) but is worth finishing is The Poisonwood Bible. Despite all my reluctances (I'm also an atheist so I found it hard to empathize with the characters) I felt so enriched and moved by this I do recommend it widely.

[Gitte]

Thanks for your help, Cheryl! I'm still in doubt, however :-) My problem is that I like bits and pieces, but most of the time, I'm just thinking "What the f... are they talking about???". If it continues this way, it's going to be some looong 600 pages! I'll take your advise into consideration tonight when I try reading a bit more. Thanks again! This discussion is a great 'servce' :-)

[Karen]

Not so much a should I finish more of a don't start Her Fearful Symmetry it starts badly and gets worse.

[Molly]

One that I was glad I stuck with was Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace... One School at a Time. I had such high expectations and then the first 1/3 or so was just uninspired and frankly, boring. Once he finished with his back story and got out of the US, things really picked up and became the motivating, wonderful story I had heard so much about.

[Cheryl]

Thanks for the warning Karen - I still feel like I want to try it, but I certainly won't spend money for it and when I do get it from the library or a friend I'll give up if I'm not engaged by 50 pp or so.

[Shannon]

Gitte wrote: "I've read about 100 pages of the sci-fi classic Dune, and I'm finding it a bit difficult to follow. Is there anyone her who has read it and has any thoughts on this? Does it get easie..."

Hi Gitte:

I read Dune a very long time ago. Like you, there were bits and pieces that I really liked and other parts that were just downright baffling. I would say stick with it but don't read the other ones as the best parts are in this first one (if I remember correctly). I think it does get easier because you start to figure out who is who a little more easily. But overall, it is not an easy book to read but there are some very interesting ideas and concepts in it.

Re the Poisonwood Bible - I wish I hadn't bothered finishing it. It was too long by far and I know I am the lone voice but I just did not enjoy it at all.

[Shannon]

OK, here is my book that I wonder if I should finish or keep working on: Soul Mountain I am about a third of the way through. Has anyone read this and what is your advice?

[Cheryl]

I have not read Soul Mountain. Looking at the description and the other reviews, though, I'd say by now you have an accurate feel for it. Iow, if you're feeling the urge to put it down and pick up something else, my guess is you should do it.

[Gitte]

Shannon wrote: "Gitte wrote: "I've read about 100 pages of the sci-fi classic Dune, and I'm finding it a bit difficult to follow. Is there anyone her who has read it and has any thoughts on this? Doe..."

Thanks Shannon! I think I'll read some chapters between other reads! Somehow I don't want to give it up...

[Cheryl]

Artemis Fowl

I can see that these books have all the right ingredients to be a fun read for just about anybody. My 14 yo son enjoyed them and highly recommended them. I am a fan of the Harry Potter books and did enjoy The Spiderwick Chronicles Box Set. Love other stuff by Eoin Colfer.

So, I read the first of the Artemis Fowl series. Wasn't thrilled. Was talked into reading the second. Still do not want to go on. Should I try again? Does the series get "better" somehow? Is it possible I just wasn't in the right mood somehow?

[Cheryl]

Gitte, did you ever finish Dune?

[Gitte]

Cheryl wrote: "Gitte, did you ever finish Dune?"

No, but I'm planning a group read with some of the members from 'The Novel Ideas' here on Goodreads later this year - I just need some motivation :)

[Mary]

Cheryl wrote: "Artemis Fowl

I can see that these books have all the right ingredients to be a fun read for just about anybody. My 14 yo son enjoyed them and highly recommended them. I am a fan of..."

I can't on into them either. Hubby loves them. Daughter (now 13) loves them and has for several years. I think it's just a series that appeals to some and not others.

[Cheryl]

Thank you Mary - now I don't feel so bad for giving up.

Good luck Gitte - if you remember, maybe you can come back here after you're done and tell us whether you were glad you finished it. :)

[Gitte]

Cheryl wrote: "Thank you Mary - now I don't feel so bad for giving up.

Good luck Gitte - if you remember, maybe you can come back here after you're done and tell us whether you were glad you finished it. :)"

I'll try to remember :)

[Mary]

I read Dune once. Managed to get to the end but it's very slow and interrupted by explanatory 'encyclopaedia' entries. I think it's one of those books you read just to be able to say you HAVE read it. Wouldn't read it again.

[Cheryl]

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. I believe I finished it. I remember not liking it. I think I remember that it was confusing, with allusions to other stories/ characters that didn't make sense to me.

[Stuart]

Mary wrote: "I read Dune once. Managed to get to the end but it's very slow and interrupted by explanatory 'encyclopaedia' entries. I think it's one of those books you read just to be able to say you HAVE read ..."

I feel the same way about Dune. Major dissapointment, to my mind it brought nothing new to the table, it felt like the inspiration for a second rate TV series.

[Gitte]

I just started Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture today. I've read about 30 pages and I'm really bored with the characters. There doesn't seem to be any plot, just descriptions of empty lives...

Anyone who's read it? Does it change? Should I stick with it?

[Cheryl]

I haven't read it, sorry - but I can tell you by looking at the page I have less than no interest in doing so. I'd give up if I were you. One thing especially to note is that it was meant to be read when it was written, and now it's quite old.

[Gitte]

Jo wrote: "Gitte, i felt the same but i stuck with it and ended up liking it. Maybe its not your thing but i suggest you stick it out. If i remember rightly its quite a small book?"

Yes, it's only about 200 pages and it's starting to make sense to me now, so I'll stick with it :D Thanks for the help!

[Gitte]

It actually turned out to be quite amusing, but will never be one of my favorites, though. I'm glad I finished it!

[Cheryl]

tx for coming back to let us know! :)

[Carol]

Going back to Dune...I have thought from time to time about reading the book as I did like the original movie with Kyle McLaughlan, Linda Hunt, Max Von Syddow (can't remember who played the other main characters)...I skimmed the book, but only a few pages which seemed uninteresting and somehow I got the idea that it would be a hard read...and judging from the comments here, I guess it is...but perhaps y'all would encourage me to pick it up and actually read it. The remake of Dune, which WAS a made-for-TV-movie, and they say DID follow the book more closely, was not as interesting and more confusing. So...what about DUNE was interesting enough to read about? I'd also like to hear from someone who has both seen the original movie and read the book...thanks for your help.

[Shannon]

I couldn't finish Until I Find You and unless anyone has any compelling argument to finish it, it willl remain unread. (I made it 200+ pages in)

[Cheryl]

Oh my. You won't get that argument from me!

[Brenda]

Shannon wrote: "I couldn't finish Until I Find You and unless anyone has any compelling argument to finish it, it willl remain unread. (I made it 200+ pages in)"

Shannon - I agree this one is for Irving "fans" only. I managed to finish but it probably wasn't worth it.

[Brenda]

Has anyone read At Swim, Two Boys and is it worth finishing? I can't relate to it at all.

[Shannon]

Brenda wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I couldn't finish Until I Find You and unless anyone has any compelling argument to finish it, it willl remain unread. (I made it 200+ pages in)"

Shannon - I agree th..."

Hmm, I have really enjoyed other books by him so was hugely disappointed.

Brenda, haven't even heard of that one.

[Cheryl]

I'm reading Men at Arms and am frustrated. Here's the deal: I stumbled on Going Postal a few years ago and was very impressed. So I decided to go back to the beginning of the Discworld series and see if I'd get more out of Going Postal if I'd read all the earlier books. Well, I liked the first few a lot, but I'm getting tired of them. I know, blasphemy, sorry - but *to me* he seems to be too coy, and also repetitive.

So, my question is, should I finish catching up on this series? Or should I skip right to Going Postal? Or??

[Cheryl]

Brenda, At Swim, Two Boys looks somewhat interesting to me, but *long,* so I didn't add it to my to-read list. I'm guessing that if you feel you can't relate, maybe you'll enjoy it more if you consider it a learning experience.

[Brenda]

Had to give up on At Swim, Two Boys - didn't get the history. I am now reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and not enjoying it at all - should I give up on this one?

[Carol]

Brenda, I've heard that the first part moves rather slowly (i.e. not much to like) but that it picks up later. Do you ever skim to the back of the book? I do that sometimes when I get bored, or if it's late and I don't want to take the time to get to the conclusion...then if I like it enough, I do go back and read what I've missed, and sometimes I'm satisfied enough that I don't.

[Linda]

Brenda wrote: "Had to give up on At Swim, Two Boys - didn't get the history. I am now reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and not enjoying it at all - should I give up on this one?" Brenda, I tried The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo twice and really couldn't see what all the hype was about. I could only make it about 125 pages and gave up. I found it really dull and slow.

[John]

Brenda wrote: "Had to give up on At Swim, Two Boys - didn't get the history. I am now reading The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and not enjoying it at all - should I give up on this one?"

I am one of the many who gave up on The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. I lasted about 150 pages. From talking to others and watching the movie that is about when it started to get good, so it my be worth hanging in there a bit longer.

[Brenda]

I finally forced myself to finish The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and for me it wasn't worth it.

[Linda]

Thanks, Brenda, for agreeing with me on this one. I just think there are so many books that are good before page 200 without wasting time on one that takes forever to go anywhere. I'm glad I didn't miss a thing by not hanging in.

[Brenda]

Linda: You certainly didn't miss anything...I thought this book actually got worse after the first 200 pages(ha ha.) I forced myself to finish for my book club (and everyone loved this book except me). This one just didn't get any better for me.

[Chrissie]

Linda and Brenda, I am not going near The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo or any other of Stieg Larsson's books. I learned my lesson when I tried Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the The Da Vinci Code. JUST b/c a book is popular it certainly doesn't mean it fits everybody!!! I do not like crime mysteries.

[Lindsay]

The first part of Girl With the Dragon Tattoo is slow and there are a lot of characters to learn BUT it is totally IMHO worth sticking it out because it gets SO good!!

[Venuskitten]

I am part way through Troubles by J G Farrell - is it worth finishing? There does not seem to be much of a plat and the charactere are not engaging my attention so far.

I am about one third of the way through.

[Jenny, honorary mod - inactive]

Chrissie - then I'm pretty sure you wouldn't enjoy Steig Larsson's books :)

[Carol]

You could try skimming, to see if there is any part of it that you would enjoy, also perhaps you would hit the part that brings it all together (unless it's a non-fiction book) which might bring some sense of closure.

[Cheryl]

Venuskitten, I looked at the reviews of Troubles and it seems likely that if you're not enjoying it now, you probably won't later. Go ahead and move on, I'd say.