What Book Have You Had Trouble Getting Into?

[c marvel]

This thread is a variation on a similar thread in the CD Forums. I've started reading Attack of the Jazz Giants by Gregory Frost at least three times. There is nothing wrong with this book, I just can't get into/finish the first story. I guess next time I pick up this book I'll bypass the first story.

Cap

[Martin]

Anything by Ann Rice. I have tried several of her books. Some of them multiple times. Have yet to be able to finish one. I generally finish books I start, even bad ones. Something about her writing just does not work for me.

[Dave1442397]

Anything by Ann Rice. I have tried several of her books. Some of them multiple times. Have yet to be able to finish one. I generally finish books I start, even bad ones. Something about her writing just does not work for me.

She got weirder as she went on. I really liked Interview with the Vampire, and the next couple of books in the series were ok, but then she went completely off the rails as far as I'm concerned.

[Dave1442397]

The one I've been having a tough time with is Neal Stephenson's Anathem. I go back to it once a month or so, read it for an hour or so, and then drop it again. I think I had five hours left to go last time I checked the kindle.

[RonClinton]

I’ve tried King’s LISEY’S STORY twice, and can not seem to get past page 100. I’ve thrown in the towel; not going to give it a third shot.

[HumphreyBear]

Like Ron, Lisey's Story didn't do it for me. I think I read half of it before giving up. I have never had that trouble with any other King book.

[Martin]

She got weirder as she went on. I really liked Interview with the Vampire, and the next couple of books in the series were ok, but then she went completely off the rails as far as I'm concerned.

I made two attempts at Interview. Just can't read her writing.

[Martin]

I’ve tried King’s LISEY’S STORY twice, and can not seem to get past page 100. I’ve thrown in the towel; not going to give it a third shot.

I enjoyed Lisey's Story. I am about 2/3 through a re-read of Rose Madder via Audible. Loved the first half but since then it is reminding my why I have a visceral hate for the story. I will finish it though. I rated it a one star and am questioning if I was too generous at this point. The second half of this point is pointless to the point of being irritating. The fact that the first half was so good makes it even worse.

[Sock Monkey]

For Whom The Bell Tolls: I made it through, but what a slog.

I actually really like Lisey’s Story. The present day stuff didn’t work as well as the relationship stuff for me, but overall I enjoyed it and I’m not a big King reader.

[RonClinton]

LISEY’S STORY seems to be well-liked among many King fans, which is particularly frustrating as it just bogs and fizzles for me at that 100’ish-page mark.

[Dave1442397]

LISEY’S STORY seems to be well-liked among many King fans, which is particularly frustrating as it just bogs and fizzles for me at that 100’ish-page mark.

Yes, I've read it at least twice. I couldn't remember much about it the second time around, and I'd forgotten how much I liked it until I read it again.

[TacomaDiver]

Gaiman's American Gods.

When I first heard about this it sounded awesome and I was so excited about it. The first time I read it, it was a struggle. S. T. R. U. G. G. L. E The first part seemed to be really good and I enjoyed it, but then it became a slog.

Many years later, I tried again. I was hoping it was just a time and place for me - maybe being older and better read I would enjoy it more. Nope, still a struggle to finish.

I really wanted to enjoy it - I love most of what Gaiman has written (although, to be fair, I remember exactly ZERO about Anansi Boys so it must have be another one I had a hard time finishing) but I just couldn't do it.

I'm ashamed at how many editions I have of this book too. Guessing that I still want to enjoy it subconsciously . . .

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I think the only other book I struggled with that I can remember is Michael Chabon's Summerland. I spoke to a huge Chabon fan one time (Jason Gurley) and he seemed to get why I struggled with it. Plus my distaste of baseball in general, I was already at a disadvantage.

[Dr Eric Vornoff]

Varney the Vampire. The facsimile edition does not make it an easier read.

[brlesh]

The Vampyricon trilogy by Douglas Clegg. I'm usually a big fan of Clegg's work, but I could not get into these books. The first time I tried to read the trilogy I couldn't get through the first book. Tried again a couple of years later and made it through the first book, but only got about 80 pages into the second book before I tapped out. Will not give these a third try.

Big fan of Caitlin Kiernan's work, but I don't think I made it half way through The Drowning Girl before giving up on it. Unlike the Clegg trilogy, I may give this one another try sometime in the future.

I've liked most of the stuff I've read from John Langan (and am currently half way through his collection The Wide Carnivorous Sky) but I gave up on his novel House of Windows at around the 100 page point. The story bored the shit out of me & I had no interest in any of the characters.

On the flip side of the coin, I hated the first 30 or so pages of The Ruins by Scott Smith. At that point I was thinking there was no way I would finish the book. But I did, and it was one of my all-time favorites.

B