I agree. I see this book recommended a lot and I just did not enjoy it. I related to Eleanor and I made it to the end of the book, but if I could go back in time I would DNF and read something else instead. Just not for me!

I agree with you. I was unable to finish this book.

Homer never says that Astyanax, the son of Hector, is doomed, but the scene where he is scared of his father in a helmet and Hector takes it off and talks about how he hopes his son has a happier life than him is 10x more affecting when you know that won’t be the case.

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I found that the focus of the book was more on her coping behaviors (for self-preservation) and thoughts she developed over time in order to survive traumatic events in her childhood. We begin the book with as little insight as she has into why she's judgemental and solitary, as well as fantasy-driven with the musician. But the clues are revealed to us readers, and I found myself thinking... 'ohhh, this must mean that she experienced...' and more of her past is revealed. The supporting characters are also charming. I listened to the audiobook, and the Scottish accents were marvelous.

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I’ve tried to read it multiple times, both in print and audiobook. Can’t get more than 25% through.

That's great! Thanks :D

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is my favorite book. I recently dove into his other works again and I hate to admit, some of it doesn’t hold up and some of it is simply not good. But he was one of a kind and his moments of brilliance are unmatched.

If it's climate and moisture controlled the bag is defeating the purpose. The bag will seal in moisture and then defeat the controlled env. In addition most books will release some chemicals over time due to ink, paper, color, etc. If you seal that all in the bag it can damage the book instead of just floating away. If it's out of the sun just get a bookcase with a glass door so you don't have to dust and keep them good.

https://www.lcgsco.org/dont-store-books-or-documents-in-sealed-plastic/

Seconded on Gardner's. There's plenty of bookstores to love here but after living in Tulsa for almost 30 years I do miss Gardner's now that I moved

I read this post and felt kind of jealous that the OP couldn’t relate to her! I absolutely loved this book and related to Eleanor so much.

I was playing an improv game named Five Things the other day and someone asked what are five things I want to happen to me after I die. The number one thing that came to mind was having someone blow me out of a cannon.

Erasmus is fantastic. I spend $$$ there every time I visit my parents. (I buy a lot of books; the prices are fine.) The owner is so interesting.

While you're in Columbus be sure to check out Hoffman books! Primarily older books, and just a neat store. Half Priced Books also seems to rotate through their stock frequently so it's always worth a look. I'm new to the area so I still haven't made it to The Book Loft yet.

We're going to be discussing it at https://www.reddit.com/r/ClassicBookClub/ starting March 6.

If a book hasn’t got me intrigued by page 40 then I don’t continue. Life is short.

Prairie Lights in downtown Iowa City, IA. It's a well-stocked independent bookstore that also has a rather nice café/ coffeeshop on the second floor. Iowa City is a really cool college town with lots to do and plenty of opportunity for people-watching.

The Curse of Lono

"A savage journey to the heart of the American Dream."

I read Man in the High Castle, maybe 30 years ago. I was perhaps 15? Likely, too young to fully understand and appreciate the literary value and the story (and story within a story). Read it in the last few months, as a person with a little more life and found an entirely new admiration for it. Though, I’ll admit, if not for the Amazon series of the same name, I likely would have missed out on picking it up again.

It's a book about trauma, abuse, and mental illness. The fact that you can't relate to Eleanor is a good thing. Use it as an opportunity to practice empathy.

Then, I guess you can just try it and see.

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EDIT: When you say "Plastic sleeve", I was picturing a book cover made of plastic. I don't know what you are referencing at this point.

It's a really good book! One of my faves 😁