I had almost the exact same reaction. Perhaps if it wasn't so hyped, I would have approached it differently. I wondered if it was the kind of thing that was unique in its day, but just didn't translate now. I read it several years ago, so my memory is not crisp, but it certainly didn't make me want to read more Salinger.

Some of them. I reckon those authors who employ a stable of ghost writers to churn out works under their name would be able to make use of these so called "AI"s.

First of all, if you do have some kind of undiagnosed disorder, that’s totally ok. If it’s something like ADHD for example, it basically means your brain doesn’t produce as much dopamine as neurotypicals, so you really need something more engaging than 1984 to keep you invested. 😅

I feel we tend to overhype the classics and it makes it embarrassing to say “actually that book is boring as hell.”

You’ve listed some doozies that are honestly difficult to stick with, especially if you haven’t been a huge bookworm your whole life.

If a book is not engaging you, abandon it and try a different one. Start with modern ones that can feel more relatable. You will eventually land on your niche book interests. I think there are books out there for everyone, but there’s so much pressure for readers to get through the classics.

You listed some sci-fi and fantasy, so I would recommend NK Jemisin, Rebecca Roanhorse, Octavia E Butler, Kurt Vonnegut, and maybe Jeff Vandermeer and RF Kuang. They have much more fast paced books with relatable characters and plot twists that made my jaw drop.

Good luck!!!

AI can replace anything I think. It's just a matter of time.

Ohh thanks for this. Happy to hear about it.

girl have you heard of critical thought and analysis?

Eh, I doubt it's a disorder. None of those books you named are particularly light, easy reads. I remember it taking me a while to get into Lord of the Rings (I was 15 when I read it, 29 now), and even once I was finished I'm not sure I had a full appreciation for the writing style. It's one I plan to go back to. Whereas with Game of Thrones/ASOIAF, I loved the first 3 books while taking a lot of time with them, trudged through the 4th and DNFed the 5th.

Like others have said, maybe try a less ambitious undertaking and see if you like it. I know it's one of the go-to books to name, but I read the first Mistborn book and loved it, and I'm currently on Well of Ascension (book 2). It's just deep enough with its lore/magic system but not extraordinarily complex or heavy, for me at least, and the writing helps with that.

I loved this book, and if you ever want to read it again, get the audiobook. It's narrated by actor Will Patton, and is excellent. I can still see all the settings in the book, just thinking about it now.

My issue isn’t with the depiction of DV on its own.

My issue is that the book is FREQUENTLY advertised as a romance. And neither relationship is particularly healthy. And for a younger audience in particular, who are gravitating to her books because she’s a popular author and, frankly, her writing style is easy to read, it’s uncomfortable to see THIS book advertised that way. Especially because, to my knowledge, nothing’s been done on her end to discourage it.

Put away the internet while reading. Seriously, just don’t look at any of your devices. It will destroy your flow.

I apologise, I mistook the meaning of your original comment

I found this quote in an article from a newspaper in Botswana, from an interview with Sheila Tlou, the Health Minister, who played Mma. Ramotswe in a local theater production:

>“I believe in a lot of things that Mma Ramotswe believes in. She embodies all that I believe about Botswana; that it is a great place to live in. She stands for the nurturing of values such as botho, compassion, and caring for other humans.

>
>She captures our appreciative and thankful nature. She is the kind of humble character that even expresses a lot of happiness for having been bought a second hand radio,” she says.

https://www.sundaystandard.info/tlou-oco-camera-lights-shoot/

Me too! I like this series more! It’s a lighter read and more entertaining for me

I just read a comment on Goodreads from a Batswana woman who has studied his work as part of her MA thesis in the University of Botswana. She said that there are significant gaps in how he represented the culture and his books shouldn’t be taken or sold as a representation of Batswana culture. The characters are also seem to be based on colonial stereotypes. I’d love to hear more from Batswana people as these books are about them and they’d be in a better position to say if they are accurate representations of the culture. The stories are cute, and I get that he grew up in that culture and know more about it than a regular English bloke. But I think it can be problematic that the stories are told from the perspective of Batswana women, which can send the message that that’s how real Batswana women think or perceive things.

number9dream is indeed a trip! The name is very fitting in my opinion.

OH MY GOSH YES. I love so many aspects of Murakami's writing style, but I really really struggle a lot with the sexual bits.

i just don't think taylor jenkins reid books are for me. i listened to the audiobooks and although it enchanced the experience of the book and i didn't care for the characters in the end and daisy annoyed me the most (i really wanted to like her in the beginning but ¯_(ツ)_/¯)

I'm glad to hear others love re-reading their favourites. I feel as though there is almost this pressure to only read new books with all of the social media-esque reading challenges, but I often feel as if I can't fully enjoy a book until I've re-read it! Often the more I re-read a book, the more I enjoy it :)

The Morganville Series by Rachel Caine

The Beautiful by Renée Ahdieh

Sookie Stackhouse series by Charleen Harris

Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

That must make it particularly special for you :) that's so great to hear

I just love how Holly is written.

The part with the apple got me in particular. I personally loved any chapter from Holly's point of view as I just love her character. Same with Marinus. And I love the last chapter for including Mo :)

Ghostwritten has also accompanied me during some very very rough/shit times. I'm glad it provided you with a sense of comfort as well.

My favourite chapter (at the moment) is probably the Moscow one. Not sure why though. I also love the Tokyo one and the mountain one. And all of them! Haha I can't pick :)

I am so happy to see someone getting into Ellroy! He's one of my favorite writers, and the LA Quartet is pure gold. L.A. Confidential is amazing, and The Black Dahlia is a gem too.

He's working on a new quartet right now, set during the war. The first two books, Perfidia and This Storm, are out. I loved Perfidia, but haven't read the other one yet.

Glad to hear you liked it! I have yet to read Utopia Avenue and I was wondering whether it incorporates lots of magical elements/is similar in style to Ghostwritten and/or Bone Clocks?

Heart Berries by Terese Marie Mailhot