John L’s Comments (group member since Mar 16, 2013)

John L’s comments from the r/books group.

I think it is extremely important to follow through and review the books as best as you can. I actually feel sort of bad when I win because I do not have a huge following for my reviews, but if the right person gets a giveaway and reviews it, then that can mean big things for the author and even just having some, hopefully, positive reviews on their book can be a boon. I only put my name in for the kind of books I think I'd be interested in and I make it a point to move them up in my personal queue.

I want to add that I really think there is a pretty big pacing problem in FfC and DwD. I believe I heard that he fired his editor before these ones and it shows. These two definitely felt more like he was moving the pieces into place for the last two books though. If the dull parts of characters playing chess help George make an epic ending then I will be very happy.

Forgot that Dance with dragons is actually in my profile pic. Lol.

I've read most of them and watched the show. By most, I mean the last three. Book readers may not like it, but I understood what happened in the first two books well enough after the first two seasons. I like the books a lot, but, man, there is a lot to remember. Every now and again I'll look at the Westeros wiki and find another character or event that I don't remember.

Oh, and I'll never forgive George for ending Feast for Crows on a Sam chapter. I hate Sam.

I look forward to hearing what you thought about it. I'm about 20% through right now and enjoying it.

Yes, Shipping News did that quite often. Quoyle would consider possible headlines for the things happening to him. It is pretty neat to see a connection in that to Ulysses. I'll have to get around to that eventually.

A movie version of Stain? No I have not. I listened to the audio and liked it a lot. I look forward to all of the Roth titles I have lying in wait.

I'd also love to hear your thoughts when you finish Human Stain. I have grown quite fond of Philip Roth.

Portnoys Complaint! Yes! That was to be my next read anyway.

Dang, you're quick. I'm about that far as well. I really enjoy Don Dillilo and his prose. I agree it should be a quick read.

I'm currently on White Noise by Don Dillilo if that one might interest you... It's short and I've been told it's very good.

I just finished it, but would be happy to discuss it with you if you'd like.

I don't know about specifics, but I am very much looking forward to this summer because of all the extra time to read! The Shipping News took me months. I need the ability to get through a book much quicker.

If a book gets picked that's on my shelf then I'll be happy to join in.

Hahaha. That reminds me of the cat facts prank on reddit. Someone is going to some extreme lengths to inform you of cats.

Gah. I never saw this thread. I got the odd gaming magazine, but that was like 3 years ago now. It is hard for me to see the appeal when articles published online are readily available and (sort of) free.

I may eventually be persuaded to pick up a magazine one day, but I've yet to buy one as of yet.

I have thought about it, but still only get so far as writing a small bit for someone else before scrapping it or forgetting about it. I am not sure I'll ever seriously sit down to write much.

I enjoyed The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. I did sort of drift through some parts, but I liked the silly humor. Just don't go looking for a real plot as you may be disappointed.

I need need NEED to get Don Quixote this holiday season. It is my mission. I will get this book, find a guide to read with it, and master it so no reference to it will ever catch me unprepared again!

I didn't make mine, but I'm not disappointed. This was actually my first full year since I got back into reading, so I am quite proud with myself. Sure, many of the books I read were audiobooks, but over 100 was still not too shabby!

Not sure what my goal will be for next year. I might make 2. One for audiobooks and one for physical books.

So, to all those reading it, how is it going so far? How do you like it? Just thought I'd poll the opinions.

My real guess would be Wednesday's using some form of magic charm. It sounds like a cop out, but this has been Wednesday's intention for a long time now (view spoiler)[(Just read "Low Key", Shadow's prison buddy's, name out loud to yourself) (hide spoiler)]. More realistically, what else is Shadow gonna do? He doesn't have very much going for him. He's fresh from prison with a dead wife. The outlook on his life is pretty bleak without Wednesday.