great books, bad beginnings
October 12, 2007 by Cash
Some books are page turners from beginning to end. They’re truly great, and this fact resounds from the first sentence to the last. When I think about my experience with (most) Chuck Palahniuk novels, this certainly applies (Fight Club was one of my fastest reads ever).
Then, there’s the ‘other’ kind of great book.
One that sneaks up on you, slooooowly. Right now for instance, I find myself immersed in the final passages of Aldous Huxley’s seminal “Brave New World”. Frankly, I’m surprised I made it past the first 50 pages, which were mind-numbingly clinical. My fascination with the topics explored pushed me on, but it wasn’t easy.
Another book that follows suit is one which graces the bookshelves of every past and present UM contributor; Ayn Rand’s masterpiece “Atlas Shrugged”. A 1,200 page monster, I didn’t get ‘into’ the story until almost half way through. I never would have bothered finishing if not for a rabid Rand fanboy & friend of mine who coached me along insisting the ends would justify the means. (If you’re looking for a far easier exposure to Rand’s philosophy, opt for The Fountainhead - essentially the same book but infinitely easier to digest).
In the end, I’m grateful for getting through both of these important works.
How about you, Urban Monarch readers? Which great books were slow starters? What made you get through them?
I know someone with a Kitchen Aide Mixer… It’s real nice.
On the subject of Atlas Shrugged, I agree for the block. I read it the first time back in High School, much at the urging of a Rand fanboy friend. Had it not been for my own love of all things railroad, I’d probably not have gotten through the first few chapters. It’s a slow starter, but it’s worth the effort. I’ve since read it 2 more times, which is something unusual for me.
Fountainhead I found to be rather watered down. I dont think I ever bothered to finish it.
-bp
Thanks for the comment Bob. Fountainhead didn’t do it for you eh? I constantly find myself going back and forth on which one (Atlas vs Fountainhead) I prefer. Galt and Roarke are both such inspirational characters. I have found however it’s easier to introduce someone to Rand via Fountainhead (or even Anthem for that matter) than through Atlas.
Neal Stephenson’s Quicksilver, man the first third of that book is a real bear to get through the first time. once you reach that breaking point it really gets moving quickly.
I did however find that going back and rereading the series that i had no where near as difficult a time getting through that portion. it made more sense, and you know where the story was going, so it wasn’t as laborious. completely agree about atlas shrugged, great book, but yeah it took a while to get through heh.
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance was well worth the read, but took me a while to really get into it.