I also have to begin with a Hmmm. I suppose one's idea of "good writing" is subjective. But for my own experience I cannot get swept away no matter how good the story if the writing is what I consider "bad." The test for me (and very few modern authors have passed this with a 100) is whether I ever begin to skim. If you want my breakdown >>>> -- Shamrocks & Stones

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Date Posted: 12:23:23 02/24/09 Tue
Author:

susiej
Subject: I also have to begin with a Hmmm. I suppose one's idea of "good writing" is subjective. But for my own experience I cannot get swept away no matter how good the story if the writing is what I consider "bad." The test for me (and very few modern authors have passed this with a 100) is whether I ever begin to skim. If you want my breakdown >>>>
In reply to: celtgirl 's message, "Hope no one minds if I post sort of off topic here, but I was at bookclub the other night and now have a question to ask you all." on 08:39:16 02/24/09 Tue

I never skimmed during Harry Potter though I was a bit let down with the last book. I guess I wanted to see more of Ginny Weasely and I got tired of the misery in the woods.

DD is an absolutely fantastic writer but I admit, on some of her long descriptions of Persin palaces in PinF, I skimmed. It was too much info- like she'd done her research and I was going to have to know it!! I just wanted to ge to the story.

DG- way too many weird side weavings- most noticeably in Voyager but hey, I love her characters and Outlander was well written.

Twilight- I really liked the character of Edward and Carlysle. Loved her take on the werewolves. But actually got bored in scenes that were supposed to be suspensful and there were way too many "he looked into her eyes, with an intent an burning gaze for a long time...." I didn't finish the series. I felt the writing got worse, and I disliked Bella more and more, but it's a best seller, so who am I too judge?

The Bronze Horseman's first couple pages, I was like- what is this?? I wouldn't have stuck with it if it hadn't come so well rec' ed, but her writing did get better as it went, and I did fall in love with Alexander.

Stolen Child- I liked a lot, but the end with the organ concert seemed out of control to me- loved the changeling's end- so beautifully sad.

So what's my perfect? Well, O Pioneers is a book in which every sentence is beautiful and necessary and I end the book wishing I could be with them more and with my heart all tender.

And I've never, ever skimmed on LOTR, want more- my heart is twitching- but I LOVE fantasy and to me, that's the best its ever been done.

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I have to confess, that I have on occasion "skimmed" in DD's books. When she puts in foreign phrases that I can't possibly translate, and some of the political stuff I occasionally get bogged in. But I've come to trust her, she always makes sure the reader "gets" the important stuff. I recently described reading DD as like doing yoga, you can get the basics, or, for those who are capable, she puts much more in there. And, like yoga, you may not be able to get to those deeper levels until you have lots of practice under your belt! (NT) -- PeggyB, 12:28:08 02/24/09 Tue
- Well, I think as many of you know, I had to try 'Game of Kings' a few times before my inner ear adjusted. I just knew I had to not worry about all the phrases and poetry the first time round, or I'd get bogged down. I get a little more understanding with each read. Also though I find I have to 'cleanse my palate' after a DD read, with something much simpler. (NT) -- celtgirl, 12:30:03 02/24/09 Tue
  - I think I'd be surprised, and very intimidated, to meet someone who "got" LC on the first reading! GofK would definitely be on my list of things to have on a desert island. (NT) -- PeggyB, 14:04:15 02/24/09 Tue
    - Speaking of desert islands - someone posted this site a long time ago and I printed it off. I refers to which book you re-read most often, influenced you, is a favourite as well as the book you would take to a desert island. It's bang-on in my opinion!>>>>>> -- Denise, 16:43:48 02/24/09 Tue
      - Thanks for this link ! I printed it off to give to a friend who teases me about my obcession with everything Scottish. (NT) -- FranS, 18:28:22 02/24/09 Tue
      - "this scumbag of a protagonist" bwahahaha!!!!! This is terrific, Denise. One of the hardest questions I have to answer is when someone, seeing me with a volume the LC, asks me "What's that book about?" I'm curious how the rest of you answer that question? (NT) -- PeggyB, 19:36:34 02/24/09 Tue
  - I had to skim through the political stuff and foreign phrases in my first read of LC or I became distracted and lost the continuity of the story. I love character-driven books, so the other stuff is window dressing, interesting and all, but not always essential to my enjoyment of a book. (NT) -- Denise, 16:33:10 02/24/09 Tue

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