Now I have to add GWTW to my TBR. I grew up near Atlanta and practically have the movie memorized, but I’ve never read the book. And about Gone Girl—totally agree about not being willing to spend time with insufferable characters who show no sign of any redeeming traits, or even a satisfying downfall. (I’m not talking about the ones you love to hate, just the banal and annoying characters.) I’ve found a lot more modern novels have that trait than old ones…maybe because the old ones didn’t last?
GWTW is such a great book! I can't imagine it won't make my top 5-10 of the year. I have come to believe that redemption and hope are essential for me to make a great story. I don't mind going through a lot of evil and bad stuff to get there but I just couldn't spend anymore time instead minds that were so evil.
Very interesting thank you for sharing Ryan. The Martian is one of a few films (less than 10) that I can watch almost indefinitely. I’ve read the book once and it goes even deeper than the film (because it has the time to do so) - thanks also for the mention of the author’s video of how he wrote it. I’ll definitely look that up.
Finally - interesting general comment about when is the right time to abandon a book. Certainly not when the reading gets hard (otherwise no one would ever read Moby Dick in its full form I’m sure) - but I think you’ve identified it in stopping Gone Girl - if we as the read can’t identify with, empathise with or learn from any of the charters - and reading is hard work - then that’s a good time to stop. And 25 - 30% of the way through that’s unlikely to change. However - one exception is “Still Life” by Sarah Winman - lovely beginning, I struggled with the scenes in London - then wonderful final 2/3. Fortunately someone whose opinion I value convinced me to pick it up again after I had stopped in London.
The Martian is definitely one of my top movies as well. I agree on when to quit audiobooks or books in general. I am getting better (as I read more books) at identifying what doesn't work for me with a book. Some I can tell right away (those are typically more modern books). And sometimes the time is just not right and I can feel myself forcing it. I often find when I come back to a book it is often a better time and my enjoyment is much better.
Hey Ryan, been reading you since long before Substack, still love your work. Thanks for the GWTW prompt, I am putting that high on my to-do list. Question: I am re-reading the LOTR trilogy 30 years after the first tumble; however, with that and most other reads over past 8-10 years, I find my concentration wanders off after just a few pages, and I have to force my focus back into the story. Takes the joy out of the read. Any suggestions on how to MRFU - Make Reading Fun Again?
I appreciate the support, David. This could almost be a whole newsletter to answer your question, but here is my advice off the cuff. I would choose something that you are truly excited about to read. Not something that feels like an obligation or to-do. If that is LOTR for you, then stick with it. Our attention has been stolen from us in many ways, so it is something we all struggle with. When I am having a hard time focusing, I give myself short time frame goals. Start with just 10 minutes. See how it goes. Also keep your phone in another room. Also, you might try to switch to the audiobook while following along with the physical book. Then you are engaging more senses and that helps with focus. Most importantly, read whatever excites you because focus will come more natural in that case. Hope that helps
Now I have to add GWTW to my TBR. I grew up near Atlanta and practically have the movie memorized, but I’ve never read the book. And about Gone Girl—totally agree about not being willing to spend time with insufferable characters who show no sign of any redeeming traits, or even a satisfying downfall. (I’m not talking about the ones you love to hate, just the banal and annoying characters.) I’ve found a lot more modern novels have that trait than old ones…maybe because the old ones didn’t last?
GWTW is such a great book! I can't imagine it won't make my top 5-10 of the year. I have come to believe that redemption and hope are essential for me to make a great story. I don't mind going through a lot of evil and bad stuff to get there but I just couldn't spend anymore time instead minds that were so evil.
Gone with the Wind is so good. One of my all-time favorites.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it! The movie was good too but not like the book
Like a perfect time capsule, a complete picture of the South in that era. So vivid. Yes, the movie is different but also good!
Very interesting thank you for sharing Ryan. The Martian is one of a few films (less than 10) that I can watch almost indefinitely. I’ve read the book once and it goes even deeper than the film (because it has the time to do so) - thanks also for the mention of the author’s video of how he wrote it. I’ll definitely look that up.
Finally - interesting general comment about when is the right time to abandon a book. Certainly not when the reading gets hard (otherwise no one would ever read Moby Dick in its full form I’m sure) - but I think you’ve identified it in stopping Gone Girl - if we as the read can’t identify with, empathise with or learn from any of the charters - and reading is hard work - then that’s a good time to stop. And 25 - 30% of the way through that’s unlikely to change. However - one exception is “Still Life” by Sarah Winman - lovely beginning, I struggled with the scenes in London - then wonderful final 2/3. Fortunately someone whose opinion I value convinced me to pick it up again after I had stopped in London.
The Martian is definitely one of my top movies as well. I agree on when to quit audiobooks or books in general. I am getting better (as I read more books) at identifying what doesn't work for me with a book. Some I can tell right away (those are typically more modern books). And sometimes the time is just not right and I can feel myself forcing it. I often find when I come back to a book it is often a better time and my enjoyment is much better.
Hey Ryan, been reading you since long before Substack, still love your work. Thanks for the GWTW prompt, I am putting that high on my to-do list. Question: I am re-reading the LOTR trilogy 30 years after the first tumble; however, with that and most other reads over past 8-10 years, I find my concentration wanders off after just a few pages, and I have to force my focus back into the story. Takes the joy out of the read. Any suggestions on how to MRFU - Make Reading Fun Again?
I appreciate the support, David. This could almost be a whole newsletter to answer your question, but here is my advice off the cuff. I would choose something that you are truly excited about to read. Not something that feels like an obligation or to-do. If that is LOTR for you, then stick with it. Our attention has been stolen from us in many ways, so it is something we all struggle with. When I am having a hard time focusing, I give myself short time frame goals. Start with just 10 minutes. See how it goes. Also keep your phone in another room. Also, you might try to switch to the audiobook while following along with the physical book. Then you are engaging more senses and that helps with focus. Most importantly, read whatever excites you because focus will come more natural in that case. Hope that helps