We all have at least one: the title(s) that you still haven't finished weeks, months, even years after you started reading it, but nevertheless you are determined to finish... someday.

Let's commiserate. What's on your stuck book list?

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[–] fireweed@lemmy.world 15 points 1 week ago (3 children)

For me currently, it's Ursula K LeGuin's The Left Hand of Darkness. I'm a little over halfway through, but for whatever reason I can't seem to read more than a few pages before I have to take a break, making progress really slow. I also struggled to get through A Wizard of Earthsea, even though I enjoyed the setting, plot, and characters, so I think the problem is simply a matter of not jiving with her writing style.

Fortunately the book isn't in high demand at my library so renewing it hasn't been an issue, but I just picked up three other books (holds that finally came in) and I've been struggling to justify starting them until I can get LHoD finished first. Ironically one of the new books is a long-time stuck book for me: as a teenager I dropped Xenocide midway through (IIRC it wasn't as fast-paced as the first two Ender books so I got bored) and now years later I've challenged myself with finally finishing it.

[–] captainlezbian@lemmy.world 7 points 1 week ago (1 children)

LeGuinn in general has a problem where she does a lot of slow world building and the "can't put it down" part is pretty late. I started with LHoD and felt for a lot of it like I must not jive with her style, but then it hit and I not only couldn't put it down I couldn't stop thinking about it. I've learned I need to be ready to slog a bit when I start her books despite loving them

[–] fireweed@lemmy.world 4 points 1 week ago

Nice to know there might still be hope for me yet!

[–] Eq0@literature.cafe 5 points 1 week ago

The left hand of the darkness was such a revelation for me! I think I might have read out in two sittings.

I also didn’t know LeGuin at the time and picked the book up because it was one of only two books in English at a second hand shop. The other was “This is Water” by Wallace. Didn’t know him either, loved that book too.

[–] shalafi@lemmy.world 3 points 1 week ago

Tried that book 3 or 4 times. No idea what it's about, just can't care. Saw it on my tablet for the 100th time while looking for a new book. Just don't think I can try anymore, but I feel I'm missing something great.