The advantages of giving a book a second read!

[SooBee]

I'm far too feisty for my own good at times and if a book riles me a bit - even about something small - I'm inclined to throw it at the wall and find something else to read. Several university books went that way - until I learned to pick the book up again and try to find out if it actually did have any value...beyond mere entertainment. Not only did this give me a better chance when exams came around, but I learned the value of everything from alternative theories to differing cultural values, through damaged mindsets and clever plot-writing and the simple problems of trying to fit a lot into the small space between the book-covers. I learned to appreciate the efforts of the authors and to respect them a bit more.

So...I read the Deep Winter (Thomas Sherry) series again. I now appreciate the strong lead character as someone from another culture who is doing his best on his own terms. I appreciate the author who has managed to fit a quite extraordinary amount between the covers of his books. Most of all, I value the middle book, 'Shatter', that many people over here find too gun-toting and a little dull. I have misgivings about the sheer enormity of problems that would be a lot less survivable than they are portrayed but I can go with this in the game of breaking us in to how to deal with things that should be impossible. I find I am learning from this author and that he does actually have much to say and offer.

So...give 'Shatter' another read if you threw it at the wall last time.

[Arzosah]

Brilliant, thoughtful post, SooBee ... you're right, I'd thrown it at the metaphorical wall (I have an e-version!). Okay, I'll give it another go

[SooBee]

Best to take it slowly and digest with care. I missed a lot the first time and in amongst the missed stuff was the answer to my questions about the religious domination of Europe. In the second part of the book we see a glimpse of Britain taking a stand as I am sure we would.

The real stuff is in the detail though...even if some of it is owed to Tom Clancy.



Soobee