Is it just me or are most novels just really dull
polycounter lvl 6
I don't want to come off as a crass neanderthal, but most of the novels that I have read throughout my life seem to have been either too dull or too serious. I never seem to relate to these characters who are almost always too "real" in a sense, even in the fantasy or sci-fi themed it feels more of an escape than an actual fun narrative. I have an easier time relating with more unreal or wacky dudes than what people are trying to establish as believable. Is it just me that feels this way or what?
I am not sure, reading novels really never appealed to me at all for some reason. Throughout my life I enjoyed reading informational science books, the encyclopedia and language books more so than any written narrative, is this odd to you or what?
I am not sure, reading novels really never appealed to me at all for some reason. Throughout my life I enjoyed reading informational science books, the encyclopedia and language books more so than any written narrative, is this odd to you or what?
Replies
I am enjoying the centenial compilation of Conan by Robert E Howard atm....Its really something else.
But i've enjoyed many many books throughout my life to write most down.
Prophecies- I've read a myriad of books from this era and they've been a total snooze, a few books from the 50's like lord of the flies are good, but many of the old tales tend to be racially insensitive, that's kinda irksome.
I imagine that you just haven't come across many novels that thrill you, but there are probably plenty of novels you would love if you read them.
like i know for myself, reading just pure information is boring i rather read things that make me think, not just memorize.
good example of a recentish book, that i thought was amazing is "The in between world of Vikram Lall"
When I was young I used to love reading, but now it's very difficult for me to engage in anything. That's particularly the case for any serious works with developing characters and a main plot. I can't help but remain an observer outside the work, mentally critiquing things as I read. Basically I have a difficult time suspending disbelief and engaging, enjoying the work as just a reader.
There are exceptions but they can be difficult to find. Pretty much any modern fantasy fiction is ruled out, not to say that I dislike fantasy or fiction in general... I think it's because in those genres in particular you can often feel the author seeping through, immediately destroying the credibility. They're often also pretty derivative, playing to a certain audience.
Generally I like foreign works, things that have been translated and feel translated or even from a different time. I find for myself that a foreign approach makes it easier to suspend disbelief. It's sort of the same for movies; if the movie is in a foreign language with English subtitles then I'm more inclined to accept the dialogue and behaviors as they are.
I'm not sure this is exactly the same for yourself, but if it's something similar it could explain why you prefer caricatures over realistic portrayals. Realistic portrayals fall short while caricatures can be accepted for what they are.
It could also be that you just don't like character development, or maybe you just need things to stimulate you in a very fundamental and primal way, which may explain why you can understand the appeal of encyclopedias and wysiwyg characters but not narratives that go for realism. You say you don't relate, maybe you have difficulty empathizing? These aren't personal attacks, just possibilities.
Character development is where it's at in my opinion, so if that's the case then I'd say that's unfortunate. There's sooo much more to a good story than the visceral details and behaviors in my opinion.
If you find discworld boring then you are a lost cause
The first page of that alone is reason enough to rejoice in language and storytelling.
Am I just paranoid here, or?.....
Nevermind. Thought you were someone I knew long ago.
About novels. Yes, I'm sure lots of them are dull. Lots of them are amazing too. They might just not be your thing. Which is fine. There is plenty else to do in life.
Oh god... could it be...
don't watch the movie, it's horrible.
Bag'n'tag spoilers just in case folks.