Oh man, there are so many books that fit this prompt. Any book longer than 500 pages. Any book with difficult language, including dialect (Trainspotting, A Clockwork Orange) or just general impenetrable language like Ulysses. Most classics because I’m out of practice with the language of the period. Any book that I know is going to be emotionally difficult to handle. Any book that requires a lot of investment in mental world-building, so most fantasy books and many Sci-Fi. Oh, and scary books! You Like It Darker by Stephen King is listed in the fiction section of this year’s BookTube Prize, which I’ve signed up to judge. I’m terrified that I’m going to get it in my book selection when I’m up – which means I probably will if history is anything to go by (I was terrified I’d get Ducks, Newburyport because it’s huge, and of course I did). I’m sorry Mr. King, but I absolutely do not like it darker. I don’t even like it medium-dark.
If any of you who are braver than I have read You Like It Darker and can offer some words of reassurance I’d appreciate it! I can handle violence, but not creepy horror! How dark are we talking here?
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Not brave at all. I skip every dark, horror genre I can.
Nice post.
Haha! Yes, me too!
Ulysses was so tough. I don’t think I could slog through it again. Darker isn’t for me these days either, so totally understand where you’re coming from. Don’t mind the long books, but I would much rather read three shorter ones than one long one these days. Thanks for sharing.
I did not get very far in Ulysses, as I didn’t even understand what was going on! I felt like I needed a translator. I agree with your other points wholeheartedly!
I have to admit, I feel quite a bit of trepidation when I pick up a book with 500 pages or more. Ideally I like to read books of a round 300-ish. I will read longer books, but sometimes it feels like a slog.
Me too. the 300 range is the sweet spot!