Wow! I guess the book was too deep for some of youse...

At first I didn't think I'd enjoy it because I was shutting my mind off at the mention of "Sci-fi" and "Mars" - but then I read a more in-depth description and I think I'm really going to enjoy it. I'm definitely looking forward to it.

I didn't vote, but I'm definitely in!

I'll pick it up tonight!

So I read like half of it . . . its more interesting to read about the Greek Characters in the Iliad the way Dan Simmons is writing it.

The guy did his homework. I am pretty familiar with Shakespear's sonnets but I have to confess to never reading much of Proust.

Okay, as I mentioned earlier, I ordered this on Wednesday from half.com. It arrived today!!! That's super-fast shipping! Just in time for my trip this weekend. Hopefully I'll be able to get through a good bit of it, although it is pretty thick!

How are you guys doing with this? I am almost finished and would be, but I reread harry potter in honor of the upcoming movie.

Do you guys want to wait the full month? Or start say talking about like a 150 pages a week?

I'm really surprised but I cannot put this book down! It's great! It's taking me a while to get through it though. I think I'm on page 175ish. I usually read much faster, but this book is big! I find myself wanting to skip over the storyline w/ Mahnmut and just focus on the chapters w/ Hockenberry and the Troy stuff.

I think we should start discussing it. I know I was confused about some of the objects the author made up...but they're all starting to all fall into place. I think some early discussion might help clear up some confusion down the road.

Actually I did that. I read the entire Troy Drama to the end and then went back and reread, I have like 20 pages to go or some such.

It really brought the plains of Ilium to life I thought, althought it really helps to have a working knowledge of the Iliad, the Odyssey, and Shakespeare.

OK. I'm a little behind. I was trying to get this at the library, but it's on a wait...and I didn't want to pay full price, so when I saw this note, I went to half.com and got it for $3.33! It has a little water damage according to the description, but the seller has good feedback, so I took a chance. Hope my shipping is as fast so I can get started! I'm a fast reader, though...so I'll try to catch up to everyone as soon as I can!

I'm a super-fast reader, but this book is taking me a while to get through. James mentioned the print is smaller and there is more of it on a page, plus this book is like 575 pages I think. Also, there are lots of unusual terms you have to keep track of as you're going along. Not saying you can't get through it - just saying don't be surprised like I was if you can't read it as quickly as you normally would.

Oh, and be patient - things will become clearer the more you read.

That's my friendly advice for the day! :D

How are you kids doin with this book?

I read it, and reread Harry Potter 3, 4, and 5, as well as one other novel.

Any of you even half done lol?

Still plugging away. I'm so busy these days, I don't have time to breathe, let alone read... (yet somehow I have time for GC...)

I'm finding the book a bit tough to get into. Too many wildly disparate storylines.

Okay kids, anyone finish yet?

I finished it this weekend. Man - talk about a cliffhanger! I guess I'll be (not so) patiently awaiting the next installment.

Is anyone even close to being finished?

I did mention that I finished that book and 5 others didn't I? :p

I am having trouble getting into this book.
So instead I re-read Harry Potter 3, 4 and 5 too.
Now I'm starting back at The Philosopher's Stone.

I say those of you that have finished, why not get discussing?
Perhaps make a new thread so those who are still reading don't stumble across any spoilers?

I vote for ON the Road.

Okay, I'm going to start reading On the Road. Anyone want to join me?

Borders is having this huge sale...buy 3 books and get the 4th free. On the Road is included in that, as well as many other classics, including 1984, Catcher in the Rye, Brave New World, East of Eden, The Pearl, Farewell to Arms, To Kill a Mockingbird, etc. Just FYI.

I agree-go ahead & start discussing. Maybe reading some comments will motivate me to finish it....

And I'm on board w/On the Road for the next book as well....

I'm kind of glad I skipped this one, considering the response so far! Let's not let James pick the book again, ok? :p

I'm going to try to pick up On the Road sometime in the next week or so.

I'll pick an easier book next time. . :)

I LOVE Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. I have read the book several times and seen the movie a zillion times. Me and my mom went to Savannah a couple of years ago in December. It is absolutely beautiful. We visited Sonny's office, the diner where they eat alot in the book and movie, Mercer house (just the outside), and Bonaventure cemetery. My mom even bought a "Bird Girl" statue like the one in the movie, in the cemetery. We also went to the Carriage house behind Mercer house. It is now a gift shop and the gentleman that works there has the most wonderful southern accent that I though only existed in movies.

If you have seen the movie, I highley recommend you read the book. It goes in to greater detail about the very colorful residence of Savannah.

i dont know how i missed this thread....i guess i have to wait for the next book, since I missed this one, I could go pick it up at the book store tomorrow though, when does discussion start on this book? Illuim....right?

We need a "fun" book, I think Hitchhiker's Guide is perfect, besides it will prepare people for the up coming movie. :D

Are we forgetting about the"Illium" discussion and moving right on to the next book?

James and I have discussed the book via instant messenger. If anyone else here has read the book, then we can discuss it in this thread. Otherwise, I don't see any point in discussing something when no one has any new perspectives to add to the discussion.

I've finished the book... I'd be interested in your perspectives.

Is Olympos out yet? I didn't see it on Amazon, and I just have to know what happens next :)

Ok, cool. Thanks.

Hahaha...me too! That was the first thing I asked James was if he knew when the next book was coming out.

Well...okay, let's discuss. What did you think overall? Did you like it? I thoroughly enjoyed it - although I had my doubts when I read the description. I found myself skipping some of the chapters so I could read ahead on the Iliad storyline and then I would go back and read what I missed about the Mahnmut storyline and Ada storyline. Those didn't hold my attention as much.

Did anyone else notice quite a few editorial errors/type-o's that could have been corrected? I think originally Savi's character was to be named Siri...unless I completely misunderstood. But at one point Savi was referred to as Siri...then I never saw that name again.

I was a bit put off by some of the gory details in many of the battle scenes (I believe it was chapter 9 that was one of the worst). But, I guess it helped to pull you into the story as if you were experiencing it in person. I just have a weak stomach for those types of things!

I thought it was neat how in the Forward to the book he sort of foreshadows his writing style and how the storyline was going to progress (based on his experiences playing war as a child w/ his collection of random toy soldiers).

What do you foresee happening in the next installment?