Reddit is the least awful, but it is by no means a place for regular civil discourse haha, so I agree there.

I mean, why not both? But yes, my life is definitely better since deleting the TikTok app.

Snap crackle pop! EDIT: this is my corny way of saying "mic drop"

Not just from book fans, but pretty much fans of anything. I'm more selective with how frequently I interact or even what I share my opinion on these days, but fortunately, the older I get, the harder it is for me to be emotionally invested in online strangers' opinions about my opinion. And I say that not to be dismissive, but rather as someone who used to be very sensitive regarding this.

5 stars- one of the best books I've ever read/one of my favorites of all-time.

4 stars- very enjoyable; would probably read again

3 stars- decent enough one-time read

2 stars- didn't hate it but don't like it either

1 star- avoid at all costs

Eh, I doubt it's a disorder. None of those books you named are particularly light, easy reads. I remember it taking me a while to get into Lord of the Rings (I was 15 when I read it, 29 now), and even once I was finished I'm not sure I had a full appreciation for the writing style. It's one I plan to go back to. Whereas with Game of Thrones/ASOIAF, I loved the first 3 books while taking a lot of time with them, trudged through the 4th and DNFed the 5th.

Like others have said, maybe try a less ambitious undertaking and see if you like it. I know it's one of the go-to books to name, but I read the first Mistborn book and loved it, and I'm currently on Well of Ascension (book 2). It's just deep enough with its lore/magic system but not extraordinarily complex or heavy, for me at least, and the writing helps with that.

Glad to hear it. I deleted all my personal social media accounts back in March (for similar mental health reasons and others) and have managed to read more than I have in years. Sure, sometimes I feel like I'm "missing out," but I'm really not. Also, I'm 29. :-)

Funny how pre-conceived expectations can end up being so different from the reality. Glad you gave the book a chance and fell in love with it yourself. Also, thanks for your recommendation; I picked up East of Eden from my local B&N yesterday. :-)

In complete agreement. I found myself tearing up at many moments as well. The slow burn is a big part of the reward of reading the book. :-)

Fair enough. I guess I wasn't looking for believability when I read it. I thought there was a delicious irony in Edmond being able to rebuild himself from scratch after being in prison for all those years, and that the more powerful he is emphasizes all the more how much he lost (Mercedes, his father, Morrel Sr.).

Second-ing this! I read the book over the course of about 3 months. There were times where I was tempted to just fly through to the ending, but I kept prolonging it and believe it definitely enhanced my reading experience. The story just feels much more rewarding over a gradual period of time versus binge reading it; you truly feel the years that have passed and the gravity of the story's events.

Thanks!

That's part of the tragedy of the story for me. Because of him being wrongfully imprisoned and having what was to be the best moment of his life ripped out from under him, Edmond (upon learning who was responsible) becomes solely fixated on revenge. So, by that point, there's no longer enough room for Mercedes in his heart, at least not until she comes to him pleading to spare her son. But his actions weren't for Mercedes, they were solely for himself.

I thought so, though I can't tell if you're saying that's a good or bad thing (or neither).. This is my first post ever in this group, as someone who rarely ever posts to reddit. Any similarity to other posts is purely coincidental, and since the book has a reputation as a classic and a must-read, I guess it's bound to happen. I imagine out of all the people who read this book, the amount of people who post about it still pales in comparison.

Thank you, I think. :-)

I love this comment! I had been planning to read it for awhile with some urging, and then just finally took the plunge. It wasn't long before I was hooked and, for me, it never let up. Also, it really hit me at the perfect time in my life. I look forward to many re-reads of it down the line as well. :-)

You summed up why I loved the slower parts. It felt like there was a purpose to it all, almost like the reader feels the need for revenge the way Dantes feels it.

The only part where I may have felt a bit bored is the chapter that introduces us to Albert, I think. Franz is pretty fascinating to me because he's the first to meet the Count (albeit in his Sinbad the Sailor disguise).

Thank you for the recommendation. I haven't read much if any dark fantasy, but I've heard of First Law. That definitely sounds appealing to me, as does Best Served Cold.

Both great choices. Ironically enough. I'm looking to re-read Lord of the Rings soon (read it back in 2009 or so when I was a sophomore in high school ). I'd recommend Monte Cristo first, just because Lord of the Rings is arguably more dense. Can't go wrong with either, though.

I had the same thought about an HBO series! That would be most ideal.

Four more books related to Count of Monte Cristo, or by the same author?

Fair enough, I've heard this sentiment from people who don't love the book and I understand it. That said, I feel differently. I love everything in between, seeing the mental "chess matches" the Count is playing and trying to figure out his intentions, how he's gaining the faith of all the players on his chess board. I absolutely love all of it and found it riveting. And then the ending really sticks the landing. But I can understand how some would check out around the time he returns to France.

I've heard this opinion before and will respectfully disagree. The middle portion is what made the ending so sweet for me. Felt like a lava slowly boling to the surface, and the ending is the volcano erupting.

Probably did. I guess it's such a great book that people are excited to share their thoughts after finally reading it.