188 replies to this topic

[Dracarya]

Lord Ashford, on 08 March 2012 - 05:21 PM, said:

Mustn't forget about those people who just flat out refuse to read books. Frankly, they deserve a fate worse than Ned Stark.

Seriously, if these reluctant people just gave them a try, I'm sure they'd get hooked. One of the easiest series of books I've ever read. In any other situation I'd look at a pile of books as high ASOIAF and groan about it being too much (as a former English Literature student, I know all about mountainous reading lists). With ASOIAF, there just isn't enough!

My cousin is also an English Lit student, and she said that after Paradise Lost, this is nothing I agree, people just need to prioritise! There's this 'Get Britain Reading' campaign which is excellent, where you have to pledge to read for 10 minutes every day. I'm like, only 10 minutes?! But it's actually shocking and saddening that some adults still can't read and write

[OnionAhaiReborn]

Fire&Blood, on 08 March 2012 - 05:26 PM, said:

My cousin is also an English Lit student, and she said that after Paradise Lost, this is nothing I agree, people just need to prioritise! There's this 'Get Britain Reading' campaign which is excellent, where you have to pledge to read for 10 minutes every day. I'm like, only 10 minutes?! But it's actually shocking and saddening that some adults still can't read and write

How can any person in the Western world avoid reading 10 minutes a day? Even if it's just stuff on the internet? That is a pretty low standard, Britain!

[AnotherHedgeKnight]

yeh it takes me at least 10 minutes to read half these posts.
I have good news after posting a link of one of the season 2 trailers i may have gotten a couple more people to watch it

[Dracarya]

OnionAhaiReborn, on 08 March 2012 - 05:28 PM, said:

How can any person in the Western world avoid reading 10 minutes a day? Even if it's just stuff on the internet? That is a pretty low standard, Britain!

For fear of getting into a massive societal debate, there are huge areas of deprivation in England, whereby a lot of people don't own computers. I found it shocking that so many people cannot read or write, what with the educational opportunities now available to all, but a lot of children tend to get overlooked in schools in such areas, as there are a lot of anti-social children taking up the teacher's time and attention, so it's not hugely surprising when I think about it. There is a huge cultural divide as well, with a lot of ethnic minority communities believing they do not have the same opportunities as white children do (whether or not this is true I cannot say for every area). Then the idea of the self-fulfilling prophecy comes in, that if they believe they will not have the opportunities, they do not take them, and so become what they believe everyone else thinks of them. This is what my assignment was on, so it's still fresh in my mind!

Basically, Britain is turning to utter shit, and more should be done to help these children from deprived, rough areas, instead of focusing on stupid things like shutting down the internet

@AnotherHedgeKnight: well done! the trailers are amazing, I'm not surprised they keep pulling people in! My friend has watched episode 2 of season 1, and is loving it. See, people just need to give it a chance! It doesn't take much

[AnotherHedgeKnight]

The cast they have also makes it alot more desireable as a show especially if their from your own country eg for me the inclusion of aidan gillen in the cast was a big bonus as last year he became a superstar in the irish acting

[Aenima]

Lady of Oldcastle, on 08 March 2012 - 05:17 PM, said:

No. That is the curse of those who have read all the books and are blessed with all the knowledge of westeros.org. We are damned to shut our mouths and live in agony.

It's going to be painful trying discuss season 2 with my friends.

[Dark Rider]

Out of my immediate family and friends only my wife has read any of the books.  Only my wife and mother have seen the HBO Series.  My wife is two or three chapters into A Storm of Swords.  My wife at first refused to read the book as she was of the opinion that it was written for men and that there would be too much fighting, blood, and gore. However, I finally convinced her to read the book so that we could talk about it without me spoiling anything.  So far she loves it and while she not reading through the books as quickly as I did she does seem to like it a lot.

I'm not a fan of science fiction or fantasy fiction, but I'm a HUGE fan of A Song of Ice and Fire.  Anyone who decides not to read these books is deciding to miss out on a great life experience.

[Impish Grin]

The TV series first got me into A Song of Ice and Fire. It wasn't until my sister gifted me the first four books that I started to read the series. I'm currently beginning the third book and enjoying it.

Me and my sister read the books. My husband has watched the TV series, but is taking his sweet time to read. I keep poking him to get A Game of Thrones started. Most other people I know who've watched the TV series have no interest in reading the books, unfortunately.

[Dark Rider]

I think most people are introduced nowadays to books through their formal education in primary school and later on as they progress toward their high school diplomas or even bachelor's.  In other words, they're forced to read books they would never pick-up themselves and as a consequence reading becomes a choir or labor with negative reinforcement.  So some folks just will never get into reading and will prefer the escapism of television or movies instead. Some folks just might be so pressed for time in this stressful, two working parent, multi-tasking, global business world that simply can't find the peace and quiet to read a good book.

When it comes to fantasy fiction you need a bit of imagination as well and tails revolving around European medieval cultures might not translate well to people of different cultural heritage.  It's easy for me to see myself in the stories, because I happen to be of English descent and can trace my family name back to the Doomsday Book.  I don't know if the series was about tribalism in Africa if it would have captured my interests to be fair. That sounds horrible to say, but I'm an honest person and not always a politically correct one.  I studied African political systems at university and have read books as a part of my course study, but I don't go seeking them out for pleasure/recreational reading.

Edited by Dark Rider, 08 March 2012 - 09:10 PM.

[Ser Dermett Corbray]

Funny you should say that. I remember one of the best books I read at uni being one about tribalism in Africa Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. Check it out, it's fantastic and not too long either.

I think having that little spark in your imagination helps when it comes to getting interested in a book. I'm a bit of a nerd for history books; before I started reading ASOIAF I was reading a weighty tome by Adrian Goldsworthy about the life and career of Julius Caesar. Became so absorbed by it I managed to work it into my dissertation on Shakespeare's Roman plays. As we know, the history of nations, of households and of people is a massive part of what makes Martin's work so enjoyable and I think that aspect especially engaged me as a reader.

I think as soon as people find that one pull that brings them into the series, that one character who forces their way into your heart, there's no turning back. Next thing you know you're up at 2am posting ramblings on here.

Edited by Lord Ashford, 08 March 2012 - 09:20 PM.

[Ravenhair]

Baitac, on 08 March 2012 - 04:36 PM, said:

I don't even know what to say about this. My husband's way of saying the same thing your husband is saying is by saying:"nothing's happening". Aaaarghhh! What is it about them!

Your post made my day because you have me crying laughing.  I have also heard the "nothing's happening" comment, along with "where are the battles?"  Seriously?!!!  I second your Aaarrghhh!

[Dark Rider]

Having gone through George's (I call him George, but maybe that's too familiar) commentary on the Blu-Ray he definitely takes great interest in the strategy, logistics, and tactics of a military campaign much more so than the actual battle. I like that a GREAT deal, because as Sun Tzu said in the Art of War a battle is won or loss before it even begins (paraphrasing).  So, George pays a lot of attention to the geography, which has been known to win and lose wars as well as the supply lines.  Napoleon said armies win battles, but logistics win wars (again paraphrasing).  I'll tell ya for a peace loving hippie from the 60's who I'm sure abhores war George sure understands it very well and that comes across in his books.  That kind of thing interests me more than just having one battle after the next.  I don't want a book that reads like a play-by-play of an MMA match, but then again I'm the kind of guy who will sit and watch dry military documentaries on the history or military channel on a rainy saturday.

I love how George captures the importance of highly effecient military maneuverability in Robert's Rebellion and how Stannis himself seeks to understand how he did that so well.  Very much like Patton who just advanced so rapidly the sheer speed of his force made it difficult for the enemy to counter him effectively.  I love that about this series.  If it was just these two armies meet on the field of honor and hack and slash away then it would be boring to me.  That said George gives us the payoff of a military battles throughout the series.  The Battle of the Blackwater was so incredibly well told I felt like I was there knee deep in Water hacking my way through it.  Anyone who thinks there isn't enough action in this series is suffering from A.D.D. in my opinion.

[atia-]

Dark Rider, on 08 March 2012 - 10:48 PM, said:

Anyone who thinks there isn't enough action in this series is suffering from A.D.D. in my opinion.

Agreed...I can see people getting a little bored through AFFC and ADWD, but not enough action in the first three books?  Something must be wrong with you!  I couldn't even put the books down....let alone ever be bored!!

[Ravenhair]

Dark Rider, on 08 March 2012 - 10:48 PM, said:

Having gone through George's (I call him George, but maybe that's too familiar) commentary on the Blu-Ray he definitely takes great interest in the strategy, logistics, and tactics of a military campaign much more so than the actual battle. I like that a GREAT deal, because as Sun Tzu said in the Art of War a battle is won or loss before it even begins (paraphrasing).  So, George pays a lot of attention to the geography, which has been known to win and lose wars as well as the supply lines.  Napoleon said armies win battles, but logistics win wars (again paraphrasing).  I'll tell ya for a peace loving hippie from the 60's who I'm sure abhores war George sure understands it very well and that comes across in his books.  That kind of thing interests me more than just having one battle after the next.  I don't want a book that reads like a play-by-play of an MMA match, but then again I'm the kind of guy who will sit and watch dry military documentaries on the history or military channel on a rainy saturday.

I love how George captures the importance of highly effecient military maneuverability in Robert's Rebellion and how Stannis himself seeks to understand how he did that so well.  Very much like Patton who just advanced so rapidly the sheer speed of his force made it difficult for the enemy to counter him effectively.  I love that about this series.  If it was just these two armies meet on the field of honor and hack and slash away then it would be boring to me.  That said George gives us the payoff of a military battles throughout the series.  The Battle of the Blackwater was so incredibly well told I felt like I was there knee deep in Water hacking my way through it.  Anyone who thinks there isn't enough action in this series is suffering from A.D.D. in my opinion.

Agreed, but my husband was not as completely enthralled by reading about the Battle of the Blackwater as I was.  

Funny comment about the A.D.D.  My nephew was diagnosed, and my husband said I've had that shit all my life, so maybe you are on to something....

In any case, whether suffering from A.D.D. or not, I agree the books are a treasure, and everyone should encourage others to read, read, read.

[Dark Rider]

dannister, on 08 March 2012 - 10:56 PM, said:

Agreed...I can see people getting a little bored through AFFC and ADWD, but not enough action in the first three books?  Something must be wrong with you!  I couldn't even put the books down....let alone ever be bored!!

Exactly. AFFC and ADWD are bit low on the action scale, but it's all about build-up for that great payoff.  I'm confident the payoff is going to be HUGE in the next two books.  Understanding everything and everyone that goes into these battles prior to when they take place just makes me as the reader that much more invested in what happens.

[Dark Rider]

Ravenhair, on 08 March 2012 - 10:57 PM, said:

Agreed, but my husband was not as completely enthralled by reading about the Battle of the Blackwater as I was.  

Funny comment about the A.D.D.  My nephew was diagnosed, and my husband said I've had that shit all my life, so maybe you are on to something....

In any case, whether suffering from A.D.D. or not, I agree the books are a treasure, and everyone should encourage others to read, read, read.

I'm sorry to hear that your nephew has been diagnored with A.D.D. that's not something that's easy to deal with I'm sure. If you've read through thousands of pages of ASOIF I wouldn't peg you as someone with A.D.D..

I tell my wife she's a crazy woman all the time, but it doesn't mean I actually think she's insane.

[Baitac]

Ravenhair, on 08 March 2012 - 10:37 PM, said:

Your post made my day because you have me crying laughing.  I have also heard the "nothing's happening" comment, along with "where are the battles?"  Seriously?!!!  I second your Aaarrghhh!

I have a feeling my husband is way older than yours and yet they are so similar in their "limitation/ quest for stuff to happen". It goes to show you. Did I see you are an atty.?

[Baitac]

Dark Rider, on 08 March 2012 - 11:24 PM, said:

Exactly. AFFC and ADWD are bit low on the action scale, but it's all about build-up for that great payoff.  I'm confident the payoff is going to be HUGE in the next two books.  Understanding everything and everyone that goes into these battles prior to when they take place just makes me as the reader that much more invested in what happens.

I would love to extend the story to a third book. Maybe he can finally allow the kids to grow up a little, and we would get more books. Then the payoff can br huger for longer!

[Baitac]

Fire&Blood, on 05 March 2012 - 01:12 PM, said:

I was just wondering how many of you have friends or family members (or newly-found boyfriends ) who have read these amazing books, or at least watched the TV series? I'm constantly posting pictures, youtube videos and trailers on facebook, sharing my ASOIAF wisdom with the world, and barely anyone bites! I've said it elsewhere as well, but I have one friend who has read up to the middle of ACOK I think, watched season 1 and that's it, he gave up; another who watched episode 1 and thought it was too much for her. Anyone else is like "Oh, wow, the books are really long, I can't be bothered"

Thought I'd share my frustration with you guys, who understand my pain

I want to thank you for choosing a nice topic. It has been fun and nice people have shown up. Will you be able to watch on April 1st? I know you don't drink much, but I wonder if we should come up with a drinking game. Maybe one should drink anytime Hodor says Hodor. You can drink a soda!

[TheHalfman]

Fire&Blood, on 05 March 2012 - 01:12 PM, said:

Thought I'd share my frustration with you guys, who understand my pain

I've brought people the joy of Ice & Fire.  Before the HBO series started I got my father to start the Game of Thrones book (by buying him a copy).  HBO didn't even matter to him, because he doesn't even own a TV.  Typically in the past he was just a hard sci fi reader and he loved GoT and quickly devoured them all and had to borrow my hard back copy of Dance With Dragons.

Then I got my brother to start Game of Thrones about 4 months ago, once again someone who doesn't necessarily care about HBO (though he wants to borrow the bluray).  I'd been telling him about it for years but he doesn't read many books, I guess once our dad started talking about it too he just had to see what all the fuss was about.

My only failure was with one of my best friends, but he has ADHD and loves partying way too much.