The Sword and Laser discussion

As with Ringworld, I decided to go with the audio version, and a group listen. At chapter 4 we started playing Zombie Dice, cause we were nodding off. We listened to chapter 6 twice, thinking we missed something. We stopped at the end of chapter 7, I assume in the next chapter we will finally be exploring the Ringworld of title, and I feel like I should be at my most excited about the story RIGHT NOW, but I can't get into it.

Maybe it's the dated pop-culture psychology, or the voice that sounds like the narrator from the late '70s Winnie the Pooh movie, maybe it's my own ignorance. I don't know, but I want to give this book a fair shake, so I need help.

Why should I love this? What is unique about it? What am I looking forward to? Any help to get excited would be appreciated!

In a different direction, why not read it to each other? With lots of energy? Could be fun!

Second that idea. It may be the book's simply not for you but taking the narration out of the equation might be helpful to see if it's that.

So simple, but so brilliant. Consider me trying that one, I will report back tomorrow!

If anyone else has another idea, though, please keep sharing.

Read the text? This has always seemed to me a big risk with audiobooks ... the narrator can compromise an otherwise decent book. Of course narrators can also help a just decent book rise above the text too.

Well, it turns out the thing to do, is have a wide variety of tastes in the room. Once one of us started liking it, it became more enjoyable for all. Just about to start C-20, thanks for the suggestions!

I'm enjoying the audio. I think the narrator creates a good tone, but then I've just read nine Dresden book back to back, so I'm all actioned out :) I can see how it'd bore you to sleep but for me, it's relaxing but still definitely keeping my attention.