My Hurdle

[Mr. Palmer]

Twice, I've attempted to read THE DARK TOWER series. Both times I reach this book and it seems the air comes out of the tire. I just can't make it pass WIZARD AND GLASS. *sigh*

I'm going to give it a third try in the upcoming days, and I've got my fingers crossed that I can make it through this fourth book.

Does it get better after this one?

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

Well, personally Wizard and Glass is probably my favourite DT volume so I'm biased but if you're getting stuck then I'd suggest going on to Wolves.

Though I believe you're missing a real treat!

Long days and pleasant nights

[Mary Strickland]

Start with "Drawing of the Three". It has entertainment on all levels---humor, supernatural. suspense. It my favorite for "weird" humor.

[Spideyman]

This book contains a story within a story. If you can read onward, you might find a surprise. Guaranteed it will open up a great insight into the character of Roland.

[Ubasti]

I have to say that W&G was the hardest one for me. I had read it before and when I finally got around to reading the whole series, I didn't look forward to reading it again. It is important to the entire story though so it is a must read.

[michal]

I was close to goving up on the series with the second and third book, but my advice is: Keep it up. Wolves of the Calla is up 'til this day one of my favorite King books and the story gets faster and way more fascinating.

I know what you're going through - really, I've been there myself. But hang in there and rewards will be plentiful.

[BlackThorn]

Never had that problem. King almost failed to 'get me up' in Insomnia... but I grew up a little, and realized swimming in a shallow pond wouldn't be my forte anyway. I bawled at the end of that book so hard... I remember, I listened to the recycled library audiobook version on the MP3 player in my truck, after I converted the tapes to WAV, then MP3. I remember where I was when I finished the story. It was a dirt road, just off the path Clay took, on his quest for his son. I remember I had to pull over, but you never really encounter anyone on that road, so it didn't matter. But I bawled. My eyes bled right out.

It was just getting into it that bothered me.

Soooooo... DT4 was my favorite dark tower book. Why can't you get into it? Don't you like Jonas? Don't you love seeing Cuthbert young? And alive? Don't you absolutely sway with passion seeing how Roland trained? Can you see Susan? Hotter than all the suns in all the worlds to young Roland? Don't you love how Jonas and Coral make love? Aren't you jealous? "scratching, clawing, biting, swearing..."

The whole book is a game of castles, and everyone is playing. Then again, I longed for this book to come, and King had explained at the beginning of DT3, that he probably wasn't gonna make it through the series, and we might not even ever see a book four. So when I got it, I carried it with me like a baby blanket, for a long time. It had me from the cover. Dunno what it's like to not have that feeling, so I guess I can't help you.

[Cowboy]

Stay the course! It is such a fascinating story.

[MyJadedEpiphany]

I have to agree with John and Spidey. If you miss out on WG, you will come to other parts in the following books that will make little or no sense at all to you. Especially when it comes to Walter. I suggest to keep trucking through because it does have it's benefits. Also remember that Roland is telling the story to his Ka-Tet so there are things happening with them as well as the story continues. I hope you manage to make it through!

[wally wonder]

maybe its the time of the year? winter is the best time for me to read the tower books. or have you switched over to summer air in your tires? that might be it. winter air in your tires during summer can't be good. i can't fathom not reading and continuing if you have gotten as far as you have. wasn't there a multitude of people waiting anxiously for the story to be finished? gotta be the time of the season. maybe try again after the time change if all else fails.