I wouldn’t say school ruined the book, but in most cases I didn’t enjoy that experience reading it.
I read a lot as a kid, but I really don’t remember anything about most of the books I read for school. I retained what information I needed for the test and then moved on.
I imagine I just approached the task of reading differently knowing I’d be quizzed on it and whatnot. I’ve gone back and read some of the books I read for school and enjoyed them.
I am of the understanding that buying books online is hardly worth anything because you don’t actually own anything.
Usually true.
Maybe you own the digital file?
Unless it’s DRM free, no, you don’t. You bought a license to access that content. Just like you don’t own a copy of everything on Netflix. Their licensing deals could change or the provider could just decide “No, you can’t access that anymore.”
Example: there are a bunch of games I “purchased” on Xbox a decade ago that I can no longer download.
I’m told a lot (mainly by my Dad) that its a good idea to print those out to keep them. However, I’m talking about books that are easily 200+ pages.
This is wild.
Like… If you’re worried about something like that, just but a physical copy! It will be cheaper!
Think about it: a regular cartridge of ink for a printer costs ≈$35 and will yield maybe 300 pages?
That’s not even counting the cost of the paper or wear and tear on your printer.
You’re paying the same, if not more, money so you can have a stack of loose paper?!
Why?
Just buy a physical copy.
McCarthy’s style takes a while to get used to.
I restarted the Road a couple times. It was the first book of his I read and I found it difficult to follow initially. Who’s talking? Is this a conversation? Are these thoughts?
But he’s very consistent. Once you get tuned into his style, he’s very exciting.
I recently read Thunderstruck, also by Larson, and I found it to be much more tense and exciting. I knew nothing about both stories in that book though. I’d read Harold Schecter’s book on Holmes before I read DitWC, so that was likely a factor.
But I recommend Thunderstruck either way.