I readily admit that I’m a fan of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire Series. Heck, I’m re-reading books 1-4 before I pick up the latest, A DANCE WITH DRAGONS, just because it has been so long since I last read them. But when I tell people this, I get funny looks–why would I choose to read about 4,000 pages of fantasy all over again?
I think a lot of people get put off either by the length or the genre, and they completely overlook the fact that these are great stories told really, really well. Re-reading these books isn’t a chore; it’s a delight. But, in good Reading Rainbow fashion, you don’t have to take my word for it. Check out how John Hodgman learned to love the series (courtesy of io9.com).
If you haven’t read them already, go out and pick up the books. Start reading. You still have time before the second season starts on HBO.