On Sunday I finished reading River of Stars by Guy Gavriel Kay.
On Monday I tried to start another book.
I only managed a few pages. The new book’s prose couldn’t compete with Guy Gavriel Kay’s prose. I found I couldn’t read it, couldn’t focus on the story beyond the words.
I don’t want to name the author, because, truthfully, she’s not a bad writer. I’ve read her other books. I’ve enjoyed her books before and never had a problem with her prose. It’s as good as most other writers out there. It works.
But it can’t compare with the prose in River of Stars. It just can’t. The prose is poetic, vivid and clear. It is a pleasure to read and it works on many, many levels. I hadn’t quite realized how much I enjoyed the prose until I started something else.
It is difficult to go from poetry to plainness.
I have never ever reacted like this before. (I think I waited a while when I read my last Guy Gavriel Kay book before going on to read something else.) It’s amazing.
I’m amazed. I feel like I may be ruined for most other prose. I am not sure what else I can read – who else I can read! – that will be as good.
Story Treasury 
Thank you for reading this along with me, Sonia. It helped to be able to chat about the book as it grew more complex, even if you are a way faster reader than I am! And I’m glad I have company this weekend and won’t be able to start another book soon after it. It is a very hard act to follow.
It helped me too! Reading with you is fun. Yeah, it is. Might be best to let it sit for a few days before moving on to something else.
It may be time to start a support group: Guy Gavriel Kay has ruined me for all other authors!
I feel your pain. When you need to, read something else from his back catalog.
LOL Yes, considering The Lions of Al-Rassan actually.
I finished it this morning at exactly 8:52 am. And I could not move or even think about getting up and starting my work day. I just sat there coming to terms with and enjoying and absorbing and internalising the exquisite and profound and beauty-full story I had just read.
Oh I know I know. I did that for the last book and I should have done it with this book.