I just started the WOT Series

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Dec 4, 2018
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Hi,

My name is Joseph and I have read The Eye of the World and 5 chapters of The Great Hunt. I really love the series especially the vivid imagery that my mind creates with Jordan's way of storytelling detail.

I used to play lots of video games and my girlfriend was not digging it. I quit gaming and picked up reading. At first, it was audiobooks and soon after I would end up reading the book more than listening to it. I found that by reading I would have a better time concentrating on the book and story and not be distracted as much as I get when listening to an audiobook.

I started my fantasy reading with Brandon Sanderson's series starting with The Way Of Kings. Needless to say, I have been hooked on epic fantasy from that point on. I was introduced to The Wheel Of Time by seeing the entire series on the shelves at a local library. It looked impressive and I figured if it was good it would keep me busy for a very long time due to the sheer amount of books in the series.

I started with the first book The Eye Of The World and I really loved the way the story built in my mind's eye and the almost dejavu level of detail as If I lived in this world myself. I feel like I have been to Bel Tine and watched the woman decorating the pole. etc. I finished the first book and moved on to the 2nd The Great Hunt and I have been enjoying it very much.

I want to just let everyone know that every time I go to a goodwill store I look at the books and over the past 2 years I have slowly been able to buy 80% of the hardcover books in the series and 1/4 of the mass market paperbacks. If I find a hardcover to replace a paperback I donate the paperback back to the store. My goal is to have all hardcovers. On a note the dust jacket artwork is incredible.

I want to just say one more thing about myself. I am a Real Estate Broker and have been successful in my job for 10 years. I went to school for the electronics trade. In my years of school (no college) I never read much fiction at all. I failed in English class and struggled my entire life with spelling. However, I seemed to have no issue with reading non-fiction such as Cosmos by Carl Sagan or a book by Steven Hawking or just a chemistry or philosophy book for that matter.

I am happy to tell you that I broke into the fantasy fiction world with Jordan and Sanderson and I am very happy that I did.

I struggle reading out loud and that bothers me because I would love to read to my girlfriend at night, but I can't get the words out smooth enough. I don't seem to have that issue when I read silently and this is something that I have not researched as to why this happens to me.
 

Roheryn ni Galghandhrei t'al'Djinn

SylphrenRoh
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Welcome! Sanderson and Jordan are a great place to start! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask
 

Onis O'Leia

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Welcome to Tar Valon!
 

Jarl Lewin

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A hundred thousand welcomes, Joseph! :beer
 

Elania al'Manir

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Welcome to TarValon.net! :D We're a friendly bunch, so feel free to hop into conversations that interest you, or even start your own. ;)

As for reading out loud, is it something that you can practice to become smoother?
 

Leala ni al'Dareis t'al'Caleum

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I have the same issue with reading aloud, Joseph. Words in my head tend to make a lot more sense than those that I speak. :look:

Welcome to Tar Valon! :joy High fantasy is my favorite genre to read, and I'm glad you've found a good niche with it too! :pleased-1:
 

Catt Heckathorne

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Welcome to Tar Valon! One of my many hats is being a part time literacy tutor for adult learners, so I'll just say that there are definitely resources available if you want to improve your oral reading skills. :)

Also, welcome to the world of RJ! It's pretty fantastic and a series that will change your life! :pleased-1:
 
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Thank you for all the warm welcomes and advice. I will start to practice reading aloud clearly and slowly. I think with practice I can improve.

Question: Can I change my screen name?
 

Leala ni al'Dareis t'al'Caleum

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You can send an email to membership@tarvalon.net along with what you'd like to change it to, and the reason you'd like to change it.

There are more specific guidelines if you go into our Library, then the Membership Manual, then Community Membership, then the link about Pseudonyms and Avatars.
 

Alyria Ess

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Welcome! My husband used to read these books to me over the phone, when we lived long distance. Maybe she could read to you?
 
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Welcome to Tar Valon :)
 
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As we used to say,

Welcome, there's beer in the fridge and nuts all over the board. :D3
 

Satrim Kha'os

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Welcome! It's great to see someone so passionate about the series.
 

Nandi el'Shahir

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Welcome! :) I know I use to have (and do from time to time) issues with reading aloud. I can understand the strugle.
 
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I think it mostly means you need to practise to read aloud. :)
It's a different thing than just reading.

Requires pauses and rythm. :)
 
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