content: Annie Proulx's "The Shipping News" is one of my favorite books. A story so sharply written that I've held simple phrases in my head for years - unforgettable. I was thrilled to hear about "Accordian Crimes" and even broke my wait-until-it's-in-paperback rule. Forked over the bucks for the hardcover and took an afternoon off from work to dive in. Well - such a laborious, dry, unengaging read that I put it down after about 100 (or was it 1000?) pages. Tried again weeks later, thinking I wasn't in the right frame of mind the first time. Again - that wall of boredom. Either I just wasn't getting it, or there isn't anything to get. Got FABULOUS reviews in my area papers - maybe it's just me! (Try her others: Heartsongs, Postcards, Close Range - all very good.) I'm so sorry, Ms. Proulx, but I gave it my best!