And I am excited for you! I loved "East of Eden," but that said, if it is not for you, just stop!

Here's a little librarian trick: If you're not enjoying a book, put it down, telling yourself, "Maybe I'll try this another time." I can't tell you how many times I've not liked or understood a book, and then when I try to read it again ten years later, I'm a different person, and so the book is a different book (to me). Don't think of it as saying goodbye to a book you don't like, but more like "au revoir"--or, until later.

I wonder if I'd like "Great Expectations" now. Couldn't stand it the first time I read it because I couldn't stand Pip either! Funny.