I'm not exactly the world's greatest reader. I'm 26 years old, but I would put my reading level at that of an 8th grader's. It's not that I'm incapable of comprehending things, but that I've read maybe 3-4 books between ages 12 and 26 and therefore haven't had enough practice, or so to speak.

No, I am not exaggerating. Even in elementary, middle, and high school, I rarely finished a book. I would bullshit my way through exams, reports, and projects using my friends' help and/or Spark Notes. I would read, at most, 1/3 of a book (if I'm honest). Same with college.

Anyway, 2 months ago, I tried reading R. Scott Bakker's "The Prince of Nothing", but I found that book incredibly challenging to read. A few pages in, I went, "Whoa. I did not comprehend a thing," and felt too discouraged to continue. I had to put it down. I also tried reading Steven Erikson's "Gardens of the Moon", but same thing.

I'm upset because I feel pathetic and dumb. I don't feel like an adult. I realize that I probably bit off more than I could chew with those two books, but still, the 3-4 books thing really has me feeling pathetic. And I'm too stubborn to admit that I should stick to simpler novels. I want "adult level novels", not YA or "things that kids read". It's a pride thing, I guess.