I love this forum, especially since books can be discussed endlessly. I see what you're getting at pilotbob about today's society being in a hurry. It's a stressful information society we live in, and a lot of people feel to restless to even pick up a book with all other distractions available.
As for Mysterious Island I found it boring, personal preference, but not because I was in a hurry. I just thought it was to much with endless explanations. As for the Paks series I read it in turbo speed because I couldn't put it down once I got started
