How (not) to judge a book

Nearing the end of "Wolf Hall," with a lot of palace intrigue about what to do about Henry's first child, Mary, daughter of Katherine of Aragon, and now out of the line of succession because the marriage was annulled. Also, about the baby Elizabeth - who will be bumped from the line if her mother, Anne Boleyn, gives birth to a son (we know the outcome, so the suspense isn't all that great). As noted in earlier posts, I'm reading out of obligation to my book group. But when do you quit a book you're not enjoying? Some thoughts on that on yesterday's post, but I add this: I was once on a panel, along with a (then) young thriller writer from Providence, Jon Land. Jon remarked that a book has to grip you right from the start (very true, in his genre), and he said pick up a book in a store or on a shelf, read a few pages (maybe he said paragraphs), and if you're not hooked forget about it. I said that some writers, often the best, require more of an engagement from the reader - they're great because they have their unique way of perceiving the world and of expressing their thoughts and emotions. A few pages is not enough to go on to turn away from Faulkner, Joyce, or Melville. You immediately know you're in the hands of a great genius, but to enter that world requires active reading, true engagement. (Jon graciously agreed with my emendation to his remarks.) Some books, sadly, are the opposite, and I find that though I entered Wolf Hall with some enthusiasm because Mantel's style was distinct and concise, I find by the end that she's just banging through plot points and that the style is so repetitious, so unvaried, that it's like I'm slogging across a great empty plain. Sorry - this book is for some, but not for everyone, or at least not for me.