" Some people may not give this book an honest review because of the fact that it is a classic. The bluntly honest truth is that this book is DULL. If you talk to anyone who has read moby dick, they might give you an impression that the book is largely about Ishmael, a captain and a conflict with a whale. While the book IS about Ishmael, IT IS NOT MUCH ABOUT A WHALE OR CAPTAIN , not in the sense that everyone makes it out to be at least. In fact, neither the whale NOR the captain is even introduced for a very large portion of the book. Sure, as an english literary courses compulsory read, the book contains many elements that a good book should. The book has a very large amount of discription and you can imagine yourself in his position easily; however, the book moves at a snails pace and is virtually void of excitement for the first half or so at least. (besides the fact that Ishmaels friend is... interesting). All in all, this is not a book you want to read just to say you have read it. Honestly, some books you never want to put down... this book you never want to pick up. "
— Conrad, 1/27/2014