To each their own - but I couldn't get past 50 pages of that series. Just not for me. Got mad respect for Martin. The tv show however is somewhat more tolerable for me - It has its slow moments but over all i've been impressed with the production.
Maybe I'll go back and give the books another try.
The fist book took me two goes at getting into. The first few chapters were a bit weird, but once you get past that and into all the story arcs it's intricate and awesome.
That's what I've heard. Ok You sold me - i'll give it another chance. Don't make me regret it!