In what's getting to be a pattern around here, I agree with Olive's assessment. Tehanu comes across like the rantings of the recently-divorced, IMO, and may be my least favorite thing by Le Guin (which is kind of like saying that marzipan-filled is my least favorite kind of chocolate). But The Other Wind is a book that made me weep for joy. It's fantastic.
The Wizard of Earthsea is one of the books that most influences my idea of magic: it's mysterious, noble, poetic, and true. The Tombs of Atuan didn't really do much for me, but it was a good read nonetheless. The Farthest Shore is the kind of book that could start up a cult, in less capable hands. A month after reading it I can never remember the plot, but I remember it as if it were a particularly vivid dream, or else a fairy tale from my childhood.
I would give the books a chance. They're not popcorn books; Le Guin never feeds you popcorn. They're savory, rich, complicated stew books, where you give them your whole attention and read them as if you're ten years old.
Daniel
