In no particular order:
• Computer programming, particularly in esoteric languages.
• Writing systems of eastern and central Asia.
• The greater body of metal and electronic dance music.
• Marcel Proust.
• Calculus and set theory at the higher levels.
• GMing roleplaying games.
• Writing (which I do).
• Video games in general.
• Chinese mediaeval historical novels.
• Instrument building, particularly circuitry.
• Academia.
• Public speaking.
• Other people.
Comments
i can also do calculus and complain about academia. and explain some circuitry basics, though nothing much to do with music probably. and i know a few things about central asian writing, not much though.
i feel the same way about most of those, with the possible exception of video games (i am intimidated by people who are good at games, but the games themselves either interest me or don't).
^ It's specific games, yes, but there are so many that I would play if I had the skill but simply cannot, or do not think that I can...
i know programmers get really annoying when asked about learning programming so do tell me to stop if that happens
my knowledge of electronic music is less comprehensive because it's more diverse, lots of important stuff is in singles only format and fans tend to be less evangelical about the good stuff
though i know at least a few key artists from like every subgenre so
^^^ You are the best tutor.
Just keep a notebook, and write down the names and nicknames of characters as they are introduced.
It might also help to write one detail with each name.
Or to have one notebook page for one faction, and another notebook page for another faction, and so on.
When you get to the part with the two Dowager Empresses, make at least one family tree and read that part really slowly so you can understand what's going on.
Cross out names of people who die.
It might also help to, every time someone is mentioned as Prefect of Somewhere, to make a note of that. Though there is one point early on where they name all the Prefectures. That will at least help you have a basis for setting up some of the factions and being able to tell Prefects from random soldiers.
I know this sounds slow and difficult, and for the first ten or twenty pages it is, but you'll have something to show for it, and next time you try to start, you'll have notes.
Once Cicadia shows up, you'll probably have a good enough understanding of who the main characters are to just read it as a novel for the next few chapters.
Enjoying it, though. I'm thinking of reading Romance when I finish.