Yeah, I wish someone had actually taught what these sections mean at school. Many people know how to read, far fewer know how to enjoy reading.

Sometimes I think these things purposely have mini-spoilers that the author condones. For example, if the author feels they have left some deeper clues to a plot point that are missed, these prefaces can draw the readers attention. My logic for this is they aren’t usually the grand finale spoiler.

Personally, I find most books more enjoyable on subsequent readings when I know the plot and I can be impressed with how it unravels and the author has layers the groundwork. In situations where I’m struggling with something particular dense or prosaic, I’ll sometimes read a plot summary so I can just enjoy the beauty of the language.

I remember reading something about Grapes of Wrath (I don’t think it was actually Steinbeck being interviewed) where they were talking about the vignettes acting like broad landscapes that need painting before placing the characters in them. I’ll try and find a link if I can.

Yep, I don’t think a stud will have an issue with that weight, but it depends on how confident you are that you have a very good fixing into it. Do you know you haven’t hit a knot or an area that’s weakened from other screws etc?

I’d definitely err on the side of caution and fix it across two.

I think he ended up there because it was that or jail, however, as he was disruptive, he fell into the trap that still exists today: if they're disruptive, give them something to shut them up. From first hand experience of a mental health ward, if you appear to challenge an opinion or ask difficult questions, more meds come your way very quickly. The patients referred to Quetiapine as with "quit being a pain" as it was used as a behaviour modifier to make the staff's life easier.