Historically, I learned Dickens' work was originally a serial read published in the newspapers. Newspapers no longer hold that spot in our cultural panoply, but paperback books do (or at least did what with the prices now). I remember reading Zelazny's Amber series on an 'anxiously awaiting paperback release' basis. I read the first two Dune books, and watched for the release of the third, Children of Dune; it was also a group thing with those I hung out with in college - to be one of those who read it early (like those who wait in line overnight for some Star Wars movie). (From Wiki: "A sequel, Dune Messiah, followed in 1969. A third novel called Children of Dune was published in 1976, and was later nominated for a Hugo Award. Children of Dune became the first hardcover best-seller ever in the science fiction field. In 1981 Herbert released God Emperor of Dune, which was ranked as the #11 hardcover fiction best seller of 1981 by Publishers Weekly. 1984's Heretics of Dune, The New York Times #13 hardcover fiction best seller of that year, was followed in quick succession by Chapterhouse: Dune in 1985. Herbert died on February 11, 1986.") I gave up after trying to read God Emperor of Dune. I also remember The Green Mile serial in paperback, five thin books, checking the mall bookstore near where I worked quite often to see if the latest was out. They were all quick reads, and you really wanted the next book because you had no idea where the story was going. Reading The Green Mile as it came out in those small paperbacks, was as close to being a reader of Dickens' work in Victorian newspaper serial fashion as I've ever experienced. But then again, for any of this story to make any sense one has to love to read (as people who post regularly on blogs do, I mean, c'mon, we have to read each other soooooo. . .). Culturally, now it's the latest video game; even movies have taken a back seat to video games and gaming in general. Oh well.
The End of History will come not with a bellicose bang but with an illiterate whimper.