It is interesting to me that you read all of the books even though the first one didn't speak to you. Maybe the more important question to ask is why you felt compelled to continue reading in spite of your dislike of the works? Perhaps there is something that you don't want to admit was compelling and worth slogging through or maybe you are a masochist? No matter the reason, it seems that the books have something to teach you even if you still dislike them upon further reflection.
I lean more to being a masochist simply because I really wanted to know why are these classics loved so I figured even if it's hard to do, I'll read them in full.
Plus I am a patient reader and I kept thinking there will be bigger plot / action payoffs further ahead. Sadly that didn't happen.
So you are not very off-mark, yeah. Still though: these books in particular taught me to be a less patient reader.
