1) what's the longest time you've spent reading a book?

It took me about 5 months to read "Winter's Heart" because I thought it was boring. "Shogun" was pretty long at 1210 pages, but it was so well-written and interesting that I devoured it in a few days.

2) do you ever get put off by length?

No.

3) what about complexity?

I like complexity. I don't like simplicity that authors try to convey as complex.

4) how long is too long?

It depends on the book.

5) Is there any hope of me making it through Tom Bombadil in this thing?

Yes, you just may glaze part of the way through.