The book's length, naturally, but more: the commitment the writer shouldered in order to create the work, the commitment Constant Reader must make to digest it.
But like a good soldier, he shouldered the pack and stepped into the White House to do what he could to create at least part of a guardrail system around this mercurial and unstable President.
He shouldered his way to where his daughter was seated and found her as the horns blew for the day's first joust. Sansa was so engrossed she scarcely seemed to notice his arrival.
" A bit old for such, aren't you" ? Ser Jorah had shouldered his way to her side, holding the brass platter awkwardly under his arm. Belwas's hard head had left it badly bent.
Lord Rickard's face was implacable. " Will your amends warm Torrhen and Eddard in the cold graves where the Kingslayer laid them" ? He shouldered between the Greatjon and Maege Mormont and left the hall.
" If I don't fall in the mud" . Sam struggled back into his boots, collected quill and parchment, and shouldered out into the night, the rain pattering down on his cloak and floppy hat.