I agree it has a painfully slow start. I enjoyed Kaladin's story line much more but even that dragged in the beginning, making me feel I was in a rolling prison with a dull lifeless view (maybe that was the point). I had to force my way through almost three quarters of Shallan's story line, usually reading it only to get to the next Kaladin chapter. However once I hit the second book I was pretty much hooked and am anxiously waiting the third.
That being said, I am in the same situation with The Lord of the Rings, as others have stated as well. My philosophy with books and beer is; if you are not enjoying it, dump it and get another one.