Well, you can try starting Deadhouse Gates. Some people have done that, but it's not a good idea. If you tried to get through GOTM THREE times, then yikes...it's not for you. However, once I got to Memories of Ice, it was all worth it. It's STILL my favorite and I'm 89% in the Bonehunters.
What got me into Malazan was being told that it was the reason Bakker got published. That, and the fact that I was already aware of how the story was being told. Oh, and some spoilers...