The Golden Compass didn't do it for me. Or the Lovely Bones. I tried just couldn't like it. I thought by reading the inner cover I was going to love it. BOOOORRRING.

Shelby wrote: "The Golden Compass didn't do it for me. Or the Lovely Bones. I tried just couldn't like it. I thought by reading the inner cover I was going to love it. BOOOORRRING."

Yeah, I read all of the Dark Materials books and was left wishing I had done something better with my time, like cleaned my toilet.

Is the book like the movie?

Everyone in my book club loved The Handmaid's Tale and I hated it. It was one I couldn't wait to finish. The Poisonwood Bible I also didn't like although I can't say I hated it.

Wendy wrote: "Everyone in my book club loved The Handmaid's Tale and I hated it. It was one I couldn't wait to finish. The Poisonwood Bible I also didn't like although I can't say I hated it."

Ooh, someone else. That makes me feel a bit better :)

Mandy Sue - The book is like the movie although the movie ends earlier in the plot of the book. I also liked the book better (although I did enjoy the movie) but couldn't really stop envisioning the characters from the movie...

I liked the movie but I hate they made it to have a sequel. I think I'll add the book to my TBR list. Thanks Sonja!

Well, the book isn't a stand alone so they were just going to continue with the story. The thing I didn't like too much about it, after reading the book, was how it ended without the climax of the actual story... Plus, they omit some things from the movie in general.

I'd love to have a chat after you read the book!

Sonja ~ That's how I felt with the movie and I didn't even read the book yet. They just kind of cut it off without bringing it anywhere.

Yes, let's chat after I read this one. =)

Mandy wrote: "I can't say I hated these books but I certainly didn't like them as much as I thought I would from all the hype and they just seemed very "two stars" for me:

The Lovely Bones - there was just so..."

I thought The Lovely Bones sucked! First of all, what kind of title is that for a book about a murdered child. Jeezum Crow, you have got to be kidding me, and nooo you di'nt!!! Furthermore, even if it was possible, it would be a really terrible idea to inhabit someone's body with your dead self!! Did the host agree? I read it but can't remember. Why? Cuz the book sucked!

Oh yeah. I also hate it when someone says, "You are going to love this book", or, "you SHOULD read....". Just because you loved it doesn't mean I will, and I SHOULD do whatever the heck I want to do!! My ex practically ran in the other direction when he heard a woman say to me while I was shopping for GOOD READS (not the lovely freakin bones thank you) "Oh, you really HAVE TO (omg, no I don't) read The Lovely Bones, you will LOVE it!" (Oh heck no I won't!!) I cut her some slack, smiled indulgently, and vowed never to belong to a book club. This is my first and I feel like I finally vomited up The Lovely Bones. This might be good!! :)

I thought lovely bones was a good story. I did'nt like the part so much as what had happened to the girl.What I liked the most was she was able to see her family from the place she was at and see what they were doing and missing her. She also was able to see how much friends and family cared. If and when the time comes I am in her shoes I would still love to see my kids and family.

I do get that, but with all due respect, what about the family? Wouldn't it kill (oops) you to see them suffering? In any event, you aren't alone, it was a best seller for....idk forever it seemed.

I didn't like The Lovely Bones or The Time Traveller's Wife - it's almost too scary to admit, it seems like EVERYONE likes these books!

Hi Chris That's why I never joined a book club! Putting myself out there to be judged, like marching in protest against war on an army base! I didn't like The Time Traveller's Wife either. Wanna talk about Bridges of Madison County? Lol.

The Lovely Bones, Time Traveler's Wife and The Lace Reader = ugh!! Did not like those three books at all.

I have to agree with you, Nadia. I didn't hate those books but I was like "huh?' after I finished them. Also The Historian and The Thirteenth Tale.

I'm just gonna say it--I loathe James Patterson. I have tried several times to read his books and have actually finished one. I don't get AT ALL why he is so popular. But that's just my personal thing---please don't flame me!

Mary wrote: "I have to agree with you, Nadia. I didn't hate those books but I was like "huh?' after I finished them. Also The Historian and The Thirteenth Tale.

I'm just gonna say i..."

I have to agree with you on Patterson, his books only irritate me, he puts out too many and they aren't quality, atleast in my opinion!
David Sedaris is another one, people rave about how funny his books are and I just don't see it. I tried two of his and couldn't finish either one.

Thank you Nadia and Roberta it feels great to be in good company!

Mary wrote: "I'm just gonna say it--I loathe James Patterson. I have tried several times to read his books and have actually finished one. I don't get AT ALL why he is so popular. But that's just my personal thing---please don't flame me!"

I can't stand him either. The writing is just horrible, in my opinion. And I don't care if they do want to flame me, it won't make me like him any better. But I'm glad he (and a string of others I don't care a twit for) is out there because there are lots of people reading who might not otherwise, and that's a good thing.

I agree with you chicks about James Patterson. I have tried to read his books but just cannot get into them. Bad writing and it seems like all his stories are the same. UGH! I have friends who rave about his work, but I just don't see it. Different strokes.

The Lovely Bones, Still Alice and Olive Kitteridge A Novel in Stories are three that come to mind immediately. I wonder what I'll think of the movie The Lovely Bones....

Kathryn, I know Olive Kitteridge, though I loved it, was not so appreciated by others. But what was it about Still Alice that you didn't like?

Kathryn...THE MOVIE?? Omg. It never ends. And I have to say that I am 60 or so pages into Olive Kitteridge and haven't been reading at all because I feel obliged to finish. Why? I don't know. Maybe because it won the PULITZER PRIZE! Talk about feeling guilty. I started thinking that I'm possibly just....illiterate? You have validated my feelings, Kathryn, and I am not going to finish it!! Oh how liberating!

Elizabeth wrote: "Kathryn, I know Olive Kitteridge, though I loved it, was not so appreciated by others. But what was it about Still Alice that you didn't like?"

It seemed dry and rather somber (not that the subject matter isn't). I normally like that type of book and I have to admit I didn't read more than about 50 pages before moving on to something else...it's interesting how a book captures you sometimes from the very firt page and others never make a connection.

Roberta wrote: " Kathryn...THE MOVIE?? Omg. It never ends. And I have to say that I am 60 or so pages into Olive Kitteridge and haven't been reading at all because I feel obliged to finish. Why? I don't know. May..."

No, no it's The Lovely Bones that's a movie. Do not feel badly about not finishing a book. There are so many books that take use away, inspire us, makes us happy, sad or all of the above, that I do not feel badly if one doesn't catch me. Although, it does surprise me when one is so well loved and I just don't click with it....There are SO many wonderful books that are recommended, reviewed and suggested here that I know I will never get them all read. So, Roberta, on to something you will love....

I agree that Still Alice was a bit more clinical, non-fiction sounding, than the fiction that it is. I do think the truth behind Alzheimer's is so clearly stated in this, though.

Nicholas Sparks is out for me, although I like Nicholas Evans.

The ones I don't understand why people like are the "Shopaholic" series.

Thanx Kathryn! I love books period. And I really don't feel too bad about not finishing one. I'm just surprised, as are you, when I can't relate at all to a book that's widely read and loved and wins a prestigious award. (didn't give me a moments pause to scoff at The Lovely Bones, but I will now give that one a rest!) You are so right, there are SO many books yet to read. I'm very very excited to belong to this site. To me there is no greater gift than a book that ends up being a friend and mentor for a time! Does anyone else go through a period of "grief" after finishing a beloved book?

Roberta, I often feel positively desolate after finishing a really good book. It's as if nothing else will be good enough after that, so why should I bother? Sometimes I'll go a whole day before starting something else. Call it a mourning period.

Luckily, the world is full of good books.

Harry Potter
Twilight

Eat, Pray, Love - I finished it but WHY DID SHE PUT HERSELF THROUGH ALL OF THAT - jeez loueeze.

I REALLY like the movie Under the Tuscan Sun, but couldn't do the book.

I see a few people have mentioned they didn't like THE HANDMAID'S TALE...and this is the only Atwood book I really loved! I have such a hard time with her--often I abandon her books after 50 or so pages--while one of my very good friends is a huge Atwood aficianado.

That's one thing I love about Goodreads--it reminds me of the subjective nature of liking a book. I always like to hear why people have different tastes and opinions than my own.

A sophisticated, educated, but down-to-earth reader friend effused over The Da Vinci Code back when. The worst. Rot (even with suspension of disbelief). I'll read silly premises with a captivating story, but not when badly written too.

I'm with everyone who said HARRY POTTER!! I teach English.. I should love these because my kids do, right? So boring. I just don't love that little nerdy protagonist.

I also never got into the Hunger Games. Ehh.

Terri wrote: "I thought lovely bones was a good story. I did'nt like the part so much as what had happened to the girl.What I liked the most was she was able to see her family from the place she was at and see w..."

Terri - I agree. I wasn't reading/hearing the crime in the book. It seemed a minor part of the story. I kept feeling her struggle with letting go of her life. I was reading it when my mother died unexpectedly. Being in the middle of that book, it absolutely haunted me and soothed at the same time. I have a fear that the movie may put much more emphasis on the rape/murder and finding the killer. For me, that wasn't what the book was about at all. Perhaps it was just the time I read it.

I think all books strike people differently at various stages of their lives and life/events.
I can't bring myself to post books I didn't like. It feels like too much of a judgment against those people who found some other meaning in it. Although I'm not afraid of admit a certain genre doesn't grab me. Some book discussions I end up just lurking in because it didn't work for me. Half the time I learn something from someone else's perspective - thanks to all you thought provoking, articulate ladies.

Well said, Nancy.

Nancy wrote: "Terri wrote: "I thought lovely bones was a good story. I did'nt like the part so much as what had happened to the girl.What I liked the most was she was able to see her family from the place she wa..."

Very well atriculated...I, too feel odd when I don't like a book someone else really enjoyed. I listened to the author of Still Alice, Lisa Genova today on a podcast and she was so honest and poignant that I want to try the book again. She has another very interesting book she's writing, Left Neglected, that comes out in January 2011 (www.leftneglected.com) I agree in what you said that much of what we like or dislike has to do with the stages of our lives. Thank you for your candor.

I am reading Still Alice just now, I'm not sure if "enjoying" is the right word. I am certainly finding it unsettling and it is a very emotive story. I have considered putting it down as I'm not sure if I'm ready for this just now but something is driving me on.I will be interested to check out whatever else she has written/writes

I did not like The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver, and In Cold Blood by Truman Capote. They did not interest me and took me forever to get through. When I got to the discussion's everyone was raving about them, and I was like ughh.

Jessica wrote: "Wendy wrote: "Everyone in my book club loved The Handmaid's Tale and I hated it. It was one I couldn't wait to finish. The Poisonwood Bible I also didn't like although I can't say I hated it."

Ooh..."

Oh, thank you. I thought the Handmaid's Tale was just dumb.

Carrie wrote: "I'm with everyone who said HARRY POTTER!! I teach English.. I should love these because my kids do, right? So boring. I just don't love that little nerdy protagonist.

I also never got into the H..."

I had to LOL at "little nerdy protagonist." Even though I think the books are great. :)

OK, I got through "The Woman in White" and it was fine as far as it goes. It was really wordy and I thought the characters a little superficial. The whole thing was predictable. I'm glad I read it if just to say I have.

Chris wrote: "I didn't like The Lovely Bones or The Time Traveller's Wife - it's almost too scary to admit, it seems like EVERYONE likes these books!"

I actually liked both of those books, but have only recommended TTW to friends. I admit to having read TLB if it comes up in conversation and then I'll comment on it. Come to think of it, I try never to gush about any book. It can be embarrassing when the recommendee (?) doesn't like it.

Debbie wrote: "Eat, Pray, Love - I finished it but WHY DID SHE PUT HERSELF THROUGH ALL OF THAT - jeez loueeze.

I REALLY like the movie Under the Tuscan Sun, but couldn't do the book. "

RE: Eat Pray Love, I have to say that I followed the discussion on this book and it made decide NOT to read it. Sounds pretty self indulgent.

I was the only one in my book club that did *not* like (or finish, or be inspired by) Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen. I can't help feeling guilty! He's all over TV, has millions of fans, and here I am going 'blah, sorry".
Maybe I just wasn't in the mood to be inspired?

Also:
The Emperor's Children by Claire Messud
Sag Harbor by Colson Whitehead
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie
(and pretty much everything else he wrote)
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
(I'll probably be banned for life for this one!)

There are more, but thankfully, I don't remember them. :-)

I hated East of the sun..it sucked big time and I just switched off, managed to get to the end hoping it would get better...it didn't!
I also wasnt keen on my sisters keeper, it bored me to be honest nor the songs of the humpback whale which was very poor and usually I do rather like Ms Picoult but not in either of those cases. Great concepts, poorly executed. Particularly the latter..got rather sick of having to reread stuff in other characters perspective. Boring!

I never say anything bad about books online - the writer in me knows how devastating it can be to read it - but I thought I'd come out of hiding on this thread. Very interesting to lurk here.

Nancy, Thanks for your post. Your words inspired me to think about whether others might feel judged because a title that they "may have found some meaning in" is on someone elses "hated" list. More than likely, but I really wish that wasn't the way. It can be fun to be able to voice an opinion,(albiet a little strongly in my case, but that's just me!), in a relatively non-judgemental forum, (certainly safer than eyeball to eyeball!), and I find myself looking at posts, seeing some "hated" titles, and reminding myself to put them on my to read list. They are book recommendations from some well-read, (I loved that you said thought provoking and articulate),ladies that I am happy to be chatting with, and most certainly include titles that I will love even though they didn't. So while it may seem judgemental to some, and some might feel as if they are judging, might it be looked at as opportunity? Opportunity to practice being non-judgemental, opportunity to practice recieving words without feeling judged, and more simply opportunity to be introduced to a good book? I think I would thoroughly enjoy your list!! Two Cups of Tea next! Thanks again Nancy, and thanx Chicks!!

Oops. Three Cups of Tea!!