Disappointing ‘Must-Read Books’

Must-read book lists are everywhere. And the majority of the books on them are well worth reading. But what about those ones you read but didn’t enjoy. Is it fair to feel let down and cheated? With all the hype and buzz about apparent excellent ‘classic’ books, is it fair to assume that everyone will enjoy it? The simple answer has to be no.

Everyone has different tastes when it comes to life; reading included. One person may have loved one book or one film for instance, and another loathe it. We’ve all got our own opinions haven’t we? We’re all not bound to like the same books. But Must Read Books go beyond the simple recommendation between friends.

I’m saying this now so I don’t get shot down when I reveal two ‘must-read’ books that I didn’t enjoy. I was disappointed with them both, the second I found frankly irritating. And yes I did feel cheated. I’d settled down to really enjoy them, thinking that I would. But turning the final page, and reading the last sentence, well I felt utterly let down.

Number One disappointing ‘Must-Read’ is The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje.

Number Two disappointing ‘Must-Read’ is The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.

I can’t really go into why I didn’t enjoy them: I just didn’t. And I know that’s not very reviewy of me.

I can’t be the only one who has been let down in this way?

What books have you been disappointed with?

Filed under: Uncategorized Tagged: book reviews, disappointing reads, must read books, prize winners, the catcher in the rye, the english patient