Shi* Talking on Books

[Danielle]

While skimming through my book groups, I have noticed a pattern emerging. Sometimes out of curiousity or boredom I go through different topic discussions - with nothing specifically in mind, except a good book discussion. How do I define what a "good book discussion" is? I want it to make me think, I want something provocative, and perhaps even persaude me to try reading something new.
Anyways . . . I notice that I keep finding myself caught when I stumble past a negative slanted discussion. I stop and read discussions that begin with "worst book ever" or "I hate it". Interestingly enough I don't always take the negative side - I found myself defending some books, while agreeing and adding my two cents on other books. I've deduced that I just enjoy a good shi* talking when it comes to books. In the spirit of my interest in negativity : anyone care to name a book they thought was stupid, or rude, or sexist/racist, whatever?

[Alexis]

I know, if it's not your type of book to read, then why don't some people just try a different type instead of ragging on it. I mean, it must have been good enough to be published. A lot of times, a book I love will be the topic of a hate discussion or whatever. I mean, if you don't like the book than fine, but don't go and try to get other people to hate it.

[Danielle]

I agree Alexis, the book can be seriously excellent and just because one feels that they don't like the story, doesn't mean the whole world has the same taste. Goodreads has actually made me realize I'm kind of a snob about what I read, and that its okay if I venture outside of my labels and genres and give something different a try.
However, like my original post states - I really enjoy reading opinions from the haters! I find it entertaining!

[Nicole - Life on Valley Creek Lane]

I couldn't agree more with both of you. I really dislike it when they completely give away the storyline just because they hated the read. Everyone is entitled to there opinon but ruining it for the rest of us is not right. I recently read a quote about no one really reads the same book. Which is sooo true.

[Alexis]

I agree

[Sara]

Danielle, I try to write nice reviews, but 2 books I didn't like like the general population are and even though I will admit that I have the next 2 books to stalk me.

[Sara]

This kind of fits under our Love or Hate thread

[Danielle]

Sara wrote: "This kind of fits under our Love or Hate thread"

Thanks Sara - I'll check out the thread!

[Sara]

We are complaining on there about a few books, but if you comment or have a certain book to talk about I am sure others will start getting in on it. I complained about one of the books I mentioned.

[Danielle]

Well I just started this book and plan on reading it through Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. Many of you may be familiar with his television show "No Reservations". I'm a fan of the show, not so much because of the food (although I LOVE food)but because he's a writer, and writes and narrates so well about his experiences.So I finally pick up a copy of his book - I'm really looking forward to reading it, since I feel I have a good sense of what to expect. I'm into the first chapter and realize his snobbish demeanor doesn't translate well to book form. He's taking us back to his late childhood when his fascination and passion for food begins - he's a rich kid, spending the entire summer in France eating french cuisine and gourmet meals every night.I'm discovering he isn't that different as an adult, and I notice he really likes to write about himself. It must be interesting to find oneself so fascinating they write novels on the subject! I'm only to the second chapter, and I hope to see things transition. I'm looking forward to his dry humor, and there were things in the first chapter that had me laughing. I also struggled with Fifty Shades of Grey. I can see why readers can enjoy it, and I appreciated her writing. I believe she earned her success, and I celebrate it, but still I had to toss it in the trash when it got to the point where he was beating the crap out of her, and she was crying, and it hurt to sit down. I'm not sure if it was the spanking/hitting that turned me off, or the line following that scene where the author reminds the reader that there was a shiny new car parked out front he had just bought her. Just not my cup of tea. Too bad, because the story no doubt would have enlightened me, and taken me to concepts that are unfamiliar.