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Top Ten Books to Avoid
Becky, Oz is great! Thanks for the comment! :)
Everybody is entitled to an opinion about the good-iosity of a story, so I won't argue with Petra X and Grace about Dear Departed Ted there, but beyond liking Dr. Seuss personally, I do think they are hugely valuable to developing readers, because they practice pure decoding skills when sounding out those nonsense words.Decoding (sounding out accurately, knowing the phonics rules, etc.) is important at older ages when you need to be able to confront big, unknown words in texts, and to encourage out loud reading fluency. It also helps with second language aquisition because it helps with word identification (hardwires sound to concept linkages), although there is research for and against learning grammar for two different languages at the same time.
But taste is taste, and there is plenty of stuff other than Dr. Suess to be had for that age level, so to each their own. :)
Ten Books to Avoid1. Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyers (technically I guess this is 4)
2. Codex by Lev Grossman
3. The Labyrinth by Kate Mosse
4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
5. The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman
6. The Rule of Four by Ian Caldwell
7. The Third Translation by Matt Bondurant
8. Ex-Libris by Ross King
9. The Lady in Blue by Javier Sierra
10. The Last Templar by Raymond Khoury
I just finished Jane Eyre and I don't think I've ever been so bored by a book in my life! Wuthering Heights might be over the top with fairly unlikable characters (I happen to love it but that's beside the point) but at least things happened in it. Jane Eyre is chock full of unlikeables but nothing happens!
the catcher in the rye - going to the dentist is more enjoyable than reading this bookof mice and men - hated the ending
the curious incident of the dog in the night time - it stereotypes individuals with autims and does not portray them in a flattering or fair light.
Jennifer, You might want to mark that as a spoiler for those of us who haven't read "Of Mice and Men" yet. :)
Sorry! Of mice and men has been on here so many times, and has been on TV (Chris Farley on snl) so much that I forgot that not everyone has read it!
I know... It's like that with a lot of books. No biggie, just a reminder! :)
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Thanks :)
i can easily make a top 20. but, i'll spare you :]1. native son-richard wright
2. ahab's wife-sena jeter naslund
3. the mermaid chair-sue monk kidd
4. gone with the wind-margaret mitchell
5. the ruins-scott smith
6. things fall apart-chinua achebe
7. great expectations-charles dickens
8. diary-chuck palahniuk
9. the girl who loved tom gordon-stephen king
10. the stranger-albert camus
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The Stranger!?!
Diary!?!
((Choke choke choke))
I quite liked those. But... each to thier own, I know :P
Here is a list of the books that I felt were a waste of time . . . 1. Snow Falling on Cedars-How they made a movie out of it I will never knoW.
2. She's Come Undone -Wally Lamb-I literally threw it at the wall.
3. Lion among Men Gregory MacGuire-I had so much hope for them and they fell completely flat. The only reason I didn't include Son of a Witch is because I was amused by a few of the characters but also felt disappointed by it.
4. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister-Gregory Macguire - I couldn't even finish it
5. The Notebook- Nicolas Sparks - every one of his books I have read fall into the "Book to Avoid List"
6. Almost Moon-Alice Sebold (I loved Lucky and Lovely Bones, this book was so disappointing)
7. Body Surfing-Anita Shreve - most of her newer novels have been so pointless, just meandering on and on.
8. Tis-Frank McCourt
9. On Chesil Beach-Ian McEwan
10. 100 years of Solitude-Gabriel Garcia Marquez-- I coudln't figure out what was going on for a while, the sentences went on for paragraphs at a time and seriously, to have over 20 characters with the same name . . . need I go on
I agree with the saying about "Life being too short to read a book you don't enjoy" but I am always willing to finish a book and give it a chance. I waddled through various Jodi Picult books and This Much I Know is True so I give every book a chance. The books mentioned above never qualified.
Thanks for reading my rant
Grace wrote: "I just finished Jane Eyre and I don't think I've ever been so bored by a book in my life! Wuthering Heights might be over the top with fairly unlikable characters (I happen to love it but that's be..."I loved Jane Eyre, but I thought that my son might be bored by it when he had to read it for college, so I thought I would get him the dvd. It was sooo bad, sooo boring, that although I stuck it to the bitter end, he said he'd read the book. (I don't think he did though, I think he got Cliff's Notes or something).
Taejas wrote: "Everybody is entitled to an opinion about the good-iosity of a story, so I won't argue with Petra X and Grace about Dear Departed Ted there, but beyond liking Dr. Seuss personally, I do think they ..."The only thing worse than Dr. Seuss was Barney. I don't think I will ever get that awful Barney song out of my head. All together now:
I love you
You love me
We're a happy family
With a great big hug
And a kiss from me to you
Won't you say you love me too?
I hated all the Barney books as well. Nor was I keen on anything to do with Sesame Street apart from a mild-liking for Big Bird. I wish Teletubbies had been around when my kid was a toddler. I like them :-) and their books, and Charlie and Lola.
1. The first book in the Maximum Ride series by James PattersonI wanted to love this series as it was recommended by my book soulmate but, alas, it was not meant to be. I could barely stomach the first book as I felt he didn't write very well from a girl's point of view, the plot seemed rushed at times, and the writing came off as choppy and bland.
2. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
I consider this the most frustrating novel I've ever read.
3. Identical by Ellen Hopkins
It wasn't a terribly written novel but the plot is terribly depressing and warped at times. The ending alone threw me for a loop.
4. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
I liked the first two books in the Twilight, didn't mind Eclipse, but I couldn't finish the fourth. It seemed very fanfic-ish to me and not good fanfic-ish-- more like amateur fanfic night at the coffeeshop type of fanfiction.
5. That Summer by Sarah Dessen
Sarah Dessen is a brilliant writer but her debut novel was ridiculous. The plot was barely there and seemed to jump around quite a bit when it did exist and the main character wasn't developed at all (in fact, I felt I knew more about the secondary characters by the end of the novel).
6. Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
I read this for my AP Lit class senior year and I couldn't finish it. In my opinion, the only redeeming quality of this book were the Tralfamadorians.
7. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Aww about F.Scott and Vonnegut. I read both for school and ended up reading ahead because I liked them so much. But I did this for a lot of books at school. I loved All Quiet on the Western Front, and LOTF too. The hardest school book for me was WIlla cather's O Pioneers! -- which I didn't like that much.
The book we were forced to read in school I still hold a grudge against is Silas Marner.Because being assigned to diagram sentences from it was just cruel and unusual punishment!
Susanna wrote: "The book we were forced to read in school I still hold a grudge against is Silas Marner.Because being assigned to diagram sentences from it was just cruel and unusual punishment!"
You had to diagram sentences from it?! Woahh-- I thought it was bad enough having to just simply read and analyze it.
Adebisirocks wrote: "Aww about F.Scott and Vonnegut. I read both for school and ended up reading ahead because I liked them so much. But I did this for a lot of books at school. I loved All Quiet on the Western Fro..."The Great Gatsby was the only F. Scott Fitzgerald novel I had an issue with-- I really enjoyed This Side of Paradise. I managed to get away with not finishing the Vonnegut by writing a rather convincing (and slighty sarcastic borderline hilarious) letter on why I wouldn't read it.
I managed to escape having to read any Willa Cather in high school but I kind of want to read My Ántonia.
"I managed to escape having to read any Willa Cather in high school but I kind of want to read My Ántonia."
I have not read any other Willa Cather...and I wonder if I read it now that I wouldn't feel differently. That happens so often. Let us know if you do it! :)
Susanna wrote: "The book we were forced to read in school I still hold a grudge against is Silas Marner..."I read about four George Eliot books in school, Silas Marner included, and didn't like any of them. Daniel Deronda was the best of the bunch. However I do like George Eliot who led a truly scandalous life, even for now.
HEY!!! New here!!I'm utterly sad that the noodle books are being bashed!! Haha! I haven't read one since I was sixteen but can I just tell you that the Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul got me through a REALLY rough time in my life. :) :)
Anywho, I'm also surprised that someone doesn't like Pride and Prejudice!! LOOOVE that book! But I guess I can see how it would put some readers to sleep :) But not me :)
Lord of the Flies is on my to read... should it not be???
Okay my list:
1. Atonement. Hated it. Only read it because the movie had James Mcavoy in it and I LOVE IT!!!
2. Wicked. LOOOOOVE the play!!! The book SeRIOUSLY disturbed me!! I ripped certain pages out. Gasp, I know, horrible.... but then again so was the book.
3. Anything that Nicholas Sparks wrote. Can he be any more predictable and... depressing???
I know know know that I have sooooo many more. I just can't think of them right now so I am sure I'll be back :)
Lori wrote: "The Ruins!?!The Stranger!?!
Diary!?!
((Choke choke choke))
I quite liked those. But... each to thier own, I know :P"
i was actually quite sad to put diary on that list. i'm a HUGE palahniuk fan, but that was by far his worst book to date. i was seriously let down. as for the ruins, i had high hopes for the book because people were saying smith was the next 'big' horror writer & it was a struggle for me to get past the first 50 pages.
"i was actually quite sad to put diary on that list. i'm a HUGE palahniuk fan, but that was by far his worst book to date. i was seriously let down."
I don't know about that...have you read Snuff?
Abigail wrote: ""i was actually quite sad to put diary on that list. i'm a HUGE palahniuk fan, but that was by far his worst book to date. i was seriously let down."
I don't know about that...have you read Snuff?"
i have & i liked it. didn't love it, wasn't pleased with the ending, but i couldn't even finish diary. i keep attempting to go back to it, but...so far, i haven't.
That's kind of interesting. Normally I have a high tolerance for gross, but I only held onto Snuff in morbid curiosity. I can't say I liked Diary a whole lot except for the broach thing. I thought that was hilarious for some reason...And I remember the ending for Diary being a little off, too. But the ending worked for me.I couldnt' get through the first chapter Rant. I only just remembered about that...
I think I can come up with 5...1. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
I read this book and was so mad by the time I finished it. I have no clue why it's a bestseller - it's terrible! There are a bunch of random sex scenes that do not serve any clear purpose, the main character loves a chick he doesn't even know, and the ending was a huge disappointment. Grrrrrrr. The best parts are when it flashes to the main character being old, because it's the only part that seemed real and heartfelt.
2. American Gods by Neil Gaiman
This was the first Gaiman book I was trying, and I was really excited about it. The premise of the book sounds so cool - ancient gods are living hidden in America, and are becoming lost in the new "gods" in our country - credit cards, fast food, etc. But I just couldn't get into it. I guess I just couldn't summon up the feelings to care enough what happened to the characters, and I lost interest.
3. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Everyone recommended this series to me and told me it was so hysterical - it wasn't. The girl came off as a ditz who you just want to shake because she's being to naive and has ZERO self-restraint. It was more frustrating than anything.
4. Slaughterhouse-five by Kurt Vonnegut
I expect I'll get some criticism for this, so sorry. But after finished I just kinda raised my eyebrows thinking "What the heck was that??"
5. My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult
Yet another that is super-popular, and has a great premise, but just fell flat. Each chapter was told from the POV of a different family member, which I usually love. But each family member sounded exactly the same - you couldn't really get a feel for their personality. They all just seemed cold and monotone. Hopefully it makes a better movie than it did a book.
Marge wrote: "Monica wrote: "Ten Books to Avoid4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Yes, I nearly forgot about The Historian...but I think I just wanted to forget it. A dreadful and boring book!"
Oh No! I just got this one from the library as it came highly recommended. Now I have to read it just to see what side of the fence I fall on.
1) It's been said before, but The DaVinci Code, while interesting in theory, was not executed well.2) I gave up on Chuck Palahniuk after Haunted, which is on my list.
3) I agree on The Historian--BORING.
4) Breaking Dawn. Crap, complete crap. And I will cop to reading the first 3 books in 4 days. They weren't awesome, but the premise was interesting and they were a fast read. Then came #4. I even read it a second time after a couple of months off to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Still crap.
5) A Confederacy of Dunces. I know, it's satire, I know, the characters are supposed to be idiots. I still couldn't take it and this is the only book I can think of that I chose not to finish. There just wasn't anything enjoyable about it, for me.
Amy,I have to agree with you on Cofederacy of Dunces. I see all these reviews and posts about how funny it is. To me the characters are just pathetic but then I'm not a fan of slapstick and this is just the literary version of slapstick.
I never thought of it that way, Dan, and it makes sense since I don't care for slapstick either.
1. Snow Falling on Cedars2. Moby Dick
3. Robinson Crusoe
(I know, I know -- these last two are classics, but they're so boring. I rarely recommend watching a movie instead of reading a book, but I'd make an exception for these two).
4. House of Sand and Fog (I literally wanted everyone to die including the author)
5. Another classic: Ethan Frome. Why don't we just all go slit our wrists? It's so depressing!
I'm pretty easy-going and can generally find redemption in most books, but these all actually moved me to the point of almost giving up reading.
And: I, too, can't understand not liking Pride & Prejudice. I read it once a year.
Fiona wrote: "Edith wrote: "Marge wrote: "Monica wrote: "Ten Books to Avoid4. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Yes, I nearly forgot about The Historian...but I think I just wanted to forget it. A dreadful..."
It's next on my list so I'll just have to decide for myself. Plus it's due back to the library by the end of the month so I'll have to get a move on.
I won't type out an entire list. I'll just name the one at the top. Gone with the Wind. Boring. After much dragging and sleep, I gave up half way through. I say if you haven't read it, don't bother. Almost forgot -its by Margaret Mitchell.
Vicki wrote: "1. Snow Falling on Cedars2. Moby Dick
3. Robinson Crusoe
(I know, I know -- these last two are classics, but they're so boring. I rarely recommend watching a movie instead of reading a book, but ..."
I love P&P. I wonder if the reason some people don't like books written then (and this is no insult to anyone's intelligence in any way, shape or form) is because some people have trouble with the language? It's just a theory but that's why my sister gave up on Wuthering Heights. I have House of Sand and Fog in my TBRsoon pile so I hope I don't hate it, too!
"I love P&P. I wonder if the reason some people don't like books written then (and this is no insult to anyone's intelligence in any way, shape or form) is because some people have trouble with the language? It's just a theory but that's why my sister gave up on Wuthering Heights. I have House of Sand and Fog in my TBRsoon pile so I hope I don't hate it, too!"
This actually is a pretty valid reason, imo. I used to not like a lot of classics very much. I couldn't say I hated them, but I didn't enjoy them very much. But then I read PP in my first college lit. class and the professor made a point to "translate" the language for us and I enjoyed it a lot more.
I've also found that listening to the books helps because your mind can reconfigure the language and make more more connections when it isn't occupied with deciphering words.
Susanna wrote: "I, personally, found Old Man and the Sea boring.On the other hand, I really enjoyed several of his other books, particularly The Sun Also Rises."
But I read The Old Man and the Sea in matters of two or three hours, it's too short to be boring.
The only thing I liked about Pride and Prejudice was the language and that's also the only thing that kept me reading. The characters are simply so cliche. :/
You didn't have it with Mrs. Carter for a month!:::shudder:::
I really did not like:1. Eat, Pray, Love
2. The Witches of Eastwick
3. The Ice Storm by Rick Moody
4. American Psycho - ugh,am embarassed that I bought this back in the day
Lori wrote: "ok, No one wants to post here?I think I can manage a top 5 Books To Avoid.
Hold your sharp objects and rotten vegitables until after you finish reading, this way I have time to dodge out of the ..."
I agree with you about Catch-22. It's still somewhere around here, but I don't feel like reading it AT ALL. I read a few pages once and then got extremely bored and confused.
Hayley wrote: "I loved all of Dan Browns book, I'm like you Lori I like the web he weaves in the stories.The Shipping News - I can't stand this book, it was such slow going and I don't remember anything much ..."
I liked Salem Falls for the most part, Hayley. I thought it was pretty interesting. I haven't read
My Sister's Keeper yet though, and I dunno if I want to.
Emily wrote: "I can't come up with 10, but here are a few:1. Portrait of the Aritist as a Young Man by James Joyce : The name is long and confusing - I should have seen that as foreshadowing.
2. Pilgrim at T..."
100 times YES for The Scarlet Letter! That was one boring book.
Shanan wrote: "Ahh I can't believe you don't love Pride and Prejudice--its one of my favorites and I just read it again. And I am in the process of watching the A&E movie version. But I don't hate you for not l..."I adore Pride and Prejudice too!
And I tried to read Atonement but I couldn't really finish it.
Popularandi wrote: "Here is my Top Ten Books to Avoid:(in no particular order)
1. Finnegans Wake by James Joyce
2. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
3. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austin
4. Of Human Bondage b..."
So many on your list that I loved!
also a few that I didn't
Abigail wrote: "That's kind of interesting. Normally I have a high tolerance for gross, but I only held onto Snuff in morbid curiosity. I can't say I liked Diary a whole lot except for the broach thing. I thought ..."rant is on my TR list. i bought it ages ago & loaned it out to a friend, so i forgot all about it for a few months. she mentioned that she didn't care for it & i'm a bit apprehensive to pick it up now.
Here are a few of mine.1. Atonement - I really did not feel like there was anyone who atoned.
2. The Emperors Children (Messud) - I felt that the stories should have connected better. I kept hoping that there would be some connection towards the end of the book but there wasn't.
3. 100 Years of Solitude (Marquez) I had a hard time keeping the characters straight as they all had the same name and the author kept bouncing back and forth in the story. On one page he kills a character off and 3 pages later he is alive again.
4. Love in the Time of Cholera (Marquez) - I read about half of the book and gave up. I just did not see the point of the story.
5. Dr. Zhivago (Pasternak) - Boring ZZZZZZZZZZ!!!
@Amber: I only got through the first few pages. I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood for his style or what but it's jumpy than hell and...I couldn't bring myself to care. I kept it the whole two weeks from the library and never could pick it up again...
Interesting topic. Here are a few that I would avoid if I could. 1. Anna Karenina - I call this one the book club killer since I have joined two book clubs over the years who both disbanded after trying to read this book. To sum it up - depressing and boring, a lethal combination.
2. Survival by Chuck Palahniuk. I couldn't even make it through the first chapter of this one. Disgusting.
3. The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway. My son actually had an English teacher who gave him an F for writing like Hemingway
4. Old Man and the Sea - are we seeing a pattern here. I find Hemingway incredibly boring.
5. The Shining - too gory
6. Life of Pi - I found the ending distressing and disappointing
I'm sure there are others, but I can't remember them right now.
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The Next Best Book Club
Books mentioned in this topic
The Lays of Beleriand (other topics)The Catcher in the Rye (other topics)
The Martian Chronicles (other topics)
The Old Man and the Sea (other topics)
The Things They Carried (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
V.C. Andrews (other topics)Charles Dickens (other topics)
Steve Berry (other topics)
John Steinbeck (other topics)
Dan Brown (other topics)
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I totally agree with you on Dr. Seuss. I had so many people (including teachers) tell me that these were great books to help your child to read. I don't see how that's possible since there are so many made up nonsense words that twist my tongue when I'm reading them aloud. I don't see how a kid could read it.
As further proof my son never liked them.