I’ve read my fair-share of what could be called “popular books”. I’ve read Harry Potter. I’ve read Shadow and Bone, Divergent, A Darker Shade of Magic, and The Knife of Never Letting Go.
And I’ve only been satisfied with one of them-A Darker Shade of Magic. Why haven’t the others hit home with me?
It probably has something to do with psychology or something else I’ll never understand. There’s some book readers who seem to love every new fad out there, and then there’s others who pick up the book and are baffled by the contrasting of what people are telling them they’ll see, and what they actually do see. Or, maybe you’re in the middle-you like some of them, and others just aren’t your thing.
Unfortunately, with my experience, I’ve learned that it’s probably the best bet to stay away from most popular novels or series. Why read them if it’s likely that I won’t enjoy them? So, here’s 8 books I’ve decided I won’t read, just because they’re popular. I’ll include a Goodreads link, though, just in case you might want to try ’em out (and change my mind??)
1. Fangirl – Rainbow Rowell
Last time I read a book that was supposed to be about “fandom culture”, I was blown away by how over-the-top and fake everything felt. Knowing how popular that book is (it was Solitaire by Alice Oseman), I knew straight away that Fangirl probably wouldn’t be much different. I also feel bad to say this, but other things I’ve heard about the author has driven me from her other books as well. That being said, I’ll probably just keep away from all of Rainbow Rowell’s books.
2. Red Queen – Victoria Aveyard
Normally, I’d be quick to dive into practically any and all fantasy novels. Except, you can tell this book has multiple tropes in it just from the summary, and I’m honestly sick of it. I’ve heard that this series is a hit or miss for most people, and I do have to admit that the covers are gorgeous. But for me, the summary is not. I’ll just play it safe, and never pick these up.
3. Shatter Me – Tahereh Mafi
I’ve heard that this book contains one of my dreaded enemies–the love triangle. Also, the plot doesn’t sound that interesting at all, and I don’t understand how the author managed to stretch that plot for an entire trilogy. Maybe I’m missing something, but all-in-all, this book just doesn’t sound that interesting.
4. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green
The sad thing is, I’ll never read this book because I already know how it ends and basically the entire plot. I’ve never held a copy of this book, and I’ve certainly never opened a copy. Everything’s been spoiled one way or another, so I won’t even bother. Also, it sounds cliche. No offense to anyone, but most of John Green’s books sound the same, in general. He’s probably another author I won’t be picking up at all. Although, he does sound like a nice guy.
5. The Hunger Games – Suzanne Collins
This is the same case as the above. It got so freaking popular that I knew the whole plot before I even saw a physical copy of the damn book! And, as well, there’s another love triangle which I usually just ignore. I should also mention that one of my old English teacher’s loved this book, and played the movie in class. I got sick, and had to leave the classroom before puking-I still don’t know if I got a bug, or if the movie really did me in.
6. The Maze Runner – James Dashner
Am I the only one that was annoyed that there was only a single female character? I read up to where the girl came in, and then I was like “oh no, all these assholes will be going after her”. I just couldn’t connect with the book. Lots of little things bothered me within the first small part that I read, and then I put it down without ever adding it to my Goodreads. Also-do they seriously go through a maze for the entire book??
7. The Hidden Oracle – Rick Riordan
I used to adore the Percy Jackson series and the Heroes of Olympus series. But Riordan seriously has no idea when to stop! He keeps writing within these myths, all the while insulting those who still practice this religion. He just seems to be milking this franchise for as much money as he can get, because there’s no reason to extend it so much.
8. Twilight – Stephanie Meyer
My mom was a huge fan of these books. She read the books so many times, watched the movies so many times, I got so sick of them. I barely know anything of these books other than the glimpses I’ve seen of the movies, which include vampires, werewolves, babies that are half-vampire (? I think??) and maybe some kind of war? I know that it’s bad that I’m dismissing this book barely knowing anything about it-but I’m so tired of hearing about this book just because of my mother.
There are plenty of others that I’ll probably never read, but I didn’t include them because I really don’t have a reason other than “I’m not interested”. Of course, there’s plenty of other books that could be considered popular and that I loved them. But, sometimes, you hear so much about a book that it gets tiring or your hopes get too high, and then the book is a huge flop for you.
[…] (10/02) Books I’ll Never Read JUST BECAUSE They’re Popular […]