1. The Twilight Series, by Stephenie Meyer – I loved it. I think Bella is a terrible role model and Edward is a jerk, but I loved those books. I couldn’t put them down. They’re huge and I read the 4 books in less than two weeks. I bought the novella too. If you read the reviews I wrote about them oh, so long ago, you’ll know what my gut reaction was and how I couldn’t put them down.
2. Vanity Fair, by William Makepeace Thackery – Thackery’s great literary work is the one I continue to hate on. Some books, I’m tempted to give a second chance, but not this one. Ever.
3. I know people love Alexander McCall Smith and his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I’ve not read this series, but I’ve read two other books of his, Dream Angus and Heavenly Flirtations. The former I reviewed here. Heavenly Flirtations came first and Dream Angus was his second chance. I don’t think I’m inclined to make it to his big series.
4. The Sweetness At The Bottom Of The Pie, by Alan Bradley – On the surface seems like a book I would love. I described it at a family dinner to my sister-in-law and step-father-in-law and we all share a love of books. They both think it sounded interesting and wondered why I didn’t like it. This is a good example of, just because it’s a best seller doesn’t mean I’m going to like it.
5. I extremely dislike James Frey. It’s difficult to hate someone you’ve never met, so I refrain from using that word. Nothing anyone could say would ever convince me to read one of his books. Ever.
I thought five examples were enough for this one. These are all things that if you read my blog, you’d know. I don’t think one should lie about books. Admittedly, when I don’t like a book, though I say so, I try to find something good to say, unless I really hate it. I rarely leave a book unfinished, but if I don’t finish it, I wouldn’t say otherwise. Maybe I don’t understand this topic. I don’t know why anyone would lie. To sound smarter? To be included? Let me know.
I feel the same way. I want to love the books I love - not the books other people love.
ReplyDeleteI had a policy against James Frey, too. I read I Am Number Four not knowing James Frey was Pittacus Lore. Oops. Loved it. :)
I don't really lie about books either. In fact I could only come up with two and one was from High School. I will admit to loving Twilight too. True I don't care for either Edward or Bella, but I love the other characters.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to say that I've never been disingenuous in a review, though I will tend to avoid saying a lot of books I didn't enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I don't feel the need to lie about books. And your examples convinced me that you don't either!
ReplyDeleteDelphyne, I'm pretty sure I Am Number Four was mostly written by the other guy that Frey hired. I'm sorry I can't remember his name. He's probably getting that a lot.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I didn't really think of high school. Lying about something to a teacher seems different to me than lying to your friends then and now. Though I was a booknerd even then and did all my assigned readings.
smellincoffee, I agree that it's important to give an honest review.
Deb, glad you liked my examples.
I thought about not doing this week's post as well. I don't lie on the blog either, but I have definitely lied by omission in other arenas.
ReplyDeleteCome check out The Scarlet Letter's Top Ten Tuesday
I really love the #1 Ladies Detective books but I've read a couple of his other books and to be honest, I just don't like them. I'm not sure WHY when I love the #1 Ladies series so much, but I've tried 2 of his other series now and I find them really dull.
ReplyDelete+JMJ+
ReplyDeleteI still want to give The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency a chance in the future, but there's no denying that another McCall Smith book, The Sunday Philosophy Club left a really bad taste in my mouth. I didn't like the heroine and both the mystery and the "philosophy" were boring. It was not the most encouraging first experience of an author. =/
LBC, I think telling the truth can fuel some interesting discussions.
ReplyDelete1girl, enbrethilliel, Maybe I'll try #1 Ladies if a book ever fell across my lap, but after my other McCall experiences, I'm not going to go out of my way.