I read reviews and make lists. The one "must read" of the summer, so I read, was Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl". I had read her first two books (Sharp Objects and Dark Places) while I waited impatiently for my request to go through the channels at my library. Those I liked, especially, Sharp Objects. I am an equal opportunity reader. I use the library, my used book store, my Kindle, and garage sales to keep up wit the hunt of a good book. When I see "must read/great beach book" I get excited that I'll be in for a treat.
So I borrowed this pic from Amazon to let you look for yourself. Hopefully it will work.
I was greatly disappointed. It was one of the few books that I made myself finish. I didn't like the characters. I felt no connection whatsoever. I didn't care if they got themselves out of the mess they were in. All the reviews have been great, so it must be me. I'm curious at what other readers thought. Well.... I just called Daughter # 1 since she was reading it too. She left it half way through.....and felt the same way I did.
I'm pretty sure I have mentioned in another post (but I'm not going to go hunt it down) that the other books I felt that way about are: Angela's Ashes, Cold Mountain, and Water for Elephants.
Have there been books that have disappointed you and made you wonder why? I'm curious to know what they are.
16 comments:
Nothing drives me more crazy than a book I can't get in to! I want the all to be GREAT! Thanks for the review.
http://www.memoirsofmeandmine.com/
I used to be a reader but seems I can't make myself sit and read a book any more. I think it's called "computer addiction". Guilty as charged.
I, too, suffer from computer addiction, but I did manage to read Gone Girl a few weeks ago. I was pretty disappointed. It's way overrated. Stick to reading blogs!!!
I've not read Gone Girl, or any other book by that author. I might have to give it a try.
My old (90+) Irish Widower neighbor gave me a copy of Angela's Ashes to read. I really enjoyed the book. I enjoyed McCourt's other two books, 'Tis and Teacher Man. I think he wrote another one, but I didn't read it. I think I enjoyed them more because of my neighbor's heritage. I looked at the books through his eyes.
I also enjoyed Water for Elephants. Cold Mountain was a hard book to get into, but I plowed through. Don't think I'd read it again.
I haven't read any disappointing books lately, but I'm like you, if a book doesn't grab and hold my interest quickly, I'm a gonner.
I'm almost ashamed to say that I've gotten caught up in the "Fifty Shades" frenzy this summer. I didn't quite know what I was in for when I bought the trilogy, but I must say--it's definitely been a wild read. WOW!
the first 10 or so books of the Kay Scarpetta books kept me reading way too long at night. Her last few, including the latest Red Mist, which I'm listening to on audiobooks, have bitterly disappointed me.
I struggled with the last of the Hunger Games the Mockingjay..I did like the first two books..she could have written it all in two books.
I adored Water For Elephants..I used to read at your rate..and I hoard books so I won't run out..garage sales..and now on my Kindle Fire. I hardly ever pay full price for a book...I am a cheap reader:)
I absolutely LOVED Angela's Ashes and stayed up til 2 am to finish it in one sitting. It made me weep, because I could identify with the author's rigid Catholic upbringing. But, I was disappointed in the movie.
I stopped over from "Far Side of Fifty's" blog and just had to say, "Hi"!
I felt the same way as you did about Angela's Ashes, but I did like Water for Elephants. Perhaps the fact that I deal with my 90-year old dad brought me closer to that book - oh and maybe my long-time curiosity about circus life.
I belong to an informal ladies' book club. We read a few books that came recommended to us, that were the type I would have put down if it hadn't been for the club. One is "How It All Began" and the other that I somehow remember the title of is "Cheap Cabernet".
I seem to find it hard to get through books. I don't know if it is the distraction of the Internet, or my age... or just too may things on my plate!
Once again, Blogger "saved up" and delivered a whole bunch of your posts this morning ... back to early July. I don't know what in the world is up with that.
I had a hard time with Water for Elephants ... partly because it disturbed me to read about the abuse inflicted on the elephant. I'm reading one now that was a slow starter ... I'm glad I stuck with it because it's gotten better ... not great, but worth reading.
I've certainly had some books leave me cold, but I'd be hard-pressed to give you any titles. Once they bore me and I put them down, they no longer enter my consciousness, really.
I read Angela's Ashes and found it hauntingly grim - and not an easy read. The hurt people caused to others was all too real (it was real in the book) - and not something I read "for pleasure".
Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes sequel "'Tis: A Memoir" - I just couldn't get into.
Sometimes I read to learn - sometimes I read to escape - and in some books - I can do neither. Fortunately, there are a LOT of books out there and if one can't get past page 1 (or 25), there is another one waiting...
:)
I found you through Farsides blog, and had to come and visit.
Finally someone giving a honest review, so many of them are charming, and lovely, and then I read the book, and it's like what?
I too read anything I can get my hands on, and as much as I can get out of the library.....I think they love me. LOL.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Just stopping by to check on you! Is it windy there..hope you weather the storm okay:)
I go to the gym 5x a week and I floss everyday, so it will come as no surprise that I generally finish books I start.
Now that I'm in grad school (at age 58) studying writing, I tell myself I can learn what not to do from finishing the ones I don't enjoy.
I feel this way all the time, but different books are for different readers.
Stopping in to check on you.
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