What happens when “good books” are the books you didn’t like?

As followers in the book world, we run across a lot of good books. We read reviews, follow new book releases, and keep up with the latest reading trends. I usually plan what I will be reading for the year several months in advance.
But sometimes, a hyped book or “good” book lets you down when you read it.

There are some good books you didn’t like. These books are the ones everyone else seems to adore and recommend the heck out of, but when you get to them, you are just left scratching your head.

Why Having Books You Didn’t Like is a Good Thing

Sometimes the book world tends to be snobbish.

We love the books we love so much that we throw shade at people who didn’t love our beloved stories. However, not all books are written for all people. If you have books you didn’t like that other people did, it is simply a sign that you know your own taste.

I don’t agree that there is such a thing as a book that will be enjoyed by everyone. Certain books try new things which is always positive, and certain books appeal to different audiences. For example, I never plan to read any books about child molestation, although some people might say writing about that content would make a “good” book.

For me, what makes a good book is something that is enjoyable to read, makes you think a bit (either about life or the story itself), and presents a story in a new way. This will obviously mean drastically different things to different people. That is how my favorite book can be Les Miserables but another person’s favorite can be Captain Underpants.

Here are some good books I didn’t like:

All of these books I felt were over-hyped and lacking in some way. If you feel differently, share why you loved these stories in the comments! I’m always up for debating the pros and cons of certain books.

We Are Pirates

When I read We Are Pirates, I really wanted to like it because I love Daniel Handler so much. His stories are full of humor and perception, but I felt that this particular book was missing those elements (although they were there in a muted way). I almost felt like he wrote the book just to break away from what he was famous for (Lemony Snicket books), but it sort of read like someone trying to be something they were not.

The Girl on the Train

I am actually sad that this book is becoming a movie when there are so many excellent books that could have been made into movies. The Girl on the Train (the girl herself) was a terrible person and I hated her. I realize not all main characters have to be good, but I felt depressed after reading the book. Nothing stuck out as clever or unusual about the story. I wasn’t impressed and I am not sure why it was named one of the best books from last year.

Outlander

While not a big fan of romance novels in general, the time travel angle made me read this one. However, the wife abuse, rape, and extreme violence made me dislike Outlander. Even if such things were “period” as the author claimed, the events were presented in a way that gave me the sense that these were supposed to be the “good old days,” which I cannot get on board with.

Paper Towns

Before I knew John Green was John Green from the Internet, I read Paper Towns. I was not impressed. It is boring and his teens are ridiculously philosophical, naive, and impossibly cool at the same time.

I really liked The Fault in Our Stars, however, probably because of where I was in life when I read it. It may also be a better book.

Later Game of Thrones Books

I was all on board with the first three Game of Thrones books (I do know they are Song of Ice and Fire books, GoT is catchier, though). Since then, I feel like the plot has been totally derailed and some serious editing has been ignored. We do not need to read multiple pages on food or random conversations or thoughts. I highly doubt at this point that GRRM is making each scene that necessary for the greater plot as a whole. The story is now lost in the vast sea of individual scenes.

The Goldfinch

In short, I thought The Goldfinch was much too long. It felt like two unrelated books tied together with thin twine. The link was not strong enough to hold my interest.

What are some good books you didn’t like? 

Lit Lovers Link Party

Where book bloggers are loved!

Welcome yet again to another exciting week of the Lit Lovers link party! Last week, if you missed it, don’t forget to check out and laugh at my Anne of Green Gables Breaking Bad mashup. I had a lot of fun making it.

Link your favorite book and quote posts (new or old) for some extra traffic! We’re here every Thursday.

Remember, you can link up as many book or quote-related posts as you want! 

As always, I will feature my favorite link-up in next week’s Lit Lover’s edition. This year, I’m also sharing my favorite posts on the Daily Mayo Facebook page and Twitter as a “thank you” for linking up each week.

When you share your post with me, you agree to for me to use one image from your post in next week’s LL. I will also pin all link-ups to the new Lit Lover’s Pinterest board and send you weekly link-up reminders so you can join in every week.

This Weeks Lit Lover Features

Last week, we had some wonderful bloggers link up with some great posts! My favorite from last week was the announcement that Chapter Break is doing a read-along in February!  Check it out and join the fun!