I don’t like definitive lists, especially when it comes to reading. One person’s flop of a book could be the same text that ignited a passion in reading for another. I find that many of the “top lists” I browse for book suggestions often leave me disappointed, while hidden gems do not always come with a “Reese’s Book Club” seal on the cover. 

That being said, there were quite a few books that I did not enjoy. Some of these books I dragged myself through, while others felt like a passive check in a box to finish reading. I used to force myself to finish every book I read until I realized that was miz, so even though it is painful to give up on a book half-way through, I have started doing just that! (I’m looking at you Olive Kitteredge)

Anyhow, as promised, here is my list of 10 books I could have skipped this year.

The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need – This guide was stuffy and pretty outdated. Most of the information I had already gathered through various articles. I realize that most people do not start financial literary books for the captivating storyline, but this text also felt particularly unhelpful.

Untamed – I know, I know. It’s a hot take. I am probably one of the only people you know who didn’t fawn over Glennon Doyle. Too many of her life lessons came from a place of privilege and the book was full of exaggerations. I mean, whose children speak that way? Who immediately recognizes a life lesson in every situation they encounter? I was super excited to read Untamed and even had Love Warrior queued up for afterward, but it was not my cup of tea. 

Sex and Vanity – Crazy, Rich Asians was definitely a guilty pleasure read for me. I loved the mixture of tradition and fashion, designers, etc. This storyline was weak and scattered, trying to emulate the qualities of CRA while falling short. 

Normal People – I didn’t love the TV series or the book. As a former high school and college student, it felt like an inaccurate portrayal of what normal people go through during those periods. While the book wasn’t filled with as much sex as the TV show, it was still odd and felt unnecessary. (Especially when she is doing her Erasmus!!!)

When No One is Watching – I was intrigued by this book at the start, but the plot is so absurd that I could not wait for it to end. Way too much back and forth with little reward. 

The Glass Hotel – All of the characters are unlikeable, and everyone seems to coast through this book. The book is doing the most with a ton of action going on at once yet nothing at the same time. I initially enjoyed it but realized it was more of a collection of random story fragments rather than a whole book. 

Cilka’s Journey – I thought the first book, The Tattooist of Auschwitz was a captivating read whereas this sequel fell flat and felt unrealistic. I did some digging around both books and did not realize the scrutiny that Morris is under for her (unwanted?) telling of these real-life stories. 

Bear Town – This book. Is told in sentences. Like this. In paragraphs as short as this. With each one usually ending in a cheesy life lesson, advice, or observations. Never. Give. Up. It also tells you who each character is instead of describing them, so there’s no character development. That’s who they are. 

The Princess Diaries – Hey, I love a good YA novel. In fact, I read two different YA series last week about a teenage girl in high school. I thought I would enjoy the story behind a classic movie from my childhood, but I did not. Mia and her friends in the book are annoying, self-centered, and spoiled. 

Luster – Unrealistic with no real storyline or ending. All of the characters were terrible and underdeveloped. 

I also didn’t enjoy: A Man is No Woman, Less, Under the Tuscan Sun, The Margot Affair, and Mrs. Everything.

Now that we’re in 2021, I’ve set a new reading challenge for the year–50 books–and am currently reading Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, which combined with watching The Sopranos is leaving me with some brutal dreams. Let me know if you have any recommendations and happy reading!