bermudaonion (Kathy)
Beth F
Jennifer
Sandy
Lisa
BTT: The ‘Eh’ of the Best
What, in your opinion, is the best book that you haven’t liked? Mind you, I don’t mean your most-hated book–oh, no. I mean the most accomplished, skilled, well-written, impressive book that you just simply didn’t like.
This is not a particularly easy question to answer.
My first though was, “Well, anything by Paulo Coelho.”
Then I realized that I didn’t really count the books I’ve read by him as ‘accomplished, skilled, well-written, impressive‘ (apologies if you like him, I know some do), they just annoy me.
Looking through my LibraryThing catalog at some of the books I gave the lowest ratings, I determined that the best book that I didn’t really like was “Snow Falling on Cedars.” Reading about the prejudices towards Japanese-Americans was interesting, the book’s pretty well written, it has a good overall rating on LibraryThing, but I was just sort of ‘eh’ towards it.
What about you? What great book were you just not crazy about?
There’s a ton going on here at Devourer of Books this week! Check out my huge giveaway in honor of my 100th review, as well as my Banned Books Week Spotlights.
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I left a list of three, but I could add to it now that I’ve had more time to think. Come visit.
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I liked Snow Falling on Cedars, but I can see where the ambivalence comes from… his other work has pretty much left me cold (*groan* – terrible pun!).
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I had read raving reviews about Eleanor Rigby by Douglas Coupland, but frankly I found it boring!
Love your blog!
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Hahah I totally agree on the Paulo Coelho books
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I agree on Paolo Coelho – he’s one of those that I keep reading in hopes that I’ll figure out what all the fuss is.
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I was sort of in agreement with you about Coelho. See here. Been enjoying your spotlights thus far, keep up the good work.
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hmm! I am nt sure!
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I would say none. Because if I don’t like the book, I assume it is no good.I don’t care how popular it is. My…does that sound conceded?? lol
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I had to look through my LibraryThing ratings too! Definitely helped!
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I tend to dislike “bestsellers” – I try to not just be a “I always read” snob in the face of people who read two books a year, but it just happens.
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Hah! An excellent point about Coelho.
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I wish my LT was more up-to-date and accurate. When I imported from Shelfari my ratings got pretty messed up.
Anyway, I’ve never read Snow Falling on Cedars.
Loved The Alchemist. By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept not so much.
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I didn’t really like Snow Falling On Cedars either, it was so slow and I fought to maintain interest – but I did enjoy the movie. lol
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[...] This year, anyway, it’s The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Unlike Jen @ The Devourer of Books who didn’t think any of his books were “accomplished, skilled, well-written, impressive&…, I thought that The Alchemist was “accomplished, skilled, well-written, impressive” [...]
[...] This year, anyway, it’s The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Unlike Jen @ The Devourer of Books who didn’t think any of his books were “accomplished, skilled, well-written, impressive&…, I thought that The Alchemist was “accomplished, skilled, well-written, impressive” [...]