Almost everyone has an opinion on something that isn't shared by the majority of other people. It could be an opinion on anything, from politics to television shows, from celebrities to historical events. I want to know your unpopular literary opinions. Is there a book or author you hate that most other people like? What about an ending to a novel that you dislike but that most other readers love? Or maybe you love something in a book that a lot of readers hate; a character, perhaps, or a certain event in the story? Maybe there’s a book you enjoy reading that is thought of with disdain within the general literary community?
- Margaret Atwood: how on earth are you a published writer? Maybe this is due to the fact that the book that introduced me to her writing was Surfacing (not her best work, or so I’ve heard), but I now have a very passionate dislike of her writing.
- I’m really very indifferent to Douglas Adams’ writing. It’s okay, I guess, but I don’t understand the adoration people have for it.
- I despise Chaucer. Whenever I have to read it for any of my classes, I die a little on the inside.
- As for The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, well, let’s just say that novels obviously don't have to be enjoyable to win a Pulitzer Prize.
- Margaret Atwood: how on earth are you a published writer? Maybe this is due to the fact that the book that introduced me to her writing was Surfacing (not her best work, or so I’ve heard), but I now have a very passionate dislike of her writing.
- I’m really very indifferent to Douglas Adams’ writing. It’s okay, I guess, but I don’t understand the adoration people have for it.
- I despise Chaucer. Whenever I have to read it for any of my classes, I die a little on the inside.
- As for The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway, well, let’s just say that novels obviously don't have to be enjoyable to win a Pulitzer Prize.
- Current Mood:curious
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- 12 Aug 2022, 06:36Barker's best work is Imajica. Its absolutely amazing. For something shorter I'd suggest The Great and Secret Show and Weaveworld. And his Books of Blood are equally awesome.
- 19 Jun 2022, 02:27looks interesting
- 19 Jun 2022, 01:14
- 21 May 2022, 04:30Goodreads.com is great for book group discussions
- 16 May 2022, 00:42The more the merrier!
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I can't stand Mark Twain. Or Stephen King.
As an English teacher, stating this can be quite controversial, unfortunately.
i think my problem is more the type i'm reading? i really hate reading plays. i'll read them for school but not for pleasure. and same with poetry and short stories. i just don't see the point of short story collections because you can never get into the story properly because before you know it, you're done.
i love margaret atwood though.
And it broke my heart, because I've been a fan of the series since it started.
Wonder if folk will be reading Sophie Kinsella and the like in 22ndC?
Then again I wouldn't put Harry Potter on the stand for crazy awesome female characters... Hermione's great and all but she's strong in a girly way, leaving all the heavy lifting to the guys.
I'm happy to see you mention Atwood, that is exactly who sprang to my mind when I read your question.
I read Catseye years ago, - before I had attained my scrutineers monocle - it really affected me. In fact, I was something of a fan.
Recently however, I began reading the popular 'Alias Grace'. Oh my!! I thought it was dreadful. Set in the 19th century, all characters seemed to be mere paper cut-outs invented to propagate MA's own ideas (imho). I couldn't read it. Really.. it caused me to become furious and agitated.
I can't really think of anything else, except that I thought Austen's Mansfield Park was fantastic. Any other opinions on this?
For me, Kite Runner. Most people seem to love it, but for me it was an 'eh' read. Setting was new and interesting enough, but the general story didn't seem all that special
I also don't understand the love for Gregory Maguire.
And eh, "Wicked" was all right but his other books are definitely not very good at all, I agree.
I read it all the way through a year or so ago, and I thought it sucked. And I know there are people out there who totally love it, so it is just another reminder that I do not understand humans at all.
I like Jane Eyre waaaaaaay better.
But I did love Atwood's A Handmaid's Tale... though probably because it was decent near future SF from some a writer I'd always avoided cause she seemed dull. And dull.
Seriously!
I didn't like The Road at all despite its widespread love and ditto Scott Smith's 'The Ruins'. I almost disowned Stephen King for his praise of it.
On unpopular opinions, I liked the characters in Harry Potter but I do not particularly adore Rowling's writing. I really disliked Twilight. And I'm sorry Dune fans, as much as I can worship and adore the long and tedious writings of Tolkien, I can't put up with the same in Dune. On that last one, I admit, mea culpa, but i really can't get into it.
and on second thought, Rowling's writing style isn't particularly memorable, either. but she sure can weave an intricate timeline.
I didn't really get the Odyssey until I got ahold of the Robert Fagles translation.