David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion

I am making this new topic because I want to know.....have you ever had a book you are reading that you just absolutely can't get through and want to quit reading it? If so, what book and why? I am currently reading and sadly it's just not the book for me. We are reading it for my work book club and I'm only at page 100 and it's like pulling teeth.....ugh. Not sure I'm going to make it through this one. I've never quit on a book before.

Off the top of my head....

- The writing style seemed objectively good, but I couldn't get into it. I made it 3/5 of the way through but was too bored to go on. Also, didn't like any character not named Simon(if that was his name... sounds right).

I finished this book, but I can't remember which one I stopped at. I think 4. I always really want to like these paranormal YA stories, but rarely do. In this series case, each book I finished gave me one single thing to care about, so I jumped to the next to see where that went, until finally just stopping.

I won this one in a giveaway reaaally open to the idea that it might be good. Nope haha.

I don't actually blame this book, probably just bad timing, either way, wasn't feeling it.

Just wasn't what the synopsis led me to believe and I couldn't get into it because of that.

I used to refuse to stop a book without finishing it. Now, I'll do it without a second thought haha. I won't say I hate any of these books though, just weren't for me.

Great topic, Rose!! The one I remember most was which was the 6th book in the Clan of the Cave Bear series. It released 9 years after the rest of the series and I loved book 1 and liked books 2 - 5. I got about a 1/3rd through and finally had to DNF. I couldn't take it any more!

I really don't have a book that I HATE, because most of the time if I'm not liking a book and I can't get into it I just stop reading and forget about it. BUT one book that I really, really dislike and everybody seems to love is .. I think is one of the worst books I've read and.. it just ruined an amazing premise with awful writing and annoying characters
Also the last book that I read the first.. 40 pages and never finished is The synopsis make it sound so cool but I just hate the writing style

Victoria wrote: "I really don't have a book that I HATE, because most of the time if I'm not liking a book and I can't get into it I just stop reading and forget about it. BUT one book that I really, really dislike..."

I loved Maze Runner, but can honestly see how you came to your opinion.

Victoria wrote: "I really don't have a book that I HATE, because most of the time if I'm not liking a book and I can't get into it I just stop reading and forget about it. BUT one book that I really, really dislike..."

Too bad that you didn't like Maze Runner. It was one of the books that got me into reading.

Tommy wrote: "Off the top of my head....

- The writing style seemed objectively good, but I couldn't get into it. I made it 3/5 of the way through but was too bored to go on. Al..."

Tommy, I didn't love the first one much either (except for Simon), but it does get better as you go, and the characters become more tolerable. Perhaps you can give it another chance?

Two books that I didn't like that everyone else does are and .

Tommy & Victoria - we are on the same page about Mortal Instruments and Maze Runner. I quit MI mid way through (WAY too wordy) and wish I would have quit the Maze Runner to be honest.

I actually have a shelf named "books everyone loved but me" . Included on the list are Divergent Beautiful Disaster Beautiful Creatures (I have decided since to skip books with the word Beautiful in the title!) Thirteen Reasons Why and one of the worst books ever written IMO Breaking Dawn . There are many more as I am quite picky but I will spare you all of them!

Rfuentes - Life is too short to keep reading something you hate/dread. I have learned this after finishing several of the above mentioned books so I now give books 100 pages before I decide to quit or not UNLESS it is one of those books people tell me you have to push through like The Knife of Never Letting Go or On the Jellico Road -- which are now two of my favorite ever books. Once you quit one book it gets easier. Not every book is for every reader.

As I am currently reading the same book (The Husband's Secret) I will say it is not badly written IMO and does seem to get more interesting once the contents of the letter are revealed but I read all types of books (adult, YA, mysteries, biographies) so it could just be easier for me to get into due to this reason. I am on CD 10 out of 12 so should be done by Thursday if you want me to give you my final thoughts on the book?? I can also give you a quick synopsis for your group if you want to cheat?

I didn't hate the following books but I didn't love them they were just okay in my opinion.

I can't think of any specific books of the top of my head, but there have been a few in the past I haven't been able to finish. Usually a book I didn't choose to read in the beginning.

, I literally threw it across my room in a fit of rage. Although I didn't hate them I thought both and were vastly overrated.

, it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expecting.

, the concept was great, but it was just so slow and the characters were bland.

, I didn't really hate this one, but it was pretty bad compared to the first two books. I felt like it was a bit rushed.

, I know, I know, I'm the only one who hated this (please don't kill me!), but it was just so boring in my opinion, I actually ended up skimming a lot of the book.

Daniel wrote: "Tommy, I didn't love the first one much either (except for Simon), but it does get better as you go, and the characters become more tolerable. Perhaps you can give it another chance?"

I'm not saying I'd refuse to give TMI another chance, but I think my TBR is too long and filled with too many books I look forward to for me to actively seek it out.

If I went to a friend or family member's house and they had the book and I had nothing else to read, I'd probably pick it up and try again. This scenario has happened more times than you'd think btw haha. That's why I've read all 4 Twilight books despite not loving them and never looking forward to them. Nothing else to read currently in front of me, and I'd rather read something meh than go a full day without reading.

Cari wrote: ", it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expec..."


I won't judge you for disliking because 1) I respect opinions and 2) it's not fantastic, objectively.
I will ask: Did you dislike it so much that you stopped reading the series? Because if so I'd REALLY ask you to reconsider. Neither Sorcerer's Stone or Chamber of Secrets would make my list for top 50 books, but the series as a whole is an easy #1 for me. The writing gets way better as the series progresses and the way everything ties together and the children mature along the way is just amazing.

I am SO glad that there are other people out there that hate certain books & have stopped reading them lol :)

@Heidi I am currently at page 100 pages in to The Husband's Secret & still dragging myself threw it....meanwhile I'm flying through the first Mara Dyer book & almost finished with it, so that should tell you something. Not sure if I intend to finish it or not. Am willing to give it 50 more pages & then will see.

Tommy wrote: "Daniel wrote: "Tommy, I didn't love the first one much either (except for Simon), but it does get better as you go, and the characters become more tolerable. Perhaps you can give it another chance?..."

Understood.

Cari wrote: ", it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expecting.

[bookcover:Ma..."

Wow. First person I've seen that hasn't liked Harry Potter. LOL

Heather I agree about We Were Liars and I am big fan of the author herself so that is saying something.

Poor Harry Potter! If you ever give the series another try PLEASE listen to it on audiobook. It is fantastic on audiobook. I agree Tommy - The Sorcerers Stone was the weakest in the series.

Tommy wrote: "Cari wrote: ", it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expec..."


I..."

I only read the first and I really don't think I can continue the series. I mean, I literally feel asleep multiple times while reading the book and it actually got to the point where I had to skim the book. I almost DNF'ed it.

Daniel wrote: "Cari wrote: ", it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expecting.

..."

LOL, I'm pretty sure I'm like the only person who doesn't like HP at all.

Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "Heather I agree about We Were Liars and I am big fan of the author herself so that is saying something.

Poor Harry Potter! If you ever give the series another try PLEASE listen to it on audiobo..."

Okay, I'll think about it then. :)

Heather wrote: ", I literally threw it across my room in a fit of rage. Although I didn't hate them I thought both and [bookcover:Let's Get Lost|188..."

I agree with you on We Were Liars. I seriously think that book is very predictable. Though the writing is pretty great.

My reasons, click here:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Different strokes for different folks, I suppose. If you do try the Potter books on audio, I hope it works better for you. All I can say to encourage you is that I think you've got through the least awesome stuff. I might not have thought to move to book 2 if it weren't for the movies haha.

Cari wrote: ", it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expecting.

[bookcover:Ma..."

Please reconsider Harry Potter. I swear it's good :) My dad isn't a fan of Harry Potter btw, so you're not the only person who didn't like it.

Beatrice wrote: "Cari wrote: ", it was too rushed, the characters were completely different in bad ways, and there was just too much romance, not enough action like I was expecting.

..."

Alright, I think I might try the 2nd book then. :)

For Harry Potter, you could watch the first two movies and then start with book three. The first two movies cover most of what's in the books. It's only as the books grew longer that they started cutting things out. I refused to start the series at first, but then the first movie sucked me in. Glad it did.

Rebecca wrote: "For Harry Potter, you could watch the first two movies and then start with book three. The first two movies cover most of what's in the books. It's only as the books grew longer that they started c..."

Yeah, I was beyond reluctant as well, then my gf made me watch the movies. Those made me want to read the books and now it's my favorite series.

Tommy wrote: "Rebecca wrote: "For Harry Potter, you could watch the first two movies and then start with book three. The first two movies cover most of what's in the books. It's only as the books grew longer tha..."

Same here. I had so many people tell me to read it (including my mother who never reads) and I thought -- yeah, right, kid on a broomstick. But JK really grows as a writer as the series goes on and the overall story was so well-thought out and woven together. Fun, too.

Daniel wrote: "Two books that I didn't like that everyone else does are and ."

Although I loved Ashfall, I was also one of the few who didn't enjoy Enclave. Like at all LOL

I really LOVE how everyone is being respectful of others' opinions. I know that people's love (or hate) of books can bring out strong emotions, but you people are SO respectful and genuinely kind...I just love you all! Thanks for being a part of this group and for making it my favorite place to be! (Sorry for taking this off topic, but I had to say something!)

Good point David! As you know I can be quite picky but I always try to be respectful when I mention my thoughts on books I didn't love. I know how easy it is to want to bash something or get very defensive when someone doesn't love something you loved so it is nice when everyone can agree to disagree in such a positive manner. :)

@Tommy I so agree re: the House of Night books. I devoured them when I was in high school (I think I got through book 6 before I caught up with the publishing schedule and lost interest bc of waiting) but now that I look back on it there was SO MUCH slut-shaming and overall stupidity in those books. I really liked the concept with the tattoos and everything but... no.

I couldn't get into Maze Runner or Divergent either. I read Divergent and then read Hunger Games, and THG just blew Divergent out of the water in every way. Maze Runner was one I had been looking forward to because so many people loved it, and the whole read-through was like pulling teeth to get me to concentrate. I hated being left in the dark on so many points.

Well... I do still finish most books I start, even if I'm not liking them... but I must admit, I quite passionately dislike these books with the fire of 1,000 suns:

(I'm not sure if y'all want to know what I call this series, it's really unflattering.)

And books that I don't hate, but I just am *meh* about and others seem to love (some of them, at least)...

Karen wrote: "Great topic, Rose!! The one I remember most was which was the 6th book in the Clan of the Cave Bear series. It released 9 years after the rest of the ..."

I agree with this, I dident hate it,but I thought the other books were better. All around was dssappointed by it,dident feel like it was a good ending.

At first I was at a loss(there are some books I dislike but HATE its such a strong word).But then I remebered this really cliche,stereotypical,predictable,just plain flat. One of the few Meg Cabot books I dont like at all.So yes, would say I more or less hate it.
Also,just remembered, pretty bad. meg cabot recomended it on her blogg so I got it, did not like t at all. BOOORING.

Ashley I am super excited not to be alone with my thoughts on Maze Runner and Divergent! Sometimes I feel like I am on my own little island!

Oda - as you now know I love me some Meg but I will say that Avalon High was one of hers that was a let down for me. I have not read Jinx and guess I will skip it!

Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "Oda - as you now know I love me some Meg but I will say that Avalon Highwas one of hers that was a let down for me. I have not read Jinx and guess I wil..."

I agree, avalon high wasent her best either. Jinx is worse,but avalon high isent so good either.

Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "I actually have a shelf named "books everyone loved but me" . Included on the list are Divergent Beautiful Disaster [bookcover:Beautif..."

I agree with divergent and beautiful creatures.just wayy overrated. Not worth the reading time.

Yes! Beautiful Creatures was very overrated IMO!

Heidi (Yup. Still here.) wrote: "Yes! Beautiful Creatures was very overrated IMO!"

THANK YOU! I forgot to mention that one. It was SO long, and detailed with the flowery description and I just didn't care what it all looked, smelled, and sounded like anymore. I just don't get the hype.

Karen wrote: "Great topic, Rose!! The one I remember most was which was the 6th book in the Clan of the Cave Bear series. It released 9 years after the rest of the ..."

It was because of this series I found goodreads. I brought the first at a yardsale and trying to find out about the sequel. I never did continue them though, I was told they got worse as they went on and all I really wanted to know was if (view spoiler)[she ever reunites with her son, him screaming mama at the end tore up my heart (hide spoiler)]. a woman on yahoo answers told me.

These books I DNF'ed so I can't say I hated them, I just really really didn't like them

These ones I can say I hated

I hated If I Stay, I just thought it was stupid but it's on the "best seller list". I hated Allegiance, the last of the Divergent...oh was I seriously upset lol.

I didn't get Toxicity, Consumed or Crank - this Crank book was just dumb :)

I'm totally on the disliking House of Night bandwagon. A friend of mine got me hooked on them in high school. I think I made it all the way to the 8th or 9th book when I finally realized the story was going nowhere and I really didn't like Zoey.
I won't say hate, but I could not get into at all :/
And , I may use the word "hate". I was so excited because I won it in a giveaway and the cover is pretty but it's SO confusing and I didn't like any of the characters!