I used to be an avid reader. I would easily demolish a book a day, ish. However, then I decided to study English Literature for A Level. Now, when I find a book that I just don't like, I usually conclude that I'm just not ready for it, will stop reading it and come back to it a few years later. Like, I hated Harry Potter the first time around - now I adore the whole series. However when you have to read certain books for a course, and not just read them, actively study them - it's hard luck if it turns out they're books you don't like. I had one hell of a run of books I didn't like through that course and it kinda made me never want to read another book again. So - here's the ones that are guilty of destroying my love of literature.
Wuthering Heights by Emily BronteI don't like Cathy, she's melodramatic, needs to get over herself and stop complaining about everything. I didn't really like Heathcliff either. It didn't win me over in any way, shape or form. I did not enjoy reading this and I have tried to read it more than once, and I still hate it. This is actually the hate which I feel guiltiest about - because I'm very aware that this is many a woman's favorite book - and I feel like I'm insulting someone's only child by saying the above. I think what made me scoff at this book, above any petty dislike of the characters on my part, was that I'm not a huge believe in the intensity of the love that Cathy and Heathcliff share. Now now, I'm not some bitter anti-love type girl, because I loved The Notebook - and that proves it. It just didn't sit right with me, and I will never ever willingly read this book again.
The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy
URGH. Boring. So much description, the storyline was so longwinded and dragged out, I was actually jealous of Michael Henchard in the end, because I certainly wanted to be dead by the time I got to the end of this book. Tess of the D'Urbevilles by (oh wait.. more) Thomas Hardy
Have you guessed yet that I'm not a Hardy fan?
The Twilight Saga by Stephanie MeyerNow I'm not going be one of those people who would sit here, make twi-shite jokes and bash it by saying 'it's shit'. The reason being is pretty simple - it's not shit. But, yes I still featured it here. There is a very good reason that Twilight has become such a worldwide big deal in my opinion, and that's because it's simple, it's relatable, it plays of young women's fantasies of meeting this mysterious but perfect guy who loves you unconditionally, but you also have this hot rugged best friend that loves you too. Clichéd love triangles sell. The reason that I don't like Twilight, is because the way she wrote this book annoys me. I felt there was nowhere near enough depth to the characters, sure there was a back story but I didn't fall in love with the characters the way I have in other novels. I didn't adore their flaws, their story, their lives and how they intertwined. I felt that the prose was rushed and unfinished, almost like the first draft that hit the office was bound and thrown at Waterstones' "New In" shelf. But that's just me, and I wont be buying a Tea, Edward t-shirt any time soon. Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
I just couldn't finish this book. It was one of the most boring children's books I ever read. I wasn't too taken on The Famous Five books either, so maybe that whole genre, if you will, isn't to my taste. It was like halfway through the book and I realised that I had no idea what had happened. I just couldn't keep my attention on it, I was that bored. Maybe something I can try again one day.
I was going to include this, because I really struggled to get through this book. I don't know why, I have no explanation but I found it to be a very tedious read. I tried to give up on it so many times but made myself read it because it's a classic and to be honest, I just wanted to be able to say that I'd read it. Looking back on the book once I'd finished it I would've said that it was brilliant, I just wish I'd enjoyed it more at the time.Any books that you've attempted but just really hated? I'd love to know.
