I have some fun, book related news — I’ve updated my 2016 Reading Challenge from 30 to 45 books! By averaging three to four books per month, it’s statistically impossible that I’ll end up loving, or even liking the majority. And there’s nothing more aggravating than finally sitting down to read a book you’ve heard so many great things about, only to be left sorely disappointed.
And guess what? It happens a lot. So I’ve decided to start posting a new series, here on Peonies and Bees: 3 Books I Recommend You Skip.
Because I want to spare you, my fellow bookworms, of reads that are just not worth your time. Are you ready for Volume #2 of overrated books?
1. Dear Daughter by Elizabeth Little
Sigh. This book could not have had a more ridiculous plot line. It was so dramatic and highly unbelievable. I rolled my eyes while reading this at least a dozen times. I could barely finish it, but I really wanted to know what happened at the end. So I stuck with it. It was not worth it. I’m recently starting to see some hype about this book, and want to put a PSA out there: Dear Daughter received three stars for a reason, stay clear.
2. What She Left Behind by Ellen Marie Wiseman
Even though this book made the list, I will admit, I liked the plot and felt it was pretty tough to put down. BUT, without a single likable character and terrible writing (think: juvenile dialogue between the characters) it was just… overrated IMO. I could be wrong here, because it did receive four stars, so I’m actually curious — how many of you read this book and enjoyed it?
3. Dear Mr. You by Mary-Louise Parker
Oh man. I really, really wanted to like this book. Mainly because I went to see Mary-Louise Parker at an author talk. I fell in love with MLP, she’s quite a lovely person. I very much enjoyed what she had to say about her book. Of course, I bought it, there and then at the author talk. The writing, I will admit, is deep, heavy, and beautiful, buttttttt I couldn’t get past 1/3 of it without being bored to tears. It felt like reading her diary, and I was disengaged after the fourth essay. I can’t bring myself to finish reading it.
And that concludes Volume #2
How’s your 2016 Reading Challenge coming along?