HELLO WORLD!
Don’t worry, I’m alive. I know, I know, I’ve been MIA for two weeks. I have no excuses except I’m in a reading & blogging slump. Gilmore Girls has been calling to me. So let’s come back with a bang, shall we?
One of the best things about books is that the same book is different for each person who reads it. So even if I love a book, and you love the same book, we probably love it for different reasons. Now, when someone insults a book that is dear to my heart, I feel personally affronted. Which is ridiculous. You know it, and I know it. We are rational beings who are capable of talking ourselves down from the cliff of literary pain, and yet each time another person dares to dislike OUR BOOK *thumps chest* we are left pulling shrapnel out of our souls. I’ve been pondering this phenomenon. And I think I’ve figured it out. Books are so personal to us because our interpretation of them is informed by our past experiences. Each of our lives is different, so each of our reactions to and visions of a story are as well. Because of this personal connection, when our favorite books are insulted, it literally feels as though we are being insulted.
BUT WE’RE NOT.
So with this in mind, I’ve decided to share 5 popular books/series that I see being raved about ALL THE TIME that I have absolutely no interest in reading. Now, read that paragraph above if you must. Got it all down? Good. Now put your pitch fork away.
The Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi
I read like 15 pages of this series and knew it was not for me. I love flowery language, but this is like that guy in the elevator who dumped the entire bottle of cologne over his head. In those 15 pages, I knew I was going to hate the main character. They plonk a guy in her cell and she thinks they’re trying to kill her? Uhm, what? And then immediately notices how beautiful he is. Of course. Also, the eyes kind of creep me out.
The Daughter of Smoke and Bone series by Laini Taylor
I actually had the opposite problem with this series. I picked up Daughter of Smoke and Bone once and did my typical read a random paragraph or two to decide if you like the writing or not and the verdict was no. I felt that it was overly simple. I’m picky about writing styles, if you couldn’t tell.
A Court of Thrones and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas
WELLLLLL. I’ve only read Throne of Glass by Maas thus far. And I’ve been assured that the series gets better and I am planning on continuing with it. Buuuuut I have a lot of problems with the writing and the plot of book numero uno. So I just don’t feel the need to jump on the Sarah J. Maas train and read her other books. Also, the plot summary of ACoTaR just doesn’t sound all that intriguing to me.
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
SERIOUSLY I have no idea why I don’t want to read this. I’ve heard great things. I think the concept is really unique and the powers sound fantastic. I just don’t want to read it. My gut instinct is saying no. It doesn’t generally feel the need to explain itself. You know. Biology and stuff.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Love the cover, love the title, love the writing, zero interest in the plot. Slaves, soldiers, fighting.. probably some love interest thrown in there.. just nah. Feels overly familiar.
Just in case you feel the urge to strangle me, I would like to reiterate that I’m sure these are all great books. They’re just not for me. If you feel the need to try and convince me, I would love to be convinced! Tell me why YOU love these books below! You just might change my mind.
I’ll write again soon! Until then, keep reading!
J. Bookish
jbookish.wordpress.com 
I remember when Tahereh Mafi’s first book was published. If I recall correctly, she was a book blogger herself, and I had stumbled my way upon her blog a couple of times. I remember all of the excitement leading up and following the release, and I was sucked in to it. I really wanted to read the book…even though I was really intrigued by the synopsis. I never did get around to it that year, and honestly I’m more than okay with that. It just does not seem like a series that I would appreciate.
As for Truthwitch…I think I’m ready to jump on that bandwagon. It just seems awesome.
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Oh no way? That’s really cool actually. I feel slightly bad for bashing her writing. It’s just not for me, but good for her! I hope I can follow in her footsteps some day haha
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The only book out of this list that I’ve read is ‘Daughter of Smoke and Bone’. I read it because a booktuber I love raved about it, but I ended up DNF-ing it pretty early on. And you’re spot on! The writing style was really simple. In some books, I think it works well, but in others…no. I do want to read Truthwitch though.
I wouldn’t call myself a hipster, but there is a little part of me that refuses to do something simply because lots of other people are doing it. Maybe this is why I don’t care very much about reading what’s popular? But now, being a book blogger, I do find I’m more interested in new releases.
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Hahaha EXACTLY. I sometimes intentionally don’t do things because others are. We all want to stand out, right? But my blog has definitely gotten me reading lots of books everyone else loves and I haven’t been terribly wowed. This realization is obviously causing me to re-think my reading choices…
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Truthwitch sounds cool enough, but I’m with you on that one- I just haven’t bothered to pick it up. Honestly, I felt like ember in the ashes was a massive disappointment :(
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Really?? I’m glad I don’t feel the need to read it then! What didn’t you enjoy about it?
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I literally can’t explain it- it just doesn’t make me think of fireworks I suppose- maybe it’s the fact I’ve read too many similar things- I’ll probably get round to it eventually, but I won’t rush out to buy it
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Agreed!
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I agree with some the choices here. And I have to say that you are excused because Gilmore Girls are awesome! Love your post , overall! :D
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Hahah thank you, they are just amazing! Rory is my reading icon, so it’s like I was reading vicariously through her…?? ;)
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I have no interest on Shatter Me series, either. I like the covers, yes, they are beautiful but the soul of those books are, shall we say, dim? Even on Daughter of Smoke and Bone, A Court of Thrones and Roses and An Ember in the Ashes but I think it’s good to start Truthwitch soon. I like the idea tho. :)
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You are the first person I’ve met in the blogging community who isn’t starstruck by Sarah J. Maas’ writing, thank you for reassuring me I am not weird (I don’t really like her books either). :)
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Ah I’m so glad you’re not a huge fan either! I have only read one of her books so I’m no expert, but I was definitely disappointed considering all of the amazing things I’d heard. What is with her exclamation points?? They drove me crazy haha
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The exclamation points drove me crazy too! (<-see what I did there :) ). I mean, I get it if you need to use one now and then, but every other sentence really is too much.
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Hahaha seriously. They looked ridiculous. I kind of want to go look through the book and see how quickly I find an unnecessary exclamation.
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So ridiculous, like a screaming teen or a toddler with a tantrum. And you’d probably find that exclamation point before the first page.
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Hahah just really juvenile writing tick. And I totally would haha
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As someone who has read Truthwitch and only thought it to be okay, I’d recommend waiting for all 4 books to be released. I still haven’t gotten on that Ember bandwagon despite hauling it in lieu of hype. Someday, maybe.
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Yay you’re back! I hope you are clawing your way out of you reading and blogging slump – I know the feeling.
SO WITH YOU on the Shatter Me series. The second I read the Goodreads synopsis I knew it wasn’t for me. I’m very picky with main characters – if I can’t identify with them or connect with them, I can’t read the book. And the main character here (and the predictable love triangle) was enough to make me pass.
I’m actually listening to the audiobook of Daughter of Smoke and Bone right now – it’s gotten so many positive reviews and hype on Goodreads, but so far it is not just not living up to the hype to me. And I’m at least two hours in. The writing’s okay for me, but the plot is so slowwwwwww. So I don’t think you’re missing out on that one.
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I am trying! Claw by claw. I haven’t quite gotten back into reading but I’m listening to an audiobook so that’s something! Haha well I’m not surprised, we are reading twins. So I’m glad to hear you don’t think I’m missing out haha
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I definitely agree with some of your choices here. The Shatter Me series is one I definitely plan on avoiding. Nothing about that series appealed to me and so instead of forcing myself to read it, I’ve just given it a pass. I’ve yet to read any of Sarah J. Maas’ books. The concept of both series sound interesting but I’ve seen a lot of drama surrounding them, in particular with these oh so annoying shipping wars. I’ve not completely ruled the out yet. My plan at the moment is to wait until all books in the series are out and then binge read them.
Reading is definitely a personal experience and I actually love any chance of discussing and getting to see things form a different perspective. I think it’s only natural we feel protective of the books we love but we should also be respectful to the fact that not everyone will agree with you. :D
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The first Throne of Glass book definitely intrigued me I’m still really curious what’s going to happen, but it was basically a really long intro like nothing of substance happened until the end. And the writing was pretty amateurish.. But like I said I’ve heard t gets a lot better! Hahah ah the shipping wars are intense!!
And yes I completely agree. That’s the best part of reading & what makes it so unique! I know I definitely get defensive when someone doesn’t like a book I love haha
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While looking through my Reader I was just thinking that I haven’t saw a blog post from you in ages and look! Well I can only really defend An Ember In The Ashes cause that book was actually good, but the romance irritated me slightly.
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Hahah I’m back! I have heard that one is really good. I won’t dispute it! I just also don’t really want to read it at this time haha
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Welcome back! :) I think you’re the first one to say that the eyes on Shatter Me are creeping you out haha! Everyone is always just fangirling about the covers :P You are NOT missing out on anything by not reading ACOTAR. I’m a fan of ToG (or at least I was before Queen of Shadows, I’m not sure how I feel about the series anymore) but I hate ACOTAR so much it’s not funny. It romanticises rape and abuse and there’s victim blaming as well. Plus it’s incredibly boring until the last third and at that point I just don’t care anymore what happens to the characters.
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Thank you! Haha the eyelashes are cool but eyes just kind of creep me out. They’re watching me 😒 hahaha I’m glad I gave you a forum to say that in! The fangirling over it must make you crazy; it sounds pretty terrible.
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It does! Especially when it had just come out. Thankfully I’ve found some people who feel the same way, but the majority really loves it and fangirls over it 😔
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Ahh, I am glad i’m not alone in not wanting to read the Shatter Me series or Daughter of Smoke and Bone series! It’s important to listen to your gut if a book doesn’t feel right, and I’m also putting up reading Truthwitch for awhile!
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Haha I’m also glad to hear I’m not the only one! I agree. My gut is generally smarter than my brain. Or something. ;)
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I agree with a lot of these books, I’m kind of on the edge with a few as well. I haven’t even gotten half way through “Throne of Glass” yet and honestly I don’t see what the big deal is so as far as ACoTaR goes I don’t have any real interest either. The only book I’ve actually read and finished was “Truthwitch” and will it was enjoyable I don’t get the hype, it’s just kind of OK. A lot of stuff isn’t explained as much as I would’ve liked, such as the powers. Which the powers were definitely the best part. If you don’t read that one I don’t think you’re missing out on a whole lot. Sorry for the long comment! Loved this post a lot though :)
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Haha don’t apologize! I’m a long commenter myself. :) yeah Throne of Glass is okay but nothing spectacular. I’m glad to hear that about Truthwitch, that definitely makes me feel less crazy about my lack of interest! The powers are really cool.. Too bad she didn’t capitalize on that creativity. And thank you! I’m glad no one has comment-yelled at me yet. :)
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THANK GOD YOU ARE ALIVE. I missed you on the blogosphere so much. Don’t leave like that again, I’ll have a nervous breakdown and who am I going to talk to about Christmas buches?! I know, it’s not Christmas anymore, but does it really matter?! :p
I really like that topic! I really loved the Shatter Me series, but damn you made me laugh so hard with that guy and the cologne metaphor, haha!
I need to read the Throne of Glass series, but I’m scared to have issues with it, too. I guess, if I do, I will know now that I’m not alone! :)
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Hahaha I’m sorry! I kept opening blank posts and just not being inspired. It was a struggle. And yes Christmas cakes must be discussed year round!
Well thank you! Haha I was inspired by a guy who lives in my apartment complex unfortunately…
Aaand Throne of Glass isn’t terrible it’s just not up to the hype. There were lots of exclamation points. Which was weird. They really irritated me haha
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