Want to avoid wasting time on disappointing reads? We know everyone has different tastes, but based on personal opinions and experiences, these books might not meet your expectations. Keep this guide handy for your next trip to the bookstore.
The Helsinki Affair by Anna Pitoniak (2023)
“The Helsinki Affair” promises an exciting spy thriller but disappoints. The plot is overly complicated and difficult to follow. Characters are shallow, making it hard to connect with their journeys. The pacing is inconsistent, dragging in some sections and rushing in others. You might want to choose a more engaging thriller.
Only If You’re Lucky by Stacy Willingham (2022)
Tries to be a charming romance but misses the mark. The characters are stereotypical and lack originality. Dialogues feel forced and unnatural. Without real conflict or tension, the story falls flat. It’s not the best pick if you’re looking for a compelling romance.
The Porcelain Moon by Janie Chang (2023)
Intending to be a captivating historical drama, this book ends up being tedious. While the historical details are intriguing, they overshadow the plot. The characters fail to come to life and feel flat. With a slow narrative pace, staying engaged is a challenge. There are better historical fiction books out there.
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes (2023)
Attempting to be a suspenseful mystery, this novel falls short. Plot twists are predictable and lack originality. Characters feel one-dimensional and underdeveloped. The writing style is dull, making it hard to stay interested. For a gripping mystery, you might want to look elsewhere.
Counterfeit by Kirstin Chen (2022)
This book tries to tackle important themes but ends up being preachy. The plot is thin and seems more like a vehicle for the author’s opinions. Characters come across as mere mouthpieces rather than real people. The story lacks the nuance and subtlety it needs. A more balanced approach to social issues can be found in other books.
Dava Shastri’s Last Day by Kirthana Ramisetti (2021)
Aiming to be a poignant family drama, this book doesn’t quite deliver. The characters are unlikable and hard to relate to. The plot meanders without much direction. Emotional moments feel forced and artificial. A more genuine and heartfelt story might be a better choice.
The London Séance Society by Sarah Penner (2023)
Promising gothic horror, this book ends up being more of a snooze fest. The plot crawls at a snail’s pace with minimal suspense. Characters are poorly developed and easily forgettable. The atmosphere, crucial for gothic horror, is weak. Look for a more atmospheric and gripping horror novel.
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt (1994)
Though often praised, this book can be disappointing. The non-linear narrative can be confusing and disjointed. The story meanders without a clear direction. Keeping track of characters can be a struggle. If you prefer a more straightforward story, consider passing on this one.
Dracula by Bram Stoker (1897)
A classic, but not for everyone. The epistolary format can be hard to follow. The pacing is slow, and the dated language can be challenging. Characters sometimes feel melodramatic and over the top. If classic literature isn’t your thing, you might want to skip this one.
The Turner Diaries by William Luther Pierce (1978)
This book is highly controversial and for good reason. It’s filled with extremist ideology and offensive content. The plot is disturbing and violent. Supporting or reading it is not advisable. Choose a more constructive and positive book instead.
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins (2015)
A bestseller that can be underwhelming. The plot twists are predictable and fail to surprise. Characters are unlikable, making it hard to root for them. The narrative can be repetitive and dull. For a psychological thriller, there are better options available.
After by Anna Todd (2014)
Started as fan fiction, but the transition to a novel falls flat. The story is clichéd and filled with toxic relationships. Characters lack depth and development. The writing style is simplistic and often cringeworthy. Something with more substance and originality would be a better read.
The Drought by J.G. Ballard (1965)
This book attempts to be a profound environmental tale but ends up being boring. The plot is slow and uneventful, failing to engage. Characters are flat and uninteresting. The writing is dry, lacking emotional impact. There are more engaging and impactful environmental books out there.
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James (2011)
Notorious for its problematic portrayal of relationships. The writing is poor and filled with repetitive phrases. The plot is thin and often absurd. Characters lack depth and realistic development. Skip this one for a more respectful and well-written romance.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides (2019)
While it has an intriguing premise, the execution falls short. The plot twist is predictable for seasoned thriller readers. Characters feel one-dimensional and underdeveloped. The pacing drags in the middle sections. A thriller with more depth and surprise would be a better choice.
Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand (1957)
Long-winded and preachy, this book serves mainly as a vehicle for the author’s philosophy. Characters are more like ideological symbols than real people. The writing is dense and can be hard to get through. Exploring philosophical ideas can be more engaging in other books.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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