What do you stubbornly refuse to read, and why? [Archive]

Freewheeling Andy

24th February 2006, 17:52

Me, I stubbornly refuse to read Pratchett because people have been talking him up since the beginning of time, and every time I see him on TV he's irritating, and the "in" jokes people tell from his books just seem very unfunny to me.

And I can't face the thought of those depressing dark "i had a difficult childhood" Frank McCourt, Dave Pelzer type books, either.

And I always struggle desperately when trying to read any pre-20th century novels.

Anyone else?

Inanna

24th February 2006, 17:59

Oooh where do I begin?

LOL

I refuse to touch Anne Rice's books after reading just one of hers, just can't do it again.

A big no to Josephine Cox and Joanna Trollope, lol just the titles turn me off.

claire55

24th February 2006, 18:41

Years ago I stubbornly refused to read the Harry Potter books, not thinking they were my kind of thing at all and the hype put me off. Well the hype was there but when I gave in and read them, I loved them and as on a previous thread cant wait and also dread the final book. Since then I cant say I have stubbornly refused any, because I think you can be pleasantly surprised.

Kell

24th February 2006, 19:10

I did the same with the Harry Potter books, Claire - ended up kicking myself for ewaiting so long - LOL!

I won't touch soppy romances. I steer well clear of the likes of Mills & Boon & their ilk. I'm proud to say I've never read one & I never will. Barbara Cartland is another one I'll never, ever try.

I'm iffy about "chick lit" too. There are some that I've read that I suppose might be catagorised as that, but I think, in general, the actual name of the genre puts me right off. I'm not into "girlie" things at all.

Westerns are another genre I've never been able to bring myself to read. My Dad loves Louis Lamour, but I'll never try them.

And I hate Anne Rice too. I read a couple of the Vampire Chronicles & although she has some really nifty ideas, I don't think she can write for toffee. not saying I could do any better, but there are many, MANY far better vampire books out there & I'd prefer to head over towards the likes of Charlaine Harris & Kelley Armstrong for your not-horror vamp books.

I also have a major bee in my bonnet about Virginia Andrews. I read the Dollanganger series when I was a teen & even within that series found her very repetitive. I then tried the Casteel series & found it to be more of the same. People kept on buying me the books though (which is why they ended up on my sale or swap list). I know someone else is writing them now since she's dead & all, but I can't help thinking they should have buried her writing career long before they actually buried her.

Freewheeling Andy

24th February 2006, 19:11

I stubbornly refused to read the HP books, too, after seeing a bit of one film, and hearing some of one read by Stephen Fry on Radio 4. The whole thing seemed so utterly risible, but now I'm refusing out of stubbornness rather than out of any rational, thought-through process.

Freewheeling Andy

24th February 2006, 19:12

I've only ever read one "Western" book worth reading - Lonesome Dove. But it is a bloody fantastic book.

Kell

24th February 2006, 19:13

I've only ever read one "Western" book worth reading - Lonesome Dove. But it is a bloody fantastic book.
Wasn't it made into a TV series or something? The name sounds familiar...

Freewheeling Andy

24th February 2006, 19:17

I think so. Either into a tv series or a film.

Michelle

24th February 2006, 20:30

Apart from the Anne Rice bit, I agree with Kell! :mrgreen:

Angel

24th February 2006, 20:52

claire55

24th February 2006, 20:59

Know what you mean about the autobiographies and biographies. Why would I want to read all about Jordan or Vicky Beckham??? Are they any different to the rest of us etc. Couldn't agree more

Angel

24th February 2006, 21:01

Thanks Claire - I was beginning to think that I was the abnormal one - the way everyone around me rages on about them drives me mad!

jake

24th February 2006, 21:10

Ditto to everything Angel wrote in her first paragraph. HP doesn't do it for me either, I can't bring myself to read them no matter how fab everyone tells me they are - they are written for kids, give me grown up anyday.

Agree entirely with Andy re Dave Pelzer etc, not my cup of tea at all.

Kell

24th February 2006, 21:20

I refuse to read (auto)biogs of younger folks in general & of the z-list so-called celebs that think just because they were on Big Brother they're famous (ick!). I've enjoyed a few about people in whom I already had an interest, such as Michael J Fox, Christopher Reeve, Cybill Shepherd & Chirstopher Lee though, as they've had interesting lives.

Inanna

24th February 2006, 22:22

Know what you mean about the autobiographies and biographies. Why would I want to read all about Jordan or Vicky Beckham??? Are they any different to the rest of us etc. Couldn't agree more

I'm with you on that too :mrgreen:

I don't do them really, the only one I was reotely drawn too was Gloria Hunnifords book, about her daughter Caron Keating.

jake

24th February 2006, 22:38

Know what you mean about the autobiographies and biographies. Why would I want to read all about Jordan or Vicky Beckham??? Are they any different to the rest of us etc. Couldn't agree more

Even worse than Jordan or Sticktoria Beckham - Jodie Marsh *shudder*. I wouldn't have any of their books in my house even if they were gifted to me. I don't think anyone I know hates me enough to buy me one........

Inanna

24th February 2006, 22:39

LOL Jake.

Would you except Pete Burns book instead?

jake

24th February 2006, 22:44

Over any of them.........maybe LOL!

Inanna

24th February 2006, 22:46

LOL :mrgreen:

Another genre I'm not keen on touching I suppose is hardcore military books, I don't mind the odd war scene in my books, but nothing too full-on.
Just not really my cup of tea :wink:

jake

24th February 2006, 22:49

Likewise Inanna, I am not a fan of them either. I also don't like reading books fiction of otherwise with a religious slant, bores the pants off me.

Inanna

24th February 2006, 22:59

Yep another no goer for me too, I have my beliefs so don't need to read nothing about them :mrgreen:

Maureen

25th February 2006, 08:41

Me, I stubbornly refuse to read Pratchett ............And I can't face the thought of those depressing dark "i had a difficult childhood" Frank McCourt, Dave Pelzer type books, either.

And I always struggle desperately when trying to read any pre-20th century novels.

Anyone else?

All of what you said - except I tried one Pratchett, but I realsied that my initial impression was spot on. I also cannot bring myself to read HP books, vampire stuff, wars, "I'm special" autobiographies, and Dave Pelzer horror stories. Obviously a big no no would go to those Danielle Steel, happily ever after kind of books. I am also not a big fan of Mr King.
Yes there are other books apart from the above that I enjoy. :D

wiccibat

25th February 2006, 09:36

James Joyce I was put off at school by 'portrait of the artist as a young man'

Hazel

26th February 2006, 11:41

Im not too keen on romance novels ~ Jilly Cooper, Barbara Taylor Bradford, that kind of thing.

Tash

26th February 2006, 12:23

Maureen

26th February 2006, 12:25

it tends to have the opposite effect on me at times.
I'm weird like that.

I know what you mean. I have not read a single HP book, and it took me absolute ages to read the Da Vinci Code.

Tash

26th February 2006, 12:26

I still haven't read any HP books lol. I have them all on DVD but haven't watched them yet. I will one day and I'm sure I'll love them and then want all the books but until that day they'll remain off my list :)

jake

26th February 2006, 13:08

I won't read Mills & Boon, I tried once with Catherine Cookson now I just plain refuse to even try again and I'm really going to make myself popular with this one but:

I've kinda been avoiding Kelley Armstrong too, again as someone said before, simply because of the amount of hype - and yes, I know that's daft, if people are raving, it's bound to be good but it tends to have the opposite effect on me at times.

I'm weird like that.

I'm just weird :lol:
Not at all Tash, you sound a bit like me there :). I have picked up Kelley Armstrong's books in Ottakers, read the back covers and it's not the hype, it's the subject matter, it just doesn't appeal to me. I read part of one of her short stories and I didn't like it at all.

Good job we are all different 8-)

Kell

26th February 2006, 13:17

I've never read any Catherine Cookson either, despite my mother loving them & their being historical fiction of a kind. I've never even picked one up & I know I never will. I don't think I'll ever read the Earth's Child series by Jane Auel either - it's the hype thing. Plus I saw the film of Clan of the Cave Bear & thought it was utter tosh - not the acting/directing type aspects - the storyline itself - it just didn't inspire me to pick up the books at all.

jake

26th February 2006, 13:21

The film of Clan of the Cave Bear was embarassingly dreadful. The book was fantastic, I might read it again now that it's been mentioned.

I actually did read Catherine Cookson - once. I was off work after emergency surgery and was given an omnibus edition by a friend. I had run out of books to read and couldn't get out, so that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it :mrgreen:

Michelle

26th February 2006, 14:11

Clan of the Cave Bear is one of the few books I've read twice.. and it was even better the second time round. Sigh.. I've just hyped it even more! LOL

As for Kelley Armstrong, if the subject matter puts you off, there's not much point really. But if you do like the subject matter, then they're great books. Oops.. more hype!

Ok, Clan of the Cave Bear and kelley Armstrong are rubbish.. DON'T READ! hehehe

Maureen

26th February 2006, 14:57

Clan of the Cave Bear and kelley Armstrong are rubbish.. DON'T READ! hehehe

Hmm. That's why I have not tried to yet :lol: :lol:

Inanna

26th February 2006, 16:17

The film of Clan of the Cave Bear was embarassingly dreadful. The book was fantastic, I might read it again now that it's been mentioned.

I've not seen the film, but have the book coming to me. I'm afraid I tend to stick 2 fingers up at any hype that surrounds the book, if it sounds interesting to me, I'll read it. :mrgreen:

Oh I did read a Catherine Cookson book once, never again though, was thoroughly boring :wink:

Freewheeling Andy

27th February 2006, 08:56

The biography/autobiography thing is interesting. I can't face reading auto-biogs that are actually ghost-written. And if I'm reading biog/autobiog I want it to be someone who's lived a full and interesting life. Charles Darwin biography is OK. Wayne Rooney biog is not. Not that I read much of either, but a 20 or 30 year old can't have that much to say about their own lives.

But I also struggle with how friendly and personal biographers are about their subjects. I hate it when reading, say, a Darwin biog the author always talks about Charles, as if they were good friends.

Not reading the Mills&Boon/Jilly Cooper/Danielle Steele stuff should be taken as given from me, too.

Freewheeling Andy

27th February 2006, 09:00

And James Joyce? Well, I read the Dubliners. Then read the first two paragraphs of Finnegans Wake, and it took me about four days to get that far, and I decided it was probably a lost cause... So no more Joyce for me.

wiccibat

27th February 2006, 22:03

Ooh thankyou for that Andy,I always had this nagging doubt that I didn't 'get' Joyce because I wasn't 'clever enough'. But with age I've come to the conclusion that he was barking mad :silly:

jake

27th February 2006, 22:36

Inanna you will love Clan of the Cave Bear, I'm quite sure it will be up your street.

Inanna

27th February 2006, 23:08

Inanna you will love Clan of the Cave Bear, I'm quite sure it will be up your street.

LOL thanks jake, it looks really good :D

Mamacita

1st March 2006, 21:03

I will not read horror. Period. There is absolutely nothing but trash between the covers (and on the covers ) of them IMNSHO. Same goes for the serial killer type books. I can't understand the allure of reading about someone's sicko proclivities (Silence of the Lambs is one that comes to mind).

Not big on war stories, usually because they're written by some oaf with testosterone poisoning.

The only bios that I'll read are those of persons with historical significance or someone that I've found fascinating for whatever reason. I read a really good one recently called "Founding Mothers" by Cokie Roberts. It told of what the wives, sisters and daughters were up to while the men of the house were plotting Treason against King and Country. :wink:

Being the upbeat, happy individual that I am, I really enjoy reading books that reinforce those feelings. Books with satisfying, often happy endings.

I don't like the syrupy Mills & Boon "doctor and nurse" type romances. Ugh! Those went out with disco. But I do really enjoy a lot of the new contemporary romances that are out these days. I feel I can identify with the strong alpha females who know what they want out of life and go after it. Or characters who have a bad experience, then learn and grow from it. :D

Oh, btw, Lonesome Dove was written by Larry McMurtry and it was made into a television miniseries here in the US back in the '80's. It was very well made and if you can find it, it's very much worth watching.

jake

1st March 2006, 22:12

Having a laugh to myself Mamacita, I looooove serial killer type books. However I have to say they tend to repeat themselves after you have read as many as I have.

I do read fact as well which can be very disturbing, but it's all in the name of research for me. I'm more interesting in the 'catching' rather than the 'doing' side of things e.g. Ted Bundy the whole case rested on a bite mark. Sad thing about that case is no-one knows how many poor women he killed.

Mamacita

2nd March 2006, 02:21

Hi Jake--

I'll read some of the true crime books if the case is one that interested me. I read Ann Rule's "Small Sacrifices" mainly b/c my sister's husband worked with the woman's father and also from time to time with her. It was interesting to me because right after "the incident", Jim said "she did it. She's just nutso enough to have killed her own kids." Sure enough, it turned out he was right. :shock:

jake

2nd March 2006, 09:26

Yikes Mamacita :shock:. I've read a few of Ann Rule's books, not sure if I've read Small Sacrifies though, although I may possibly have it stored away somewhere.

yin/yang

15th July 2006, 11:44

I won't read Steven King, i've seen the films and thought they were either pants or too disturbing so i've never bothered with the books. I won't read chick lit, ever. I won't ever go near Jade Goodys or Posh's biography and i pray for the day they emigrate or decide to become hermits.... and i won't ever read the idiots guide to microsoft windows/excell, the history of physics or a journey of the mathematical world.

Icecream

15th July 2006, 12:19

Not sure. I loved the Dave Pelzer books, but people making money out of whingeing about the past seems defeatist. I think all the Grisham books seem too much the same, but I would probably still read the ones on my shelf at least, and I would not read anything to do with celebrities either yin/yang

Acesare*

15th July 2006, 23:35

Stephen King's films are almost all pants, but the books are great! If you don't read anything else by him, read the Green Mile - it's high on my favourites list!

I have to agree on the biographies of people who are famous for no reason - the very fact that they are constantly in the media is infuriating enough, why do they think we want to know everything about them! And not just one biography, but multiple? No thank you!

I tend to avoid sloppy romance stuff, as I just find that kind of thing nauseating and a bit girlie, and I'm not really a fan of sci-fi either.

Kell

16th July 2006, 07:52

I agree about the nonenitity celeb bios - I never know sho these folks are anyway, as they all seem to be off Bog Brother (or so I'm told - I wouldn't know, myself) which I've never watched as it holds no interest for me. However, some celeb autobiographies have been wonderful. Some notables have been:

Christopher Reeve (both of them)
Michael J Fox
Christopher Lee
Cybil Shepherd

They've led incredibly interesting lives &, in some cases, overcome huge obstacles or suffered great tragedy & worked back towards trying to lead a normal life - amazing stuff.

wiccibat

17th July 2006, 14:16

Doris Day had a tough life, and yet always came across as so cheerful in public.
I've enjoyed
Lauren Bacall
David Niven
I was pleasantly surprised by Bob Monkhouse's autobiography too.

yin/yang

17th July 2006, 14:39

I am reading Hunter S Thompsons autobiography but that will be the first and the last. It is good btw.

Vanessa

17th July 2006, 16:13

I've just scrolled back and noticed a lot of talk about Harry Potter, but I'm glad to see you guy's were'nt caught up in the hype either.

I flaked and read Dan Browns Da Vinci Code but regret it now. For me it was a cheap thrill that ended at the last page, I didn't get anything from him.

As for biog's - Stephen Fry's Mowab Is My Washpot was such a disappointment. I can't fault the man but his recital of days gone by taught me nothing of the public persona we see today. But I do know why his nose is crooked!

I want the books I read, the movies I see and the artwork I take a peek at to have a lasting affect on me...is that asking too much?!?!?

southernlady

25th July 2006, 14:02

I absolutely refuse to read biographies or autobiographies! I can't bear the general theme of how people have struggled to reach fame, what a difficult life they've had or dishing the dirt on their friends and families - no matter how cathartic it is to the writer!
I see it as a choice of who you read. These are the ones I have read. And I don't see them as a waste of time reading.

Tuesdays with Morrie: An Old Man, a Young Man, and Life's Greatest Lesson by Mitch Albom
Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw
Faith of My Fathers by John Mccain, Mark Salter
The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson, Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill
The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, Elizabeth Sherrill, John Sherrill
Just As I Am by Billy Graham

I don't read many cause I am picky.

As far as other genre's/authors. I won't read Stephen King. I won't read MOST Science Fantasy but adore Science Fiction.

Not big on war stories, usually because they're written by some oaf with testosterone poisoning.

And those are MY favorites. :) Esp authors like Tom Clancy and W.E.B.Griffin. Liz

Inver

25th July 2006, 19:58

Don't really do Sci Fi.....but dh does. Doesn't really appeal to me to much in films either.

Also Da Vinci Code....just one of those books I can't be bothered reading because it has been hyped up so much.

Acesare*

26th July 2006, 00:14

Harry Potter. Saw a film, thought it rubbish and refuse to read the books. Just doesn't interest me at all!

Michelle

16th September 2006, 17:07

This was an interesting thread, so I've bumped it up to see if our new members would like to share?

pontalba

16th September 2006, 18:33

Yeah, it is interesting.
As for what I won't read...I don't like Stephen King. I tried to start IT three times, and always got bogged down a few pages in. I have read a few others of his, but that one was it for me. Hah, no pun intended. :roll:
Bios were mentioned above, I like some...Speak, Memory Vladimir Nabokov's autobio was fascinating, and I have some more around here that I have dabbled in, and enjoy. Bette Davis, John Nash, and two of Virginia Woolf. I think reading an authors bio helps in understanding their work.

I don't like true crime though, it is way too explicit and gory for my taste, and I don't read too much sci-fi, and don't care for fantasy at all.

Sofia

16th September 2006, 19:30

those harlequin romance ones....ugh!

pontalba

17th September 2006, 03:01

those harlequin romance ones....ugh!
:agreed: Forgot about them.

Paul

17th September 2006, 03:49

I absolutely will not read any book by any political figure of any stripe.
And nowadays not any book by any TV personality either.
(Ooh, it feels good to get that off my chest! :) )

Kell

17th September 2006, 09:20

I agree with that, Paul - I can't think of anything I'd hate more!

dididave

17th September 2006, 18:54

I refuse to read anything by Dan bleedin Brown! The last time I swallowed the hype was Michael Crichton and he is bleedin awful too!

Michelle

17th September 2006, 19:02

I like Michael Crichton! But as we often say, it would be a boring forum if we all liked the same thing. :)

pontalba

17th September 2006, 19:07

As far as any political bios or autobios, I have read both of the Clinton books. But I also have to admit, I skipped most of the political stuff, I'm not interested in that part. I just enjoyed reading about their lives apart from that.

Those are the only ones though.

Mia

17th September 2006, 20:15

I avoid like the plague anything by well-respected, literary authors that I was forced to read for school - Hardy (man, was he depressing), Shakespeare, Ibsen etc. I hated every book I had to study at school.

I also don't like true crime books, or horror, as I'm a sensitive soul! :mrgreen:

madcow

17th September 2006, 20:15

For my sins i've seen 2 HP films (only cos i've got a 12 year old who loves them), but i've never read the books and don't intend to. Sorry they just do not appeal to me, likewise with horror, sci fi and some celeb auto/biogs.

muggle not

17th September 2006, 21:10

I have no desire to read books by politicians or autobiographies by the "famous". There are too many other books that I would rather read and time does not permit them all.

Sela

18th September 2006, 12:21

I can't read Stephen King, though I've tried. I either get too scared (Christine) or too confused (The Stand). I don't read horror in general.

I don't read a lot of biographies or autobiographies. I don't read military history.

I don't read weepies, either. Aga sagas or women's fiction that's nothing but one tragedy after another.

Call me a sap, but I read to enjoy myself.

pontalba

18th September 2006, 13:15

Call me a sap, but I read to enjoy myself.

Enjoyment is the name of the Game. 8-)

Kristen Painter

18th September 2006, 13:31

I don't read Stephen King either - at least not his scary stuff. I like to sleep at night, you know.

Since I write romance, I tend to read heavily in that genre. Pretty much everything except erotica. Not my bag.

I also like books outside of romance. Authors like Orson Scott Card, Mercedes Lackey, Catherine Asaro, Marion Zimmer Bradley - fantasy & sci-fi are great! I recently finished Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen Confidential and it was a very interesting read. I love to cook, so anything chef-related is usually a green light for me.

Acesare*

19th September 2006, 01:48

As a huge King fan, I think there must be some books that you will like. I hotly debate the stereotype of King as a horror writer as I would call many of his novels as fantasy.

If you're not a horror fan, try reading 'The Green Mile' - it's not horror at all and it a brilliant book (and one of the few film adaptations of his work that's anywhere near as good as the book!)

Sela

19th September 2006, 12:37

Well, I liked "On Writing." :)

Wasn't "The Green Mile" written as a serial?

Michelle

19th September 2006, 12:43

Wasn't "The Green Mile" written as a serial?

Yes, it was. :) But I think you can get it as a complete book now.

24th September 2006, 19:50

After being a faithful Nora Roberts fan for years and seeing her stories become stale and more importantly, overwritten, I can't bring myself to buy any of her new stuff. I do, however, continue to read her old works. She was an incredible craftsman: Honest Illusions being her most impeccable work to date.

Laramie

25th September 2006, 09:19

i refuse to read "the hobbit" by jrr tolkien, wasnt it?
cuz we had to read it in class in year 6, and it was SO BORING!! :banghead: i gave it a fair trial, i got to page 50, and when still nothing had happened, i just said to my teacher "I CANNOT READ THIS!!" and he let me off+said i could read something else.
i dont know why we had to read it, we didnt have to do anything about it...

Liz

25th September 2006, 10:01

The new Peter Andre autobiography.

Need I say more?

madcow

25th September 2006, 11:08

Sofia

25th September 2006, 11:26

Danielle Steele. I just can't read her books.

madcow

25th September 2006, 13:03

I used to like Danielle Steele (when i was younger) but i got fed up when they were all basically the same!

muggle not

26th September 2006, 17:03

I have no desire to read books by politicians or autobiographies by the "famous". There are too many other books that I would rather read and time does not permit them all.
And now pontalba has me reading an autobiography. :oops:

JohnT

28th September 2006, 02:43

I have no desire to read War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, mainly because war is a lousy subject of no interest to me, and secondly to go on by volumes seems rather redundant reading.

pontalba

29th September 2006, 01:49

KAY

1st November 2006, 22:50

I won't read Barbara Taylor bradford or josephine cox, mills n boon etc... but i have been known to read a Catherine Coookson and they never disappoint they are excellent. My favourite is " the cultured Handmaid". Very powerful! will stay with you for ever.

Purple Poppy

1st November 2006, 23:32

I joined this forum to have my hozirons broadened / expanded. So, although there are books that I shy away from, if pressed I would read them or attempt them. I would never in a million years have picked up Kelley Armstrong before meeting Kell. Werewolves! No way! But I've read two now and love them. Likewise, something like Cold Granite, Stuart MacBride, would have been a no-no, but again, I loved it. And I don't think you can say for certain, until you've opened a book and at least read the first chapter, or two.

But thats me...I have alot of catching up to do, whereas some of you are much better read and better able to comment.

:readingtwo: :readingtwo: :readingtwo:

PP:006:

Gyre

2nd November 2006, 03:10

I avoid Catherine Cookson books and books that are Catherine Cookson type of books.:readingtwo:

Louiseog

2nd November 2006, 21:36

I avoid Catherine Cookson books and books that are Catherine Cookson type of books.:readingtwo:
and Mary Taylor Bradford and Jeffrey Archer :smile2:

madcow

2nd November 2006, 22:07

Mills and Boon....yuk

Liz

3rd November 2006, 15:17

Mills and Boon....yuk

Ha Ha :lol: . My nan used to adore Mills & Boon. She used to like the Doctors & Nurses type.
She always liked a bit of a saucy story, did our nan. :lol:

~V~

3rd November 2006, 15:30

lord of the rings

why? because it's poo of course

Acesare*

4th November 2006, 19:20

Ha Ha :lol: . My nan used to adore Mills & Boon. She used to like the Doctors & Nurses type.
She always liked a bit of a saucy story, did our nan. :lol:

I always wondered who actually read the Mills and Boon books. :lol:

Maureen

10th November 2006, 20:19

I remember finding a stash of them at my Auntie's and reading them behind her back when I was about 11 or so...and I felt I was being naughty. Poor me!!

Gyre

10th November 2006, 21:30

I always wondered who actually read the Mills and Boon books. :lol:

Liz's Nan and my mum read 'Mills and Boons', my mum particular favourites were the hospital based ones, where the doctor discovers he is in love with the nurse whilst treating some bunions...:mrgreen:

Maureen

11th November 2006, 14:32

They do sound silly and predictable.....but in some strange fashion, they have to be predictable, or else they would not be M&B.

Maureen

11th November 2006, 14:35

Another twist was that the good looking tall & handsome male always had a gorgeous hourglass blond girl , and then the mousy other girl would fall in love with him, .......then after an internal struggle he used to realise how he loves Ms Mousy not Ms Perfect. :lol:

Purple Poppy

11th November 2006, 16:29

I think its the predictability that people like. I have to admit to reading a few about twenty years ago, when I was very depressed. I just wanted something that was light, (couldn't be much fluffier) and that had a positive end. It stopped me lying on my bed crying, for nothing in particular as is the wont of depression. I have always felt grateful to M&B for that, but I have to say I have never felt I wanted to read another one!!!

And at the end of the day, if it gets a teenage girl who normally doesn't read, reading a book, who knows what she might advance to later??

Well, you can hope...

PP:006:

Esiotrot

5th April 2008, 22:26

I am trying to broaden my reading horizons but there are a few books I know I will never read ~

Lord of the Rings - too much hype, too much fantasy

James Patterson - it just bugs me he has 14 books out each year, he doesnt write them so why is his name on the cover?

Ghost Written Celeb 'novels' - as above.

Biographies and Autobiographies on Z list 18 year old 'celebs'

Torey Hayden - or any other stories of my tortured childhood type books, been there read that and got the snotty hanky to prove it

Catherine Cookson, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Danielle Steele and the like - ad infinitum

Mills & Boon

Westerns

Sci Fi

There that feels better! Have I left anything to read? :mrgreen:

Kx

prospero

5th April 2008, 22:30

I'm reluctant to read those "Ooh, I had a terrible childhood," misery memoirs, with a crying child or the back of a child's head against a white background. They've all got titles like "Please Daddy Stop Coming into My Room at Night," or "Mummy Put Away the Chainsaw."

Even as someone who had an abusive childhood, I think, "Instant yawn." :roll: A lot of them are jacked up a notch for 'readability' anyway; there's been talk of Dave Pelzer not being 100% truthful and too many of them read like bad soap opera scripts.

Possibly because I've been through worse I think, "What are you complaining about?" I've read a few but now they bore me. Maybe I should write my own! :lol: If one grabs me in the future then fair enough, but they'll be library copies - I won't buy any!

...I've kinda been avoiding Kelley Armstrong too, again as someone said before, simply because of the amount of hype - and yes, I know that's daft, if people are raving, it's bound to be good...

That's sooooo not the case, necessarily. I prefer to make up my own mind rather than follow hype too, but I don't think just because great numbers like a book it means I will too, or that it's necessarily any good. I mean, I can name a few books that sold well but are badly written, from a point of view of 'proper English' that is, or are factually incorrect. Readers sometimes go along with hype to follow the crowd without giving any thought to how well-researched a book is, for instance and I can't enjoy a book if I can see plot hole or historical inaccuracies in it, whether it's been hyped up or not.

I will not read horror. Period. There is absolutely nothing but trash between the covers (and on the covers ) of them IMNSHO. Same goes for the serial killer type books. I can't understand the allure of reading about someone's sicko proclivities (Silence of the Lambs is one that comes to mind)...

That's very open-minded of you. I would have thought it was impossible to make up your mind on an entire genre without reading at least a few of that group and then trying again every so often to see if trends had changed.

As for why people read horror or serial killer novels...to understand? Of course, understanding does not mean condoning. But I can assure you that not all horror/serial killer novels are trash.

It's pointless debating on matters of taste, I know, but there you go. My not-so-humble opinion.

poppy

6th April 2008, 08:04

Echo

6th April 2008, 08:34

There's not a lot I won't read, but generally I try to stay away from romance, westerns, and post-modernism. Mostly it's just a taste thing. I have no interest in the Old West, so westerns are definitely not my thing. Romances just don't appeal to me at all, and I feel like a voyeur reading those explicit sex scenes. And I had a really bad experience with Demonology by po-mo writer Rick Moody. I got the feeling he was trying too hard to be different, and that because I just didn't get it, I was meant to feel stupid. Whatever. Just not my thing.

happyanddandy

6th April 2008, 09:34

I'm with Prospero and Esiotrot on the Torey Hayden thing.

Jeffrey Archer - I don't want to add to his millions.

Gelfling

6th April 2008, 10:00

Nothing, I'm very open minded and always willing to try something - it's the only way you can discover great new reads. Having said that, if I have tried a particular author a few times and hated every book, I won't keep on reading that person's work. John Irving is getting one more chance from me. Let's hope "Cider House Rules," is better than oweny meany and the world according to garp.

Echo

6th April 2008, 10:10

John Irving is getting one more chance from me. Let's hope "Cider House Rules," is better than oweny meany and the world according to garp.

It is. A lot better. :mrgreen:

supergran71

6th April 2008, 11:46

Jilly Cooper is my bete noir!!! I wont touch any of hers now.

I have nibbled at horror. I once read a James Herbert one about a cottage in a wood and it scared me to death, so I avoid him. I have always avoided Stephen King, but seen some of the films made from his books, so I do intend to try him at some time in the future.

nicnic

6th April 2008, 12:22

There is nothing I stubbornly refuse to read. I choose, for example not to read much womens' fiction, celeb biographies or novels, the 'my daddy beat me with spoons then I got a rare disease' type books and the majority of crime thrillers. However, if someone recommends or buys me one of those books, chances are I will give it a try. If I find it so utterly awful that I don't get past the first chapter, it goes on the sell/give away pile. If I feel like trying it again, I put it on a shelf for later.

prospero

6th April 2008, 12:52

I'm with Prospero and Esiotrot on the Torey Hayden thing.

Jeffrey Archer - I don't want to add to his millions.

I've never actually read any Torey Hayden books! I was thinking of Dave Pelzer, Richard McCann and so many others whose names I've forgotten.

There was one, I think it was called The Littlest Prisoner or The Smallest Prisoner...anyway, it was about someone who was being abused by their dad/stepdad/insert random male relative here and in the end, they grew up and left. And I thought, "If that was all it took, why didn't you do it any sooner?" And I'm speaking as someone who went through a violent childhood too! I had no sympathy for the girl who wrote the book; she just seemed totally wet and passive.

So if it gets to the point where I really don't give two hoots what happens to the 'poor little mites' in these misery-memoirs, I know it's time to leave the genre aside for a while until I'm moved to return at a later - much later - date.

Janet

6th April 2008, 12:58

I read the Dave Pelzer ones years ago - when every other person didn't have a story to tell. I read one of the Torey Hayden ones when I did Psych AS Level but thought it was dire.

I have to read Escape some time this year for my 'bookworms' group.

In the closed world of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints, Carolyn Jessop was forced to obey her controlling husband's every demand. She had no money, no power and existed as one of six wives battling for her husband's attention. For seventeen years Carolyn suffered for the sake of her children. She tried to protect them as the cult's new leader, Warren Jeffs, started marrying girls off younger and younger. But when Carolyn discovered that her twelve-year-old daughter had spent three days at Jeffs' home, she knew she had to do everything in her power to take her children and flee. At 35 Carolyn escaped. This is her harrowing - and ultimately triumphant - story.

~V~

6th April 2008, 13:57

Janet, any chance you could poke your eyes out before you have to read that?

happyanddandy

6th April 2008, 14:02

It certainly sounds grim Janet!

Janet

6th April 2008, 14:06

Janet, any chance you could poke your eyes out before you have to read that?
:lol: I wish! I will attempt it because I really enjoy my night out at bookworms! The lady that picked it did so because we haven't read that type of book before (as a group).

It certainly sounds grim Janet!
It does, doesn't it! I won't drink gin whilst I read it or I'll end up doubly maudlin!

~V~

6th April 2008, 17:11

I won't drink gin whilst I read it or I'll end up doubly maudlin!

Is gin not a necessity before attempting this type of drivel? :mrgreen:

Nici76

6th April 2008, 19:49

I have tried in the past to read real life child abuse books but find them just too harrowing so I don't go anywhere near them now.

I also don't like the Catherine Cookson type books either and I do tend to stay clear of Chick Lit books unless someone has recommended one to me.

Oh and I don't tend to go anywhere near Biographies either (apart from Slash) as I find them pretty boring.... :blush:

RedAlligator

7th April 2008, 06:32

I wont read Danielle Steel or Marion Keys. Any chick lit basically. Dont like horror either or sci fi. Also do my best to avoid Salmon Rushdie as well - have given him one go but I just cant do it!

~V~

7th April 2008, 08:37

I wont read Danielle Steel or Marion Keys. Any chick lit basically. Dont like horror either or sci fi. Also do my best to avoid Salmon Rushdie as well - have given him one go but I just cant do it!

Marian Keyes isn't chick-lit :irked:

prospero

7th April 2008, 12:26

She's certainly not literary fiction either!

Even if she doesn't write chick-lit now (which I think she does), her earlier books were far fluffier and definitely within that category, though she wrote about serious subjects. I mean, Watermelon was about someone's husband leaving her, so she went off and got a toy boy.

supergran71

7th April 2008, 13:53

Oh and I don't tend to go anywhere near Biographies either (apart from Slash) as I find them pretty boring.... :blush:

There are biographies and there are biographies Nici!!;) Try John Peel's Margrave of the Marshes which had to be finished by his wife because he died just before he finished it.

megglesface

7th April 2008, 19:35

yup I agree with you all there, I cant stand chick lit at all, but apart from that Im quite varied in my tastes, although I dont tend to read biographies either. I think john peels would be very interesting though, and I once read a really good biographie of hendrix, cant remember what it was called though....:mrgreen:

chicken

7th April 2008, 19:41

I cant read those abusive childhood stories either, and I cant read Pratchett (I have tried) I even tried an audio book but it didn't make any better sense! I read losts of different stuff but those I cant manage. :)

megglesface

7th April 2008, 19:48

aw thats a real shame you cant get into pratchett, i love his books (apart from the trucker/digger series), I always find them perfect comedy relaxation.

shehed

7th April 2008, 21:44

When i was in grade 7, I used to hate HP and the hype it created. Everyone around me seemed to love it. But then in grade 9 I read it for the first time and since then...

shehed

7th April 2008, 21:47

Oh and yeah... Danielle Steele, only read one of her books and never dared touching another!

chicken

7th April 2008, 21:48

aw thats a real shame you cant get into pratchett, i love his books (apart from the trucker/digger series), I always find them perfect comedy relaxation.

Well I did try - but its just not for me :blush:

Kirstykat

9th April 2008, 11:55

I absolutely refuse to read chick-lit. As a teenager I read a lot of Danielle Steele just for something to read and chill out to during my studies, but I wouldn't touch her now with a barge pole. These books, I think, are for people of limited reading ability and limited imagination. For people who can not go beyond what is typed on the page to what the author may be suggesting through metaphors,similies etc. I lose patience with such books very quickly indeed!:motz:

Janet

9th April 2008, 11:58

These books, I think, are for people of limited reading ability and limited imagination. For people who can not go beyond what is typed on the page to what the author may be suggesting through metaphors,similies etc. I lose patience with such books very quickly indeed!:motz:
I think that's a bit harsh.

ETA: And yet, I see you have Maeve Binchy on your To Read pile! :lol:

prospero

9th April 2008, 12:02

Oh man, that's gonna cause a ruckus...

*ahem*

Anyway, I always say Danielle Steel is soap opera rather than chick lit or straightforward romance.

As to her style, and Kirstykat's post? Let's just say I find Steel to be overfond of telling rather than showing and I prefer books which leave the reader some room to use their own imagination and work things out for themselves.

(I was just polite in a post. Something's wrong...)

Janet

9th April 2008, 12:05

Isn't that what she's saying though? That DS is vacuous and she no longer reads them? That was my understanding, anyway.

prospero

9th April 2008, 12:08

I'm staying out of this one. The last person on Earth to lecture someone else about subtlety and tact is prospero! :lol:

Echo

9th April 2008, 12:55

Let's just say I find Steel to be overfond of telling rather than showing and I prefer books which leave the reader some room to use their own imagination and work things out for themselves.

(I was just polite in a post. Something's wrong...)

Having never read Danielle Steel, I of course can't comment on her books, but I really agree with what you just said. I know you said that The Lord of the Rings is something you'll never read, but I believe that Tolkien does a great job showing rather than telling, which is what I really love about his books. I think a romance novel especially would do better showing instead of telling...it would actually allow the reader to "experience" the story! Great point! :D

And yes, I think something's wrong. Are you coming down with something?;)

prospero

9th April 2008, 14:44

I fear for my bile. Can I be losing my powers?!

(It's that stomach virus that did it. I puked all the poison out of me...)

ValenCina

9th April 2008, 14:59

After having to read Foe for a literature exam, I vow never to touch any of Coetzee's novel again! :irked:

Michelle

9th April 2008, 15:22

These books, I think, are for people of limited reading ability and limited imagination.

Sorry, but that really is out of order.. people read different things for different reasons, and I don't think any of us can judge that because someone enjoys a particular type of book, that they have limited ability.

chicken

9th April 2008, 17:08

prospero

9th April 2008, 17:11

The Chick-Lit Mafia are sharpening their poking sticks as we speak! :lol:

*pulls on her running shoes and gets the hell out of Dodge*

You do all realise that was a joke, right? :(

Janet

9th April 2008, 17:57

I'm no chick-lit mafia - I seldom read that genre and I'm sure we realise it was a joke, but at the same time, coming onto a book forum and saying people who read a certain genre have a limited brain capacity is a very inflammatory, and pretty offensive, thing to say.

I would never dream of judging someone on what they read and I hope I wouldn't be judged similarly.

chicken

9th April 2008, 18:00

Oi Prospero I thought you were keeping out of it ? :mrgreen: I think its hugely insulting to post an opinion like that. Although I agree everyone is entitled to an opinion - some should be kept to oneself. My Nan is 90 this year and she has not had it easy. Reading has been her escape and to say that her choice of author shows her limitations is cobblers. She like those books because they offer her an alternative to her own life. A bit of glitz, I suppose. I am not a huge chick lit fan - although I dont dislike the genre. Its just not too everyones taste is all. I wouldn't dream of accusing the hoards of chick lit fans of being simple because they like those books. I think Kitty is mistaken in her opinion, and should remember not to generalise so quickly in the future. Rant Over, thank you and goodnight :blush:

z10

9th April 2008, 20:29

jane austen
what a cliche that would be

Kirstykat

10th April 2008, 09:50

You weren't supposed to notice Maeve Binchey :lol:

Kirstykat

10th April 2008, 09:55

Hello People,

I am sorry if I offended you. Looking back, I agree that I was a bit harsh and stood on my soapbox far too quickly. I think I got too carried away.

Well, at least you know the genres and authors that I really don't appreciate.:hide:

Kirstykat

11th April 2008, 14:29

Hi Guys,

I am REALLY SORRY that I spoke out of turn and did not use and ounce of tact or diplomacy.

I feel really bad that I have offended some of you - I did not mean to be so direct and indiscreet.

Please Forgive Me,

Kirstykat :weeping::cry:

Michelle

11th April 2008, 14:34

Aww Kirsty, it's ok.. :friends0: I for one appreciate the apology.

FishAndChips

11th April 2008, 14:39

Aw bless you KirstyKat. It's big of you to apologize. I am sure everyone here appreciates it too. :friends0:

Janet

11th April 2008, 15:04

You weren't supposed to notice Maeve Binchey :lol:
Hehe!

Thanks from me too. :)

Mia

11th April 2008, 19:18

I appreciate the apology too Kirstykat. :)

Tiresias

28th July 2008, 14:49

Self-Help—in any way, shape or form.

Icecream

28th July 2008, 14:51

Why Tirasias?

Actually I used to hold the same opinion until I read one.

Freewheeling Andy

28th July 2008, 15:14

I'm with Tiresias on the self-help. There are myriad reasons, for me. Even if the book itself turns out to be good, so many self-help books offer "quick and easy solutions" to people desperate for the effortless life, when in fact the solution is to just work hard. It's an equivalent, too often, of the miracle diet.

How to find love in 3 easy steps
How to become insanely rich, the easy way
Your life is a mess, but I can make it better by pointing you at god/mammon/the teachings of my guru

etc.

The shallowness of the approach means that it both gives people hope that there are simple solutions to difficult problems; it also suggests that the shallow desire for wealth/love etc, is itself a wonder-goal.

And, frankly, the titles, the kinds of places you find these books, the pictures of the authors, the fact that they're always being pushed on daytime TV, and so on, tells me that I'm not the audience for these books; but also the audience for these books is absolutely not the kind who need to be told there's a nice, simple, clean way of improving things, the lazy way.

FishAndChips

28th July 2008, 15:47

I don't think all self help books do say achieve x in 3 easy steps. A lot of them say, this is hard work, you need to stick at it.

Tambo

28th July 2008, 15:49

They've been mentioned here before, but if I was stuck on a desert island with just a bunch of autobiographies, some self-help books and soppy romance novels, I would probably use them to fuel the flames of my signal fire rather than read them.

Freewheeling Andy

28th July 2008, 15:53

I don't think all self help books do say achieve x in 3 easy steps. A lot of them say, this is hard work, you need to stick at it.

I'm sure they don't. But so many do (at least on the surface, in terms of the titles) that in my mind the whole genre has become tarred by the same brush, and the whole genre has become innately damaging.

supergran71

28th July 2008, 15:59

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

I have tried, I really have, but I cant get past the deep south accent. OH has read it and loved it and keeps on at me to read it, but no thanks.

checkoe

28th July 2008, 16:04

Hi,

I agree with Tambo on this one. Although if it was a Georgette Heyer novel then I might allow a bit of historical romance to slip past!! I also have to admit to owning the biography of Boris Johnson... sorry guys... I was just curious!

Heather :)

carm

28th July 2008, 16:21

I definitely avoid the self- help section, Danielle Steele and really gory, violent books--self help books just seem to me make someone else rich, Daniell Steele is repetitive and I'm just not a fan of gory bloody books

Ravenwood

28th July 2008, 16:53

Once read a Freya North book..... never again :)

Ruth

28th July 2008, 21:47

madaboutbooks

29th July 2008, 19:13

After reading one Sheila Quigley book, I will never ever make that mistake in future! I also avoid misery memoirs. I find them all very similar, and as distressing as the experiences surely must have been to the authors, I just don't get anything out of reading them.
I agree with Ruth especially the books that include child abuse. They are just too distressing and yet I know alot of people like this type of fiction.

tbain

29th July 2008, 19:20

Anything by Maeve Binchy, Ben Elton or any of the Harry Potter books!

Nici76

29th July 2008, 19:20

Self-Help—in any way, shape or form.

Normally I would agree, however since mum passed away I am finding a lot of comfort in reading a variety of different books on grief and bereavement.

Icecream

29th July 2008, 22:05

Normally I would agree, however since mum passed away I am finding a lot of comfort in reading a variety of different books on grief and bereavement.

Normally I would agree too, but the long healing process I very much needed started after reading such a book. Andy I think you are right, that, sadly there are too many books on the subject that are probably just money makers and gimmicks to fit our quick fix society, but there are some very good ones and some people really need them.

FishAndChips

30th July 2008, 11:22

I agree with Ruth especially the books that include child abuse. They are just too distressing and yet I know alot of people like this type of fiction.

Aren't misery memoirs non-fiction?

Tiresias

30th July 2008, 13:29

Normally I would agree, however since mum passed away I am finding a lot of comfort in reading a variety of different books on grief and bereavement.

Really, we need to define what we mean by "self-help".

I was thinking of the very worst that that genre has to offer: How to Make Your First Million; 12 Easy Steps to a Better You; How to Get the Perfect Body in 32 Days, etc. But I am also sure that, as you say, there are helpful books out there for dealing with grief and bereavement, on better parenting, living with diabetes, etc., etc., though I don't really think these books deserve the title "Self-Help" with all that it entails. I'd class them "educational non-fiction", or something like that.

And there is also some truth in the statement: there is no book so bad that there is not some good in it.

Spooncat

30th July 2008, 20:15

Anything by Maeve Binchy, Ben Elton or any of the Harry Potter books!

dont agree Ben Elton but def agree Harry Potter books - cant stand them!:irked:

pint6x

31st July 2008, 21:16

I must say I have enjoyed Ben Elton's books - deliciously dark comedies.

But it's a big no to:

Lord of the Rings (tried once - BORING)
Harry Potter
Terry Pratchett
Sci/fi & fantasy
Western

On the Biography/Autobiography front, I do read some:

John Peel's "Margrave of the Marshes" is very good. I am also currently enjoying Martin Johson's autobiography - ex captain of England's rugby team. Well written, no self pity, factual & entertaining.

Other biogs in the TBR pile include Eric Clapton's.

I refuse to read biographies by people who are clearly about a quarter of the way into their careers, or by Z-list nonentities from Big Brother or Britain's got Talent (sic)

tbain

1st August 2008, 08:32

I also wouldn't read Mills and Boon or Catherine Cookson.

Ruth

1st August 2008, 12:54

I also wouldn't read Mills and Boon or Catherine Cookson.

Me neither, and definitely not interested in Lord of the Rings either.

Nellie

1st August 2008, 19:56

I must say I have enjoyed Ben Elton's books - deliciously dark comedies.

But it's a big no to:

Lord of the Rings (tried once - BORING)
Harry Potter
Terry Pratchett
Sci/fi & fantasy
Western

Why not Terry Pratchett? I'm interested to know what puts you off.

As for me, no to Mills and Boon and true life crime, it seems a bit voyeuristic to me.

Tiresias

2nd August 2008, 09:13

I am reluctant to read Thomas Pynchon, due to all the pretentious noise surrounding his work.

Talisman

2nd August 2008, 17:21

Anything so-called celebrity written, as for one thing, most of them are not celebrity written, and for another, they have enough money already, and I don't see why I should subsidise their plastic surgery and egos ! :roll:

Colin Jacobs

2nd August 2008, 18:57

Any Tabitha King. much to violent and much too violent sex etc not my type of book at all

Tiger

3rd August 2008, 11:01

Autobiographies. I cannot stand them! :(

bev

20th October 2008, 15:41

I pretty much read anything and everything, if it's got words my eyes are upon it !! :readingtwo: I don't enjoy all that I read, but then that's the pleasure of reading. For me going by genre or whatever is popular/bestsellers has never been an issue. Just like losing the contents paper of a box of chocs, you don't know what the flavour is gonna be but you dive in anyway. That way sometimes you find something great that you wouldn't have picked if you had read the wrapper. :D

Raven

20th October 2008, 18:28

The Da Vinci Code.

I've tried reading it twice now, and each time Dan Brown's appalling writing has caused my will to live to wither like an ice cube under a blowtorch.

Very bad stuff indeed.

bookwormmum

20th October 2008, 19:04

Mills & Boon or Catherine Cookson like reads...

I'll probably enjoy them if I read them, but I can't get out of my head that they are old ladies books. My Nan reads them all the time.

Charm

20th October 2008, 20:49

Mills & Boon or Catherine Cookson like reads...

I'll probably enjoy them if I read them, but I can't get out of my head that they are old ladies books. My Nan reads them all the time.

Have to agree with you there :ditto: Also anything by Danielle Steel. No thanks :no:

Stephanie2008

21st October 2008, 10:51

Have to agree with you there :ditto: Also anything by Danielle Steel. No thanks :no:

I totally agree Charm. I don't want anything to do with Catherine Cookson or Danielle Steel. I don't know why but I really don't want to read anything like that.

supergran71

21st October 2008, 13:24

Stephanie and Charm you are actually missing some good reads by avoiding Catherine Cookson books, they are well written and very gritty in places, not just romantic fiction and certainly nothing like Barbara Cartland!!! Its quite a long time since I read any Cookson books, but I would always recommend them. Give her a try!!!

LucyD

21st October 2008, 13:31

Great question. Those 'misery memoirs'... no, no, no. I just don't get the appeal!

Jo-Bridge

22nd October 2008, 17:11

Stephanie2008

23rd October 2008, 09:07

I always avoid "funny" books so I wont read anything by Ben Elton. Also Celeb autobiographies in the Charlotte Church/Chris Moyles/ Coleen mould.

I dont mind biographies from a famous person who has actually got some stories to tell/interseting things to say/ is not in their early twenties!

I agree. I heard that the girl playing Hannah Montana is bringing out an autobiography and she's only 15. I'm not saying she hasn't had a good life, but it's just so she can release another in a few years, like Katie Price has done, and make even more money.

Wonders disciple

23rd October 2008, 13:41

Chimera

26th October 2008, 10:26

I stay as far away as possible from horror/ ghost/ vampire stories (and films). The simple idea gives me the creeps, never saw the appeal of them!

And I never managed to read Lord of the rings, eventhough I tried several times, loved the films, and my whole family are big fans of it... I dont know why, I just cant get into it for some reason.

26th October 2008, 10:28

I stay as far away as possible from horror/ ghost/ vampire stories (and films). The simple idea gives me the creeps, never saw the appeal of them!

I couldn't agree more! Not my cup of tea.

pipread

26th October 2008, 13:16

I always turn away from Jeffrey Archer. Too much perjury and missing millions in charity donations for my liking. Also anything by Jordan, Kerry, etc,etc. Why people would want to make these people, of very limited talent, richer and more famous is beyond me.

:I-Agree: I refuse to add to these peoples bank balances, they`ve pretty much done nothing to earn their "celebrity" status, as far as I`m concerned anyway!

kb.marsh

26th October 2008, 14:41

I stay as far away as possible from horror/ ghost/ vampire stories (and films). The simple idea gives me the creeps, never saw the appeal of them!

I'm the same. I'm too easily creeped out.

Also anything by Jordan, Kerry, etc,etc. Why people would want to make these people, of very limited talent, richer and more famous is beyond me.

Yep, won't read these either.

Great question. Those 'misery memoirs'... no, no, no. I just don't get the appeal!

I'm sorry, I just can't stand these books. I know people have suffered horrendously but there is only so many of these books one can read before it gets a bit repetitive and depressing

GWA

28th October 2008, 10:06

I've never seen an interview with Pratchett and never actually shared sniggers with fellow readers over his jokes, but the guile the man has in spinning a yarn that is not merely entertaining but also has something to say is miraculous. Definitely check out 'Mort' and 'Soul music' before its too late!
GWA

Suburbanite

30th October 2008, 11:06

I won't read any of the Harry Potter Books.

I think I shot myself in the foot and saw the first film before I read any of them. I hated the film so much it put me off reading about it all.

Fluffyblue

3rd November 2008, 19:53

I don't think I could really ever rule reading anything out. There are books I'm currently not interested in reading, such as romantic fiction - Mills & Boon or perhaps even Catherine Cookson, nor am I that bothered about reading the current best sellers or autobiographies/biographies about the latest 'in person' but that might not always be the case. Sometimes it's nice to break out of the mould and try something different.

I've got a really big list of books I want to read which I've compiled from various places - book forums (such as this), online reading groups and Librarything to name but a few. Some of the books I've read as a result have been ones I wouldn't have given a second glance to - and I've actually enjoyed most of them, probably all the more so because I wouldn't normally have picked that particular book up.

x-ZOMGSBBZ-x

16th November 2008, 23:39

Autobiographies, Pointless Waste Of Trees.
Those Real Life Memoir Things? Where A Woman Was Molested?! I Know It's All Very Sad But When 65 Women Have Wrote About It, It All Gets A Bit Much? And Also Danielle Steel. Her Books Are Pointless. Roald Dahl <.< Would Never Read.
<3

FishAndChips

17th November 2008, 13:56

Why is an autobiography a pointless waste of trees?

Ceinwenn

17th November 2008, 14:17

For me, any of the Dan Brown books. He got soooooo much hype & everyone seemed to jump on the Dan Brown bandwagon & become obsessed with reading about the Knights Templar - they even do tours in Paris based around his book. A few people have suggested that I would enjoy the books, but I shall avoid them at all cost, I don't want to add to Mr. Brown's pockets. The Da Vinci Code was a work of fiction & too many people are taking it as gospel.

Chimera

17th November 2008, 19:54