Sometimes we avoid books for reasons that have nothing to do with the writing.
A cover that feels boring. A title that sounds too serious. Or the fact that everyone keeps talking about it.
I ignored The Goldfinch for years because it felt long and heavy. When I finally read it, I learned how quietly grief can shape a person over time. I also felt like I missed years of sitting with that story and letting it grow on me earlier.
I skipped Gone Girl because it felt overhyped. When I read it later, I learned how sharp and controlled the writing really was. I missed the experience of discovering those twists without already knowing the reputation.
Both books made me realize how many good reading years we lose by judging too fast.
What book did you avoid for a long time for a silly reason but ended up loving once you finally read it?
Thank you.
by gamersecret2
3 Comments
East of Eden. Its reputation precedes it and I really wanted to make sure I “got” it. Turns out it isn’t a super challenging read and I blew through it in less than a week. Loved it!
Anne of Greene Gables
I ignored Terry Pratchett’s entire body of work because I didn’t think I enjoyed comedy in books. As it turns out, I just wasn’t reading very funny authors. *Guards! Guards!* was available on Libby recently, and I was stuck in an airport, and, well… The man was brilliant, and I regret not reading his books sooner.