Do anyone else have the same problem? Some books just hook me from the beginning, (or for some I get the “slow burn” and they hit home after even 20% in).
But some just don’t. Although they have the same goodreads rank, same raving reviews, some got recommended by people with similar taste. How do I know in advance? What is that quality I should look for that is the differentiator between books I won’t be able to put down and books I have to force myself to read?
Some recent Books I liked
– Hyperion (all 4 of the Hyperion cantos series) – was a bit slower burn for me initially before the first story, but it hooked me immediately after.
– Children of Time (was a bit “different” at first but wow what a journey)
– Project Hail Mary (what’s not to like)
– Red Rising first trilogy (maybe not a masterpiece, but simply very good storytelling and world building)
– Dark Matter, Recursion, Upgrade (the last was mostly “ok”, but the first two were great)
– Gone Girl (again not a masterpiece but very engaging)
– The Silent Patient (great thriller)
– Shutter Island (read it a few years before the movie, I didn’t see it coming, loved it)
– Hunger Games original trilogy
– Neuromancer
– The forever war (not the top of my list but it was worth reading, well, it was short)
– The hobbit (one of my favorites)
Some recent books I got recommended but I couldn’t make myself finish (yet)
– The Left Hand of Darkness: was always on my to read list, I love the premise and the ideas, love the writing quality, she’s an amazing writer, just plotwise, I’m past the half and can’t really say anything super interesting happened, very slow burn, and I guess this is just a different type of book. Maybe I’m the problem? Should I finish it? Or just give up?
– The Color of Magic: was recommended to me and always wanted to read, but I’m halfway in and again, I find myself forcing myself to continue. Not sure if the problem is me.
– The Lies of Locke Lamora: I can tell it’s a good book, but still I’m trying to understand where is it going, and should I get past a few more chapters before it gets “interesting”
– Lord of the rings: I actually like the movies, I had to “force” myself to finish the fellowship of the ring, it was not a bad book, but maybe because I already know the story, I couldn’t read it without really making myself, I mean there has to be something wrong with me if I can’t appreciate this masterpiece.
– Carrie: still not giving up, but still trying to find the captivating plot / mystery (maybe pop culture just ruined it for me as I sort of know the ending, or maybe it’s just a different kind of writing)
– I am pilgrim: I feel like I am constantly teased and introduced with back story after backstory and can’t wait for the plot to begin
– Nine Dragons (a Bosch novel): I am near the end and I just didn’t connect to any of the characters, there is no suspense, I gave up.
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Would love some book suggestions based on the above!
by Competitive_Hall3082