Something Old, Something New discussion

So, does anyone have any real shockers they'd like to share with the group this year so far?
I have to say that I haven't read anything truly awful yet but my lowest ranked books so far have been (according to my star ratings):
Lisey's Story
The Zombie Survival Guide: Complete Protection from the Living Dead
Burning the Middle Ground; and
Hiding in Sunshine

Have you ever given zero or just one star to a book yet?

As a writer, I'm always reluctant to label a book worst and I try to find the strength in a book, even when it doesn't appeal to me. I know there will be other readers who love the books I don't.
A good example, many readers love and I struggled with it.

I loved Unbroken. Hated The Dinner.

Colleen, thanks for proving my point :)

I didn't like Lisey's Story either as Michelle notes, but I'm sure someone does. I just don't think it was one of his better books. Can't wait to read The Shining and Doctor Sleep.

Colleen wrote: "I didn't like Lisey's Story either as Michelle notes, but I'm sure someone does. I just don't think it was one of his better books. Can't wait to read The Shining and [boo..."

I know a few people who loved Lisey's Story.

I really hope you enjoy The Shining. That is one of my most favourite books ever.

That is why I started this thread because it always fascinates me how every is different and what one person loves another person can really dislike.

I was so excited to begin Natchez Burning by Greg Iles. I luggged that sucker all over Vietnam and Malaysia with me and I tried so hard to stick with it. I was going to just leave in Vietnam but my wife talked me into keeping it . . . she thought I may ultimately pick it up one day. Anyway, long story short, when we were departing Malaysia I stopped in the airport's gift shop to look for a book worth reading and found The Goldfinch. WOW! THAT is the kind of book one wants to read!!! I am now currently reading Sparrow and am still trying to get into that darn thing . . .

Todd wrote: "I was so excited to begin Natchez Burning by Greg Iles. I luggged that sucker all over Vietnam and Malaysia with me and I tried so hard to stick with it. I was going to just leave in Vietnam but ..."

Oh no! I love Greg Isles and have read a lot of his books. That's such a shame that Natchez Burning didn't grab you. I haven't gotten to that one yet but was hoping to one day.

One of the worst books I've read this year was Adultery by Paulo Coelho. Barely worth the two stars I gave it.

Elaine wrote: "One of the worst books I've read this year was Adultery by Paulo Coelho. Barely worth the two stars I gave it."

I have only read one other book by Paulo Coelho which was The Alchemist and I barely managed to finish it. Needless to say I don't think I'll pick up another one of his books any time soon :-)

That one was actually one of his better ones Michelle, which I quite enjoyed. I was stunned at how bad this one was though!!! I'm just glad I didn't buy it!!!

So being the end of the year does anyone have any books to add on here?

I recently finished The Name of the Rose and could barely give it one star. It was just too slow for me and full of too much filler and not enough action.

That one and The Companions which I couldn't even finish have to be my two least favourite reads this year.

What would be everyone else's? ?

I tried to read The Winter Peoplewith another book club and couldn't get through it. And, inGone Girl, I found the characters so unlikeable and it's hard for me to enjoy a book when I don't sympathize with the characters

I didn't finish several books I tried this year, but what stands out is one I did finish:

The Book by M. Clifford. It was painful.

Upon reflection, I have found I don't like much of the popular YA Fiction and dislike noir. On some level, I knew this, but I continue to try books in these genres and still find myself rating them 1 or maybe 2 stars, but realizing I didn't actually enjoy the experiences.

Kate S wrote: "Upon reflection, I have found I don't like much of the popular YA Fiction and dislike noir. On some level, I knew this, but I continue to try books in these genres and still find myself rating the..."

I'm a bit the same with YA fiction. I just don't see the appeal with some that get rave reviews. Maybe I'm just too old now to really appreciate it :-)

With YA, I often really like contemporary stories about realistic characters, but (with the exception of Hunger Games trilogy) not a fan of fantasy, dystopia, vampires, noir

Carol wrote: "With YA, I often really like contemporary stories about realistic characters, but (with the exception of Hunger Games trilogy) not a fan of fantasy, dystopia, vampires, noir"

I absolutely loved The Hunger Games trilogy and I do admit to having a bit of a soft spot for vampire novels depending on how they're written. It's more of a fascination thing I think.
I also used to read a lot of fantasy but seem to have given it up in recent years for more lighter reads. The Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind absolutely engrossed me for months to the point where I was sad that I wasn't part of that world anymore. I think the Wheel of Time series was what broke me after getting up to book 8 and I haven't fully recovered since.

Loved Hunger Games, too.
As a writer I so admire that the author could takes such a sickening concept and get me to totally suspend disbelief and cheer for Katniss, even though her winning meant other children had to die.

Despite so many loving it, I positively hated I Capture The Castle - maybe I'm too old for it but I read other YA novels without this depth of feeling. The other book that, while written fine, had me seeing red was Undead and Unfinished - the last page had me wanting to pluck my eyes out in the hopes I could erase the pages from memory.

I have not read the Hunger Games trilogy. It's on my list of books I may read if I can get all three at one time (I have no interest in waiting to find out what happens next). Most of the time though, I have enough other things to read, I am not looking for a weekend marathon of Katniss.

I do continue to try. I like to know what all the fuss is about. I sometimes, can even see what all the hype is, it just doesn't appeal to me.

As my nieces get older, I know I will find some of these books more relevant, so it's good practice to continue to try one or two each year. :)

Cindy wrote: "Despite so many loving it, I positively hated I Capture The Castle - maybe I'm too old for it but I read other YA novels without this depth of feeling. The other book that, while wri..."

Hahaha, I've never heard of that Undead series before and after your comment it doesn't sound like one I'll ever rush out to read either!