As book bloggers – or part of the book community one way or another, whether it’s because we post on Goodreads, Twitter, Instagram… – we’re often asked about very popular books, both in real life and on the internet. Sometimes though, I draw a blank, because I just haven’t read that book, for some reason. I can’t be the only one who has gone through this, can I? But because there are so many overhyped mediocre books – especially when they’re written by white authors, I just don’t have the time for every one of them… So today I’ll share the books people inquire about the most and that haven’t read – or could never finish – and I’ll ask you :
Are they really worth it, or should I keep ignoring their existence? Visit the post to vote! (for some reason, the polls don’t appear on the WordPress reader)
- A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin : So, I’ve done the unthinkable for a book lover : I’ve watched the TV show and never read the books. I’ve tried once and abandoned the task because I was bored to tears after a hundred pages, but given the clusterfuck that was the end of the show, I’ve been reconsidering my choice…
- Dune by Frank Herbert : When my baby brother was a teen, he loved these books and I’ve always told myself that I’d read them someday… But never felt brave enough to. Should I try?
- Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead : Back when Jennifer L. Armentrout’s novels were part of my favorites (I knooooow, sigh), I’ve read her Covenant series and came across reviews that said it was a rip-off from VA, and that made me curious… Now that my tastes have changed though, I’m not sure I should give in…
- Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare : I’ve read The Mortal Instruments in 2018 and really disliked the incest plot point, but I’ve heard that this series is different… Enough to try it?
- Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine : This one is part of almost every “YA book you should read” list but somehow it never appealed to me… Should it?
- Gardens of the Moon by Steven Erikson : As a Fantasy reader, I’ve been recommended this book too many times to count but as it’s often the case with LONG series, I’ve always felt a bit hesitant about trying them… Are they really worth my time?
- Sabriel by Garth Nix : I’m sorry I’m so shallow, but that cover always throws me off every time I stumble upon it on my Kindle 🙈 Should I ignore my instinct on this?
- The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien : Don’t confiscate my Fantasy reader card and hear my out! I found the first book so boring the first time I tried it that I’ve never even finished it 🙈 Are the books getting better or should I stay happy I’ve watched the movies?
I’d give Dune a chance, but definitely postpone ASOIAF until all the books are out. Otherwise you’ll experience a whole different type of disappointment than the show – there is no ending as of yet. GRRM might not even finish the books. As for me, I’ve never read anything by the hugely popular Sarah J. Maas and I have no plans to at the moment.
Thank you for your input!!! Yeah, I’m definitely scared he’ll never finish it, so many of my friends are frustrated about it! And ohhhh I get that! I’ve read 2 of her books a few years ago but ugh, I’ve zero need for more!
I didn’t enjoy VA because of the age difference in Rose and Dimitri’s relationship. The sequel series is very good though
Ohhhhh I didn’t know about that! Definitely wouldn’t like it too, ugh.
I enjoyed The Infernal Devices series waaaaay more than The Mortal Instruments. LOTR is a must, I’d say, for any fantasy fan. If not a must-read, then at least a must-try, because Tolkien’s writing style won’t be for everyone. And I love Ella Enchanted! It’s one of those books where I saw the movie first then read the book, but both are fun in their own different ways. Gail Carson Levine books have always been able to make me laugh out loud. <3
That’s good to know!!! I might try Ella Enchanted soon! Thank you so much for reading!
Dune took me a while to get through but honestly? Absolutely worth it
Yes that’s what I gathered!!!! Maybe this Summer when I have more time?
I’d highly recommend it!
The Infernal Devices trilogy is really great, it’s so much better than TMI, definitely recommend it!! And A Song of Ice and Fire is a really amazing fantasy series, it’s one of my all-time faves—the only drawback is the fact that it’s still unfinished, but I think it’s worth reading regardless of that.
Ahhhhhhh thank you so much Sonja for your input!!!
I tried A Game of Thrones and quit… I just couldn’t do it. Dune is still on my list too. I’d definitely recommend LOTR. Hope you enjoy those you pick! 😉
Thank you!!!!! Yeah, the same happened to me with Game of Thrones!!
I read the first three Game of Thrones books but then found out it actually wasn’t finished and lost interest, haha. My husband read Dune and thought it was just okay. Sabriel, Ella Enchanted, and LOTR are still on my tbr!
Lmao I get that!!!
The fellowship of the Ring!! absolutely!! It’s a classic.
Also, Game of Thrones. I read it before the show was out and I remember once I ended up at the wrong stop on the tub because of all the plot twists. The book was soooo much better.
Thank you for your advice!!! And yes, so many friends told me the same, I’m so curious about the boon plot!
Ella Enchanted is a very different experience from the movie! I love its commentary on language and how much power words have 💖
Ahhh I really will have to read it, so many people are telling me that it’s amazing ♥ Thank you so much for reading!
I had Dune on my shelf for years (someone gifted it to me when I was in high school). I never got around to reading it and finally got rid of it before I moved…but I’m thinking of checking it out from the library when I have time since there’s supposed to be a new movie adaptation coming out this year.
Ohhh I didn’t know there would be a new movie adaptation!
YES READ VAMPIRE ACADEMY OMG IT IS SO GOOD!! theres also tons of books and a spin off – so perf for binge reading 😉 I read Ella Enchanted in elementary school and really loved it too!
Ahhh thank you for your advice!!!