It’s a question inspired by this post https://www.reddit.com/r/books/s/s2jK2DzFrA by u/oh_sneezeus

Is there any book that is considered a classic or regularly shows up on the “100 books to read before you die” lists and such, you had high expectations before reading and then you ended up absolutey detesting?

For me it’s Blindness by José Saramago, it started off good and then page after page it was becoming more unbearable for me to read, I hated the characters, the things they were doing and the conclusions of the book. I was really disappointed because the plot seemed really good and all I ended up with was frustration.

Is there a book that did the same to you?

  • Hecate100@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    War & Peace. What a dreadfully long book. Natasha could be replaced by a pigeon without anyone noticing, and Pierre whines constantly.

  • QueenTzahra@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. Worst books I have ever been assigned for school.

  • Chocotorta42@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    The Communist Manifesto, it’s just wha wha wha all along and the theory exposed doesn’t even make any sense.

  • combat-ninjaspaceman@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    I’ve seen Ayn Rand mentioned in many posts such as these. I’ve seen her mentioned twice already in this thread.

    I’ve never read any of her works. (Yet?) Can someone explain why she and her writing are held in such negative light?

  • Eastcoastpal@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    I read the same book in college! I don’t know about it being a classic, but it was a struggle to finish the book. Definitely not a book I would pick up voluntarily and read.

  • RoBbstar1@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    The Great Gatsby. The characters are uninteresting and Gatsby himself is a nothing character

  • reocoaker@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    There are loads, Gravity’s Rainbow, A Confederacy of Dunces, The Illustrated Man just off the top of my head. I’m sure there are many who would also give them 5 Stars, that’s the beauty of books really.

  • ayroxus94@alien.topB
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    1 year ago

    The Holy Bible. Too much fire and brimstone and genocide. Plus the main character dies at the end.