sad faceIt’s an awkward but undeniable fact that like-minded people — even when they’re both avid readers — don’t always like the same stuff. There have been plenty of times when a book-loving friend recommended something to me that I couldn’t get into, or even manage to finish (shh, don’t tell). It tends to make me feel a little guilty and embarrassed, like it’s something wrong with me for not being able to like this book that everybody else seemingly loves.

The most recent example I can think of is Code Name Verity, which has been recommended to me by multiple people, most recently Nancy Pearl, Seattle’s most famous librarian. She gushed about its gripping WWII-era drama and the admirable, beautifully portrayed protagonist, and I was like UGH. I had tried reading this book just a few weeks ago and couldn’t even make it to my usual 50-page minimum; the heroine’s voice was so anachronistic and overwrought that it set my teeth on edge. I’d read great reviews of this book and WWII history is usually pretty fascinating, but nothing about the narrator’s voice (the book’s premise is that it’s a “diary” of her teen-English-spy confessions) rang true to me. I’m sorry, Nancy Pearl and all the people who suggested this one! I just don’t like it.

Have you had a friend lend you a book and been forced to sheepishly return it unread? Showed up at your book club praying that nobody asks you what you thought of this month’s selection? Is it best to keep your mouth shut, or risk hurting someone’s feelings by insulting a beloved book? Tell us what you think in the comments!

 

Stephanie Perry
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