Every so often, I encounter a book that is wildly popular, selling a ton of copies, yet leaves me wondering what all the fuss is about. Paula Hawkin’s sophomore novel, Into the Water, is a perfect example.

“Best sellers” doesn’t necessarily mean “best books.”

In most cases, although I may not be in the majority in my opinions on a popular book, I’m not alone in questioning its worthiness. However, in regard to the following books, I find they come up in conversation frequently, and many of my book loving peers disagree with me.

All my “dog people” friends looooove this book. I hated it. It’s too sappy and felt manipulative in seeking an emotional reaction. Because I believe in reincarnation as part of my personal spiritual beliefs, I couldn’t buy it in this story.

2. 

Ugh, this woman is so pretentious. I think I strained my eyes rolling them so hard while I was reading. Oh poor me, I went to jail. Oh and I’m white so it wasn’t really that bad, but it’s pretty bad for other people… No thanks.The writing is simple, and Piper didn’t inspire me to care about her ordeal. I know a lot of people who love the TV series, but I’m not interested.

3. 

Yes, the story is interesting. My heart breaks for Henrietta’s family members and all they’ve endured. But it was too long and pretty dry in some parts. I didn’t find it to be the compelling fascinating read many of my friends did.

4. 

I read this one before the Netflix series and related controversy. I found the premise lame and while I didn’t necessarily feel it glorifies suicide, I was appalled at the lack of personal responsibility taken by the main character. She’s blaming all these other people for why she killed herself, and while yes, I do understand the connection, no one forced her to make that final move. I won’t watch the series.

5. 

I tried reading this at the beginning of the craze. I like the theory of keeping only belongings which spark joy. However, I found it to be unrealistic and I quit. The anthropomorphizing of inanimate objects was too much, because I struggle with that anyway. What I dislike most about this book is the assumption that a one size fits all approach actually works. It doesn’t, and suggesting it does is only harmful for the people it doesn’t fit.

Okay, I know you disagree with me on some of these, which ones and why?