I Don’t Like Books that Make Me Feel Stupid
I’m 200 pages into a book that came highly recommended (no titles here, remember I don’t say negative things about other people’s books). It is beautifully written. The settings are picturesque, the fashion is couture, the characters are model-quality exquisite. Some readers love to immerse themselves in that kind of detail; wrap themselves in mental images of every character’s hair texture and style of underwear (okay…so I’m exaggerating a little).
While I can recognize the gorgeous language, there are some things about this book (and others I’ve read that I also won’t mention) that make me crazy. For instance:
While I can recognize the gorgeous language, there are some things about this book (and others I’ve read that I also won’t mention) that make me crazy. For instance:
- I hate reading a book with a translation dictionary at my side. If I wanted to read French or Latin, I’d pick up a textbook.
- I don’t like reading books with no frame of reference. I’m not Wiccan. I’m not into the Occult. I don’t frequent fortune tellers. I’m usually pretty good at picking up nuance, but if you give zero explanation, I have to resort to guessing or google. And if I have to stop to look something up, I’m not that engaged in the story.
- Some stories are nonlinear for a reason. I haven’t figured out what the point of all the past/present vignettes are in this particular book and it’s frustrating.
- When I’m a few hundred pages into a book, my mental plotline should have more than two points. Seriously.
- And if this is a love story, I should be able to identify who the freak is in love!
9 Comments
Barbara Kloss
Oh, dear. So sorry. Hate it when that happens! But see, subjective 😀
William Kendall
Of course, if the author starts out with the objective of driving their readers up the wall…
prerna pickett
lol, love the title of this post! And I totally agree with you. Both with not mentioning specific titles when you don’t like a book ( I only review books I enjoyed out of respect) and with the feeling stupid. I recently read a book with a great premise, but the writing was so over the top. I understand you went to an Ivy League school, and could probably write circles around me with all your knowledge, but please stop using words that no normal human would in every day life. I really don’t want to feel stupid, or sit with a dictionary. I understand that it’s important to use language that highlights your writing, but sometimes people go over the top, and it really annoys me. I hope you find a more enjoyable book next time.
Becky Wallace
@Perna: Exactly! Sometimes I want to create an award to give to authors that says, “Congratulations! You’re smarter than me! But I still didn’t like your book.”
Tracey Neithercott
I completely agree about the whole frame of reference thing. I especially feel this when I’m reading a paranormal or myth-based book and I have no idea what the creature’s supposed to be or the myth behind it. Sure, everyone knows about vampires and werewolves, but some of these other creatures are new to me and I can’t picture them if I have no idea what they are.
Carrie Butler
Oh, Becky…
I loved the post, but your comment to Prerna was what made my day. *grins*
Kristen
I think everyone can relate to this at least a little bit.
Trisha Leaver
You know what the worst part is, us writers/moms have so little down time to read that when we do, we damn well want to love it!
Lindsay N. Currie
Great post. I know exactly what you mean. LOL your title made me giggle – just sayin.