Twilight
by KELLY EXETER
I’ve never considered myself to be any kind of book snob given I will read anything I can get my hands on: romance, mystery, classics, thriller, fantasy, memoir, even the odd cereal box here and there.
Thus I was a bit disturbed a couple years ago to discover a small prejudice when it came to choosing my next read – I had developed an aversion to blockbusters. If a book’s been read by 70 million people worldwide and translated into 30 different languages then oh no, it’s not good enough for me. No sirree, there’s no room for populist rubbish on my bookshelves!
Given I have no idea where this distaste comes from (other than a natural dislike for following the crowd) this appears to be the very worst kind of snobbery, the unjustified kind. Which is why I decided to tackle this ridiculous bias about a year ago.
First stop was Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code. In 2009 there were 80 million copies of this book scattered through the world so I can only imagine what that figure stands at now. A fast paced thriller it manages to weave fact and fiction so seamlessly you have no idea which is which. This makes for a compelling read and naturally I couldn’t put the bloody thing down once I started it. In fact I raced through the book so quickly I had to immediately re-read it to pick up everything I missed the first time. Blockbusters 1, Me 0.
Next on the list was Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. By the time I got round to these, Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart had already been off and on 100 times and the movie of the second book was out. I love a bit of a romance but vampires? Really? Once again I was proven wrong. The entire trilogy was knocked off in a whirlwind week of sparkling skin, pregnant pauses and considerable sleep deprivation on my part. Blockbusters 2, Me 0.
My final stop on the blockbuster train was Stieg Larsson’s Girl with The Dragon Tattoo. I was especially determined to stay away from this one because the girl in the bookstore assured me “this has been HUGELY popular, it will be a great gift for your dad”. However, just as dad finished reading it I found myself with an empty bedside table. So I grudgingly started the book and within two chapters was hooked. Three nights later it was finished and I praised god for my e-reader as I quickly purchased and despatched books two and three. Blockbusters 3, Me 0.
From this simple experiment it would appear that blockbusters are popular for good reason. They are not just good reads, they are easy and compelling reads too. This is a shocking combination both for sleep and also getting any work done, but for the average bookworm, it is a very sweet union indeed.
Kelly is a designer, writer and lover of all books – great and small. She is also a reformed over-committer and blogs about this at A Life Less Frantic. You can follow Kelly on Twitter here.
What blockbuster books would you recommend to a friend?
Comments
139 Comments so far
Kim Roach is money
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Hehe – love the comment about it being “a shocking combination both for sleep and also getting any work done” – my partner bought me an e-reader a couple of months ago, and that comment perfectly sums it up!! I’ve averaged 5 books a week since he got it for me…..!!
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Ha ha Lisa – I have been the same!! Damn that iPad + Kindle app combination!
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The only blockbuster book I’ve ever read was Eat, Pray, Love which I thought was hugely overrated and a pile of drivel.
Never read any Twilight, Harry Potter, Da Vinci Code, Fifty Shades of Grey etc.
I prefer to find my own dynamite reads. And speaking of such, you should all read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Best book I’ve read in a decade or so.
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Still never read Twilight which given the voracity I tend to devour books with is quite the stand. I saw about 45 min of one of the movies and I was mortified. It was appalling. I love the idea that teenagers are reading but it is almost not worth it when what they are reading is such literary garbage.
There, I said it, I’m a snob
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You know – I really enjoyed all the Twilight books. A lot of people here have cited it as an example of poor writing but I didn’t find they sat in that category. I thought it was very compelling/page turning writing!
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I’ve also read all of those, but since u put a pic of 50 shades of grey on your article, I was keen to hear a “bite sized review” of that as I am hearing mixed results, can fellow mm’ers pls, post a quick thought as to it worthiness of a read, or is it strange and perversive? (as some say and a little bit disturbing) Life is too short to read bad books (a friend once told me)
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I clicked on for that reason too.
I am about half way through it. It is steamy, definitely. For me it is some what disturbing and the writing is clunky at best. Certainly not a literary classic. But, here I am struggling to put it down and happy to finish it.
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Bel, Yes definitely what Mel said. You will enjoy it, and won’t be able to put it down. It’s like watching The Real House Wives of Beverly Hills you know you really shouldn’t but you can’t help it
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It’s kind of like a car crash book. You want to put it down, but you can’t. I’ve read the first book but it wasn’t good enough to get me to pick up the others. I would say I am quite in the minority here though!!
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Honestly? It’s about as erotic as wet newspaper. And the writing is very very (exceptionally) poor. But there is something about 50 shades of Grey that makes you turn the pages.
Is it worthwhile reading? If you have nothing better to do. It’s the literary equivalent of a big mac – yummy while you are eating it, but leaves you with a nightly nauseous feeling once you have finished.
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I read a lot of crime fiction, & I love a number of ‘snow & ice’ writers (Mankell, Indridarsun), so Dragon Tattoo books should gave been a natural for me, right? Well, no. I read the first one, not being terrifically impressed; started the second, & put it down when I got distracted by something, then never went back.
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I also was told great things about the “dragon” trilogy – and dove in with gusto, but it failed to impress me as well, I teapered out mid way and didn’t pick it up either again. The first one was ok, but for me it went down hill from there.
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So much mention of “The Help” – I have watched the movie and quite enjoyed it (as it was so long, difficult to sustain interest – have the same problem with any film over 2 hours long).
Should I read the book? Is it worth it?
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As for blockbuster books, I probably am a book snob because I have partially read and hated many of these so-called “popular” novels – several by Bryce Courtney, Jodi Picoult, Mitch Albom, Dan Brown, Stephanie Meyer and refuse to read Nicholas Sparks because the movies of his book are sickeningly awful!!
Then again, there are many “literary” books I’ve disliked with the same amount of passion – such as Anna Karenina (really wanted to rip it to shreds – which is really something considering how much of a careful reader I am), some of TIm Winton’s stuff, Virginia Woolf and Martin Amis.
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God yes Bryce Courtney! Dreadful writer!
I too couldn’t stand Anna Karenina. Too many depressing essays on Russian politics.
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I too have watched the movie and for that reason can’t read the book now (loved the movie but now will be waiting for certain things to happen when I read the book).
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Second this! What about The Help is so revelatory?
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If you’ve already seen the movie, I’d say no. Books are always better read before the movie (just my opinion) more detail, more back story. You will know what’s coming before u turn the page.
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Very true!! On the other hand, sometimes reading the book beforehand makes for a very uninteresting film (particularly if the book is very plot driven). For instance, I am so glad I did not read the Lord of the Rings before I watched the films (I’m sure this comment will anger many of those hardcore fans of the books..oops) but I just fell in love with the films and they swept me away as I had no idea what was coming!!
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oh definitely read The Help. There is so much more in the book that the movie and the three voices narrating really adds to it. The book has a lot more substance.
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I too am a blockbuster book snob, but I found myself up late last night mired in the third Hunger Games book. HOW GOOD ARE THEY??
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Those Hunger Games books were ACE! Thank god I was child free and on holidays for the four days it took me to read them a couple of months ago!
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I enjoyed the article Kelly, Its funny how readers pride themselves on finding good books but are too stubbon to follow others when they have found them first ( ie block busters)
I would recommend to anyone to read, the 5 people you meet in heaven. I cant remember who it is by, but it is amazing.
I loved all the Harry potter books, I would get into a hair pulling fight with anyone who suggests the films are better. and the girl with the dragon tattoo trilogy.
The twilight series is no sliced bread, and the huger games was different but the 2nd and 3rd books did not have a strong direction.
Jodi picoults books are just de ja vu, and excuse the language but, same shit different smell.
Finally the help, to kill a mocking bird and lord of the flies are all great reads and on par with, The kite runner.
p.s. love the nicholas sparks movies, but the books are so cliched im sure thats where the term was eastablished.
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Great post Kelly! Made me laugh in recognition, thank you!
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I love this post. I too am a book snob! I can’t bring myself to read Da Vinci code, Twilight and 50 Shades. However then occasionally I worry that I am missing out on something and succumb. Hunger Games ( read 1st two and surprisingly enjoyed), Harry Potter loved sharing with my daughter, The Bronze Horseman – bored me senseless, Girl with Dragon tattoo – bought yet to read… I love literature & classics but sometimes just want something easy. I also want to be able to join in group discussions. Recently read Madame Bovary which I adored but don’t know anyone who has read it. My next
read will be something more blockbuster so I can feel part of it all
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Hi Tigers
I read Madame Bovary last year and loved it. She’s such a fabulous, flawed, passionate character. I end up reading the classics alot too. They seem a safer bet when it comes to parting with hard earned cash. Do you have a favourite?
I joined Good Reads with the intention of starting a group. Didn’t get around to it but it is a great site if you’re a book lover.
Cheers
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Love this post Kelly.
Despite having read and loved Harry Potter I believe I am a book snob (hang head in shame).
However, this isn’t simply an ego driven position. I’ve been burned, burned bad.
Don’t ever read The Horse Whisperer. Be especially careful not to use your gift voucher and buy the hardcover version or you’ll find youself seething about the steaming pile of equine faeces 15 years later.
Don’t ever make The Da Vinci code the only book you take on a long haul flight (in the days pre-book reader).
Don’t ever read anything by Jodi Piccoult. Life is just too short.
As for The Slap- hideous.
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Hi Caro I loved Madame Bovary so much. Such a clever exquisite book. I too have a thing for flawed females as my other favourite is Tess of the D’urbevilles by Thomas Hardy. I haven’t read a lot of classics but have purchased many with good intentions
I am also 2/3rds through Anna K. I love Good Reads. I spend too much time there and not enough reading. 
What is your favourite classic Caro? Can you recommend any as good as Madame B?
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Ooh, I just got a kindle for mothers day and this week discovered all their free e-books (on Amazon)! I downloaded about 40 of them yesterday and one of them was Tess. I’m so glad to hear it is so good to be someone’s favourite. I’m looking forward to reading it even more now!
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Hi Tracey
I haven’t read Tess yet but I’ll put it on my list.
Two of my favourites are Crime and Punishment and A Tale of Two Cities. I’ve read them both a few times. I have read Anna K but it was after the birth of my second child so I can’t remember if i even enjoyed it. I should read it again.
Currently reading Death of A River Guide by Richard Flanagen. Fantastic. Also recently read The Sound of One Hand Clapping by same author. He has a stunning gift for setting a scene. You’d swear you were there with the characters.
SO many books, so little time.
Maybe we could start a Friends of MM on Goodreads?
Cheers
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Thanks Caro. I have just moved Crime & Punishment up in my pile. My brother gave me a copy years ago inside he wrote that he was reading it on the train one day when an old lady stopped him and said ” What a wonderful world to be lost in. How luck you are to be reading that for the first time” Must be nearly my turn to be lost in that world….
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I can’t read Jodi Picoult. First book of hers I read, the constant simmering tension nearly brought me undone. I gave her one more chance, got burnt again – never going back!!
As for The Slap it was very Jodi Picoult with the tension – unrelenting!! Didn’t help that I also loathed every one of those characters.
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hehe – understand your hate of The Horse Whisperer. He got given a million dollar contract based entirely on the first chapter – he just sent that in, the publishers loved it and immediately signed without reading the rest. Which, reading the first chapter, I completely understand, it’s great – filled with action and tension and the writing is fine too. Then you get to about chapter 4 or 5 and realise – he obviously only had that one good chapter in him. An English lecturer of mine told me to blatantly analyse what he did and recreate it in another form if I ever wanted a book contract.
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Haha we think too a like,it’s scary! I have no idea why but as soon as EVERYONE loves it. I’m like nope not interested espically this 50 shades of grey. I’ve started but god it feels like I’m back in high school with all this peer pressure, with my friends saying ‘you must read it, it’s REALLY good, but don’t read it when the kids are around wink wink’.’
No annoyed already. Like eat pray love – arrgghhh, like years after it was written I finally read it when the hyped died! I could still throw that book….
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Ha ha – if we think alike then you must be awesome
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Not exactly blockbusters but I love anything by Bill Bryson.
Tried to read 50 shades of grey but didn’t like it at all.
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I could write an entire post about my love for Bill Bryson! In fact, maybe I will!
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Love love love Bill Bryson – in fact I would buy any Bill Bryson book blindly knowing that it was going to be awesomely awesome:)
There are those who will do everything to convince others to read blockbusters and there are those who will convince others to read Bill Bryson!:)
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Bill Bryson was responsible for a lot of out-loud giggling-while-reading on my morning train trips in the late 90s.
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Kelly did you read Captain Corelli’s Mandolin? or was it too popular!
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Was it popular?! Well I guess they made a movie out of it. But no, I have not gone there!
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I got the book as a present…and it’s still waiting to be read….can’t bring myself to read it…hoping the time will come…I’d much rather re-read Catch-22 or something…in fact that’s my ‘go to’ book…
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Captain Corelli’s Mandolin is a fabulous book. Avoid the movie at all costs.
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Bah, vampires are so yesterday. Talking beagles (who happen to be wise, witty and erudite) are where it’s at. So, forgive my vulgar self promotion, and click on this link to read the first chapter of my novel ‘Abernethy’: http://www.zeus-publications.com/abernethy.htm.
I’ve tried to get my kids to attend Book Week parade as one of my characters, but they insist on going as Harry Potter, notwithstanding my reminding them J K Rowling neither pushed out their fat heads, nor does she need the publicity like I do!
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How embarrassing, but here goes…
The Twilight Saga series
The Tomorrow When The War Began series
The Hunger Games trilogy
All of the Nicholas Sparks books that’ve been made into movies
The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo books
…And I bloody loved them all! Haha
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tomorrow when the war began should not be embarrassing! It’s excellent. It was compulsory for us to read the first 3 when I was in year 8. I think every single person in you year ended up finishing the series. I’ve been dying to re read them. Planning to get them knocked over in the month I’m on maternity leave before I am actually due. Plenty more important things I should be doing with that time but oh well!
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I don’t consider myself a book snob, but I definitely stop reading if I’m not interested after a couple of chapters (sometimes less lol). I’m not good at perservering, even if other people are raving about it.
I love Harry Potter and have read the entire series several times over. I went to the bookshop at some ungodly hour before school, lined up and collected my preordered copy of the Deathly Hallows. I read it in study periods (it was of course SO much more important) and yelled out NO! in a silent study period without thinking when I realised Dobby died. I also saw all the films more times than was necessary.
I loved Twilight, too, despite the fact that the writing is not of the highest quality. I have come to terms with the relentless teasing I get whenever I talk about it or get excited about a new film.
I just finished the Hunger Games and I am still undecided. I liked the movie, and the books were perfectly entertaining, but I don’t think it’s on my favourites list.
As for 50 Shades of Grey, I cannot read it. I don’t know why, but the fact that it was originally a Twilight fanfiction really irks me and puts me off entirely. It’s weird too, because I have read fanfiction stories that I actually quite liked.
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I have a very impressive book case in our living room, full of penguin classics and life changing books.
I will not own a book with the movie poster on the cover and if one more person tells me to read The help or Great Gatbsy I will scream.
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That’s a shame because I would definitely put The Help in the category of a life-changing book, almost on a par with To Kill A Mockingbird. Plenty of penguin classics get made into movies too!
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I would also advise to go straight for The Help, but then, I was lucky enough to read it before it became popular.
And how about A Thousand Splendid Suns
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The Great Gatsby was first published in 1926. It has been a reprinted as a Penguin classic for over 50 years.
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I’m sorry I think my point may not have been clear. I have read both The help and the great Gatbsy I have love since I was 15. I ment if one more person sees the movie then suggests I read the book I’ll scream
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Why? What’s the problem with people recommending books to you? Who cares if you have already read them, relax already.
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I was still in high school when the last few Harry Potter books came out and I think I pre-ordered every one from The Order Of The Phoenix onwards.
Other “blockbusters” (best sellers is the term I prefr) on my list would include:
* Jean M. Auel’s Earth’s Children books
* The Alchemist (I’ve just devoured two more Paulo Coehlo books)
* Saturday by Ian McEwan
* Under The Dome by Stephen King (or almost any of his books)
* The Tomorrow Series by John Marsden
* Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom
* The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
* 1984, George Orwell
* Matthew Reilly’s Scarecrow series
…They’re the ones that spring to mind right now. I’m a big believer in reading as much as possible (if you write then reading is kind of part of the job), so popular and obscure books from most genres end up on my bedside table.
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The Alchemist is another one that comes up all the time that I intend to read one day. Hopefully they don’t make it into a move before I get there – that’s the death knell for me
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I don’t even know how they would make it into a movie, so you should be ok there Kelly!
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I am not usually a book snob, I read 1-2 books a week a – I can’t afford to be hugely fussy.
I hate the twilight series with a passion. I did read them, but I would call it “hate reading”.
Talk about a blue print for an abusive relationship! Both the suitors physically hurt her, Edward is jealous, possessive and basically stalks Bella ( breaking in and watching her sleep CREEPY) driving fast and scaring her because she pissed him off… Don’t get me started on a MUCH older man taking her virginity AND her actual soul when they marry. That’s not romanatic thats abusive. Yeeeeeecchhhh.
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Wow you put a lot of thought into why you don’t like it. And your points are very valid. I just didn’t like twilight because I prefer my vampires to burst into flames in sunlight, not turn into a freaking human disco ball. Oh, and because they read like they were written by a seven year old.
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Love books and love blockbusters especially Harry Potter, Hunger Games and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. But couldnt get into the Twilight series.
If Janet Evanovich books classify as blockbusters I have love her Stephanie Plum series although I think she should have stopped a couple of books ago.
Her books have been released every year on my birthday so that made me very happy.
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I’m with you there, like a good Stephanie Plumb, also Sue Grafton’s alphabet series with Kinsey Millhone, another crazy character. Loved “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” series but only read one of the “Twilight” books and found it tedious. Have read the first two “Fifty Shades” but finding book three ho hum! I don’t care what the book is, I’ll give anything a crack, just love to read!
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I love books, love my kindle as well, but really never looked at teenage books. Then i had a grandchild who wanted to read all sorts of things that were “popular” I promised her mother i wouls skim them first to make sure they were suitable.
I became hooked on Harry Potter, then came twilight, then vampire academy, no Cassandra Clare.
There have been a few teenger type books that i have expressed have little debth but still not a bad story line.
The only thing i won’t read (am i a book snob) is bibliographies/ travel/ that is fact books.
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Not reading travel books or biographies is a matter of personal taste, not snobbery. What I’ve found interesting is that the older I get the more I enjoy reading nonfiction, which of course includes travel writing. I’m listening to a nonfiction audiobook, reading a nonfiction book-book and reading fiction on my Kindle.
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bibliographies?? Do you know what a bibliography is? I think you mean biography.
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just re read my comment and your reply, wow so many spelling and grammatical errors, blame it on the red stuff and a fun afternoon with friends.
yes i do know the difference
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No Kelly, I’m a book snob (not withstanding Harry Potter and The Book Thief). Devoured The Da Vinci Code in a single day while simultaneously poo-pooing its writing and vowed I wouldn’t touch another blockbuster again. Life’s too short!
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I am glad you overcame your aversion to blockbusters. Sorry to say, but anyone who refuses to read a book on the grounds that it is a blockbuster, is less a snob than they are just ignorant to the world of literature around them.
Just like films, books are subjective. Some blockbusters you love, some you hate, just as there are non mainstream books you love and hate. A true book lover will read virtually anything just to see what the fuss is about. I think you can’t call yourself a real lover of literature if you judge the merits of a book when you haven’t even read it.
p.s JK Rowling is my hero. One day I am going to pen a blockbuster series to rival hers
p.p.s I hated the Twilight Series
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I know I know!! I don’t understand it myself. I will seriously read anything so I don’t understand why I turn my nose up like this. But you guys are all curing me
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Kelly, at least you are cured haha. I just think reading is awesome, and it doesn’t really matter what you read… but the reality is the half the GREAT classics like Dickens, Jane Austen, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Tolkien are “blockbusters” that have been made into films. I just can’t understand why anyone would think to have that kind of predjudice against a book, that’s all. I have never heard anyone say they refuse to read The Great Gatsby or Oliver Twist or Gullivers Travels, or To Kill a Mockingbird or The Power of One because they are a blockbuster hit, so it seems silly to think that way about other books. In fact I like reading books I think I may not like just to see if I prove myself wrong and then if I didn’t I try to analyse what made me not like it haha I didn’t think I was going to like The Hunger Games series much, but I did, a lot.
I also have to recommend The Help. It is one of the loveliest, most uplifting stories. You’ll laugh and cry and feel angry right through the whole book. And also The Secret Life of Bees.
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Ooh I loved The Help. Amazing! I’ve actually convinced my boss to put it into our year 10 syllabus for next year and I can’t wait!
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That’s awesome Bec!! We need more passionate teachers like yourself!
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I was all eyerolls and there-there’s about Harry Potter until my friend’s then-12yo daughter asked me to read it.
Hook. Line. Sinker.
I became one of those people who staked out bookstores on release dates. I watched each movie on the day it hit the cinema and shushed the revolting teenagers giggling behind me and asking each other ‘what’s going on now?!’
I went to the exhibit at the Powerhouse and bought a chocolate frog card.
I’ve joined Pottermore.
I am a proud Hufflepuff.
I’m sure you have much more restraint than I do though! I’m sure you can just read the first book and leave it at that. Go on, I dare you
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Ba ha ha haaaaa Karen. I am sorry, I am just picturing you shushing the teenagers in the movies and staking out bookstores!
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I’m the one who, while waiting on a railway station with my friends in Year 8, gasped “Oh my goodness, what would her mother say!” when a chick wearing red fishnets walked past.
I absolutely shush teenagers in cinemas
{embarrassing much?!}
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When Deathly Hallows came out I yelled at a school girl on the train for telling her friends what happened. I avoided my sister and news websites all weekend for fear of it being ruined. On the Monday morning I was 3/4 through and there was no way I was going to let someone ruin it for me!
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I’m doing a Masters in editing and publishing at the moment so I *should* be a book snob. Instead, my most recent reads have been by Emily Giffin, Jess Rudd (loved!) and yes.. EL James. I am a little snobby when it comes to suggesting 50 Shades to anyone – “it’s so badly written, yada yada” and I did find book three difficult to get through. But for a good couple of days I was drawn into the story and for me, that’s what makes reading so enjoyable. So what if it’s not overly intellectual?
I think while I am busy with work and uni my reading veers more towards the quick and light. I’ve started The Book Thief and I can see how great it is.. But I need to leave it for when I have time and mental energy to commit to it. Maybe on one of the many plane and bus trips I’ll be going on in the next month..
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Oh and I have The Hunger Games downloaded but haven’t succumbed yet.. Was obsessed with Twilight when it came out and think Harry Potter is awesome..
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Then you will love Hunger Games
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Ooh I read Emily Giffin and Jess Rudd in quick succession last year. Devoured those books – such good reads!
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I’m more a snob with films than books (I haven’t seen any of the Batman movies, Terminator…etc and damn proud of it:)
WIth books…I’m a snob, but I’m a sucker for a read so in the end I’ll end up reading what everyone else is – eventually. I’m overseas too and it’s not easy to get what’s new everywhere else, so sometimes I’m last to read it. Just got myself an e-reader and am planning to use it to the max!
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I adored Harry Potter and the lovely thing is my boys grew up with him. We would anxiously wait in line to get our pre ordered copies – yes, had to buy two at a time because my boys were too excited to wait until one or the other had finished reading. I have a beautiful photo of both my boys, aged about 9 and 11, sitting on the back deck in the sunshine, reading Harry. Wonderful to see children so engaged in reading.
For myself, I will read anything really. No book snob here. Some of my favorites:
The Far Pavillions – very romantic
David Copperfield – great yarn
Black Beauty – heart wrenching
Marley & Me – laughed lots, cried lots – much better than the movie
To name just a few.
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I have a soft spot for the Harry Potter series too. My son was eight when the first book came out. For Christmas that year I bought the unabridged audiobook read by Stephen Fry (then on cassette tape) and his aunt bought him the actual book. He grew up with the books, the audiobooks and then with the films and the actors. Watching the first film with him was magical – for both of us! Ah, memories. They grow so fast.
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Oh Marley and Me. Bawled my way through the last chapters of that book. As in big, heaving sobs! Got that one under my belt BEFORE it became a movie! Refused to watch the movie – couldn’t possibly be anywhere as good.
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Sorry to say I haven’t read the book, tried but the movie is beautiful. So well done, it’s like my ‘beaches’ movie. The one you watch again and again.
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Marley and Me would have to be one of the worst books I’ve ever had the misfortune to read! That was the benchmark low for our book club! Oh well, takes all sorts!
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I’m another one who will read anything I can get my hands on – loved the Harry Potter books and devoured both the Hunger Games and the Fifty Shades trilogies in a few days.
I also loved the Diana Gabaldon series (Jamie and Claire), Marian Keyes books, Philippa Gregory Tudor books, Da Vinci Code, Twilight, Girl with Dragon Tattoo etc etc.
Another Young Adult series I enjoyed was the Tomorrow When the War Began books – think there are 6 of them in total – the iPad has been fantastic for instant book buying gratification…!
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there is also the Ellie Chronicles which is after the war was over – I read these as an adult and loved them
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I only read the first 3 as a 17 year old thanks to a friend who had put me on to them. Rediscovered them the year the first movie came out, read all 8 and then the Ellie Chronicles. Kids and husband had to fend for themselves for a week or two while I read them too!
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I have that obstinate streak that doesn’t want to get on board when everyone else does too! I remember in the 90s when everyone was watching The Simpsons I just refused point blank for years but when I finally did I used to laugh out loud. I’m much less anti whatever’s happening these days.
With books now, I can’t keep up with what I would like to read since having a child & will read almost anything that appeals to me. Mostly library books though.
Don’t knock the powerful effect of the blockbuster for non-readers. When living overseas, I got my husband reading Dan Brown’s books & he enjoyed them alot despite being a non-reader mostly. The Harry Potter books had the same effect & we’d often read the same book with me galloping ahead waiting for him to finish so we could talk about it!
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You know, my hubby flat out refuses to read anything that is fiction – and I have tried to convince him many a time that if there WAS a fiction book he could read, it would be Da Vinci Code. Still trying!
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I’m an author and I dream of penning a blockbuster. I’d take a sale over a literary award any day. I write to be read.
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Oh I agree Kate! The funny thing is that I am not averse to these books because I think the writing won’t be any good – more just because I hate doing ‘what everyone else is doing’
I reckon I have my mum to blame: “Oh Kelly, if everyone else jumped off a cliff would you do it too?” THAT’S the voice in my head when I am in a bookstore!
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Hey Kelly I love this post! I used to be the same but have now totally gone to the dark side. Started with Harry Potter, followed by Twilight and most recently the Hunger Games. And then, when they make it to the screen I love them even more. Don’t even get me started on Game of Thrones….
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Um … I just started Game of Thrones. I am a fantasy afficiando from WAY back and am trying to get Game of Thrones under my belt before it TRULY hits blockbuster status and I can’t go there.
But then – it’s already a whole tv series right? So maybe I am too late.
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Keep going with the Game of Thrones. It’s brilliant and has so much more detail than the series. Trust me, you’ll get through all the books before series 3 is out
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Ahh..yes, blockbusters…I can thoroughly emphatise with you Kelly. I steered clear of Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code, at the same time mocking my husband – who btw doesn’t read much – for even buying the book. Like you, I unfortunately delved into it when I found that I had nothing else to read, the with Twilight – again, tried to resist it just because it was a blockbuster. But, once again, failed miserably when I started getting hooked, not just by the books, but also the films. No idea why, but just intrigued by it all. What is worse then getting drawn in by a blockbuster you say – fanfic. Yes, the ultimate sin of putting you into a blackhole of getting addicted to reading extensions or imaginations written by fans of Twilight – And I am still in that black hole, trying to climb out. I’ve tried to steer clear of The Hunger Games series, but stupidly bought an e-copy of the first book. I have yet to start reading that, as I’m still embroiled in the land of no return known as the Twilight fanfiction. I’m afraid that once I start reading The Hunger Games, I just might not be able to detach myself from my iPad – my trusty friend when it comes to reading nowadays.
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That whole fanfic thing scares me!! Especially if it is like 50 Shades which (I am SORRY 50 Shades fans!) is not good writing (except for the sex scenes … which is I guess 2/3 of the book) and kinda drove me insane!
HOWEVER – I did read Hunger Games last month on a trip to Sydney (had to see what the fuss was about). 4 day trip … all three books were dispatched. VERY easy reading – maybe because they are for a younger audience. So if you do go there … don’t plan to get anything done for say, a week
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I can’t believe I’ve finally found someone just like me! I’m a massive book snob, I’ll never read a blockbuster ever. It’s embarassing I hate telling people I love to read however no I haven’t read Angela’s Ashes and I’m not intending to either. I don’t really know why, I think it’s probably the same as food snobs who won’t eat at McDonalds, there’s a reason why it’s popular its quick and easy I guess like many of the books listed. I’m so glad to know I’m not the only one. Great article.
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I found Angela’s Ashes horrid & didn’t finish it! I normally have to finish a book even if its utter crap, just to see how it ends or if it will improve. A friend gave me this for my birthday years ago & I hated what I read of it.
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Haha thank you. Someone on twitter just mentioned Eat Pray Love. Nope, haven’t read that either … for the same reason!! So perverse!
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Don’t bother with Eat,Pray,Love. It was the worst book and I flung it across the room unfinished. Such a smug voice. She drove me nuts.
Read the first of The Hunger Games series but haven’t bothered with the others.
Watched the first episode of Game of Thrones on DVD yesterday and thought it was awful. Violent and pornagraphic, won’t be continuing.
Not interested in 50 Shades of Grey either.
Loved The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, The Elegance of the hedgehog, When God was a Rabbit, To Kill a Mockingbird. As an English teacher once told me ‘there are too many good books to bother with bad ones’. Read what you like, not what you think you should.
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loved The Hunger Games series and have read each book about 3 times.
Was obsessed with Twilight and read the whole thing in a week but once I’d finished them they didn’t stay with me.
Started off compelled by The Da Vinci Code but by about half way through when I was solving the puzzles faster than the ‘renowned symbologist’ I decided it was crap.
Stopped reading the The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo about 30 pages from the end and nothing will make me go back to it or its successors.
Can’t bring myself to read 50 Shades.
Loved The Book Thief, Guernsey Potato Pie thingy thing, the Harry Potter books. Couldn’t bear the misery of The Slap (no-one to like). Loved most of Philippa Gregory’s tudor doomed queen books.
Absolute fluff but well-written and great easy read is anything by Nora Roberts. It’s all the same book really (she’s written about 150 of them) but they are all page-turners.
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‘Guernsey Potato Pie thingy thing’ is the best name for The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society I have seen- love it (and the book)!
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lol, apologies to the author, can never remember the title – doesn’t exactly trip off the tongue does it!
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It really doesn’t. But even though it is a somewhat ‘inconvenient’ title, I do love it for its oddness.
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I simply have to ask…why did you stop Dragon Tattoo 30 pages from the end? Even if I hated the book that far in I would have been determined to end it. (Haven’t read it….just suffered through the movie.)
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ooh I was hating the book all the way through (ponderous Swedish misery, nasty sex), and 30 pages-ish from the end realised I really couldn’t give a rats what the big secret was so put the book down with no regrets! did I miss anything??!
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OMG you stopped Dragon Tattoo so close to the end!! I cannot comprehend that. Other than the fact that it did kind of have three almost separate endings!
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My favourite blockbuster ‘missing’ from the above list is The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Beautiful book, although I do prefer the German to the English translation (if only my Spanish was good enough to read it in the original).
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Ah Twilight, how I love thee. But was massively disappointed in 50 shades. Was looking forward to a similar experience but just couldn’t get past the third chapter. I felt like she wanted to rewrite Edward and Bella’s story too much. And yes, I know it was originally Twi fan fiction.
Liked Hunger Games but never got into HP, hate magic stuff.
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I read 50 Shades and was surprised that there was a good plot, because a lot of people put it down to being crap. I really liked it.
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Back in the day when I was around 11-12 years old (13 odd years ago), My dad was reading an English newspaper that was saying how Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, was going to be the next big children book.
I needed a news book to read after the Redwall series, and I was hooked. I was the first one in my primary school to have it, and the teachers borrowed it to read to the class.
Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was also another referral from my dad. He reads a book a week.
First books I have read from hearing on the web/networking/tv has been the Hunger Games and Fifty Shades of Grey.
I don’t care where the book has come from, or who has read it. As long as it is a good story.
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Blockbusters I would recommend…
The Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris…These are the books on which True Blood is based and such great reads. I can get though one in a day…less if Eric is featured often enough
I agree with The Hunger Games trilogy, though to be honest I wasn’t hooked until second book in the series. Also have to agree with the Twilight books…
I’d also add these to your night-table…
*The Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead.
*Matched by Ally Condie and the follow up Crossed, another great YA read.
*The Riley Jensen Guardian series by Melbourne author Keri Arthur
*My Sister’s Keeper, The Pact and Plain Truth by Jodi Piccoult
*The Book Thief by Marcus Zusac
*Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
*Cross Stitch by Diana Gabaldon
*The Godfather by Mario Puzo
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You know I have started The Book Thief but never got into it. I think I need to give it another go because I have seen it mentioned SO many times!
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I’m with you Kelly. I couldn’t finish The Book Thief. It’s amazing Bec Sparrow still speaks to me. It’s one of her faves.
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Hello Kelly and Kate…I must admit it took me awhile to get into The Book Thief but one it hooked me it really stuck with me until I finished it. It is still like nothing I have ever read before.
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I’ve just finished The Book Thief after a couple of false starts and it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read! Get on it I say!
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loved all those books as well, loved Laurell Hamilton, a few years old but still good,
So many good books so little time
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I read the first Anita Blake and have books 2 & 3 but I guess I need to give it another go. I know people who hav devoured the whole series. There’s 24 or so aren’t there?
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Harry Potter is so brilliant, my favourite thing. But I wonder if you needed to be part of the younger generation to read it. I’m 25 now, so read the first book when I was about 12 I think? And each of the books came out as I was at a perfect age, as they got darker and darker. I think a lot of my friends who I force to start reading Harry now just don’t get it like I do. A real shame because these books are like no other.
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I read the first one when I was about 28, I think. Gobbled up the other 3 that had been released to that point and bought each of the following ones on their day of release.
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I was similar to sparky, read the first Harry Potter (after reading much about them for years) when about 25ish and read all that were out as quick as I could get them…. then was on the list to buy each time they last three came out…. love them
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No, you don’t. I read them when I heard they were making films of them and wanted to find out what they were about before I took my kids who are your age. I loved them.
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I was always a book snob until I was landed in Germany and English books cost a mint, so I would find anything in second hand stores. There is still stuff I will avoid but not like before
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Oh I am SO SO SO SO with you on this one!!!
I’m just next door;) – country wise – and I’m willing to now read anything and everything! – Mind you I’ve just bought myself an e-reader and even though it’s still going to be more expensive (would love a well-stocked English -book library!) At least it’s not going to be paying stupid money for a new book that I may or may not like/ isn’t worth sending from Oz or book depository and to add to that – don’t have that much room to collect the ‘read once and never again’ books:)
Actually, I’ve just given away 150 English titles to a library here – had I known I could’ve thrown them over the border to you:)
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I wish people would stop bagging out the Fifty Shades trilogy. Yes it’s badly written and won’t win any literary awards but as an avid reader myself I did enjoy it. And the thing I found the best about it was that it got non readers reading!!!! Isn’t that awesome!
If its not for you it’s not for you and fair call, but if you are a book snob (like me!) please don’t put others off because it may just get a normal non reader reading again.
Just a thought…
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It got me doing more than just reading
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Ah, lovely, lovely books! I don’t consider myself a book snob. Charles Dickens was the blockbusterer of his day, wasn’t he? Even now people can be snobbish about his work. David Copperfield is one of my favourite books.
If something’s selling well, I look forward with optimism to a good read. It’s a mixed bag, but so it is with books that are considered to be literary triumphs.Couldn’t stand Da Vinci Code and will not waste my reading time a Dan Brown novel again. But I was deeply bored by Anna Karenina, which possibly makes me a philistine. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo kept my interest. The Notebook, which has been mentioned, I’ve noted as the “second worst book I’ve ever read”! The Slap was absorbing. Fifty Shades of Grey doesn’t even begin to interest me.
It’s just different strokes for different folks. I’ve lent people books I rate highly and they didn’t even finish them, leaving me quite crestfallen! So I tentatively recommend Stephen King’s 22.11.63 which is enlivening my public transport time. Apart from thinking I might have sussed one plot element a bit too early (hope I’m wrong) I don’t know where it will take me next.
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How devastating is it when you lend someone a book and they don’t like it!! I hand all books over with caveats now!
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Oh, so do I now. The last one I lent was far from a blockbuster. It was “My Home in Tasmania” by Louisa Anne Meredith, written in the 1830s. I found the author funny and interesting, loved reading something first-hand and historical, and was generally riveted. Warned my friend she may not be. I was right!
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I agree with you on all of these! Love the Slap
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Hunger Games trilogy. Devoured it in about a day. Loved it.
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes. Wonderful.
However – run from the room screaming if someone offers you Fifty Shades of Grey. Worst pile of crap I’ve ever attempted to read.
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Ha ha – I read the first 50 Shades book and just could not bring myself to push any further through, no matter how good the sex scenes are!
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Totally agree, the sex scenes are good. But the story… ummm not so good. Am not tempted to see if Ana and Christian get back together (of course they do!)
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Could you maybe NOT reveal the ending for those of us who are reading it, or perhaps write spolier alert at the start of your post. Thanks for that….
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I hate to be picky, but there are 4 books in the Twilight series, it’s not a trilogy!
And for me, if you haven’t read Harry Potter, you’re missing out on something amazing! The Notebook is also such a sweet book. It’s a little bit different from the movie, but still a beautiful story and worth a read! It’s not literary genius but it’s such a lovely read.
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This!
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Oops sorry, you are right – sorry about that (re Twilight)
And yes, believe it or not, I have not read Harry Potter. And no, I can’t believe I haven’t either
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That’s OK, just thought I’d let you know.
And seriously, read Harry!
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