In Defense Of…The Books That Only I Seem to Like
When you read a lot, you find that most books are average when it comes to enjoyment — which is totally fine — with a few that blow you away and some that will disappoint. It’s no different than watching a movie, TV show or attending a concert.
I’ve discussed the popular books that didn’t work for me, so let’s visit the opposite end: the least popular books that I loved.
It’s worth noting that popularity is based solely on Goodreads ratings, which in and of itself is completely subjective — just like this list. So here’s the five books I enjoyed that others didn’t, sorted by lowest average rating to highest.
The Silent Wife by A.S.A. Harrison
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.32 | My Rating: 4/5 stars
Dates read: January 6 – 9, 2019
Format: Audiobook (library library)
A woman, abused both physically and psychologically by men throughout her life, finds herself at a crossroads and begins to take charge. It sounds like an empowering revenge thriller, but, it is much more mundane than that. The alternating chapter narration likely led to the comparisons to Gone Girl, but that novel crackled with blockbuster twists and turns, and this is more akin to a Dateline or 48 Hours Mystery -- everyday people living their life and making, sometimes, deadly mistakes. This is a slow burn. There are no gasp-inducing plot twists to make the pages turn, but you'll still want to race to the end.
Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.36 | My Rating: 5/5 stars
Date read: October 10, 2020
Format: Audiobook (library library)
Making several best of the year lists, including mine, people either love it or hate — there’s no in between — and that squarely falls on the expectations you have for an apocalyptic drama. Personally, I found this stellar novel frustrating, exhilarating and completely intoxicating. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. Read more here.
The Bright Lands by John Fram
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.50 | My Rating: 4/5 stars
Dates read: October 22 - 31, 2020
Format: E-book (library library)
Combining bonkers plot twists with social commentary and a truly unsettling last act, which seems to be where most people fall out of favor with the story, the novel is an excellent introduction to the talent of John Fram, who with a little more development, could become the next big thing in horror. Read more here.
Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.64 | My Rating: 4/5 stars
Dates read: March 24, - 27, 2019
Format: Audiobook (library library)
I can see why this is so divisive, because there are some seriously disturbing parts (mainly, the daughter/father relationship). However, it's a solid horror story that sometimes veers into the typical tropes but always course corrects. If Defending Jacob mixed with The Good Son and a hefty splash of mommy guilt sounds up your alley, you'll enjoy "Baby Teeth.
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Goodreads Average Rating: 3.67 | My Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Date read: March 29, 2020
Format: Audiobook (library library)
Another polarizing prize winner (Pulitzer this time) that also ended up on my best of the year list. While it's too "inside baseball" about the publishing world and portrays the life of gay men as always successful and somewhat whimsical, Greer hit the nail on the head about aging, regret and second chances. Even though some of the scenarios Arthur finds himself in are far-fetched (especially within a five-month span of time), I was deeply affected by his journey of reflection. The chapter set in Morocco was poignant, haunting and probably one of the best I've read in recent memory.
Have you read or listened to any of the books above? Did they work for you or were you left wanting?
