Hyped books everyone has read (except me)
Good morning bookworms!
In lieu of today’s WWW Wednesday (because I have no updates from last week’s post), I was inspired by a post from Kristin Kraves Books where she listed some books that she felt everyone had read, but her. Kristin then came back earlier this week to discuss whether she had read these books or they were no longer on her TBR. I loved this idea, so I’m pilfering it for my own blog! Thanks Kristin!!! ? (Also, go check out her blog if you haven’t because it’s great and filled with so many amazing posts.)
So, the below are TWELVE books that I feel like everyone in the world has read, except me.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V. E. Schwab. Except, you could trade this for anything Schwab has written because I still have not popped my Schwab cherry… But I want to!! I do actually own the ADSOM trilogy – they were gifted to me by a friend over a year ago, but they’re so high up on my bookshelves I actually can’t reach them. They’re also on my Beat the Backlist list for this year ? I should read these books soon (if only because I’m pretty sure everyone on the planet has read them except me).
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. I must admit, I am mildly embarrassed that I haven’t read this, but I’m not sure why. I haven’t even watched the movie. All I remember about the blurb is that it’s about a girl called Starr. But I also never remember the blurb being that engaging. I know that there’s a lot of hype for this one (but hype scares me, because what if I’m the outlier who doesn’t like it? Will I be shunned from the book community?), but I’ll probably watch the movie and then decide if I want to read the book.
Divergent by Veronica Roth. Honestly, I’ll probably never read this one. I’ve decided that dystopian books aren’t really my thing (this is why it’s taking me six months to read DEV1AT3). I have watched the movies and they’re … fine? (I don’t really like Shailene Woodley, although I’m sure she’s lovely) I’ve also heard not great things about the end of the books. (Was it the same as the movie? Do I remember the movie? Did I actually watch all of the movies??? These are questions I will never know the answer to. And I’m ok with that.)
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. Look, I want to read this book. I’m sure of it. I’ve heard nothing but great things. And I’ve owned a copy for years after it was recommended to me by someone who also recommended a bunch of other books that I just LOVED. But… I haven’t picked it up, and I’m not sure why. (I also haven’t picked up Caraval, so maybe it’s a circus thing? Do I not like circuses? Circii? What is the plural of circus? Where are these questions coming from?)
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Meh. Hubs enjoyed the movie, and owns the book, but never finished it. I’m not really a sci-fi fan. It literally took me months to read half of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and then I DNF’ed it anyway. I liked Illuminae, but I think if that book had have been set in a fantasy setting (or a contemporary action) then I would have enjoyed it just as much because I liked the characters. So, this one is a probably won’t read. (And I’m not even remotely upset about it.) (Also, why am I referencing space books when this is a video gaming book?)
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I have this because it came in a book box I was getting at the time, but this is another book that I feel like I should have read, but I just haven’t. I’ve also seen some really scathing reviews (no, I don’t remember where… maybe Goodreads?) which has put me off a bit. But I’ve also seen reviews where people say it’s the best book they’ve ever read. I am fence-sitting about this one.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I want to read this, and I finally bought a copy! And I can read it! But I just keep forgetting that it’s here. (To be fair, I did put in on my fourth bookshelf that I never look at, so that’s probably why…)
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. This is another book that I haven’t read or watched the film for. I think I bought a copy of it because it’s one of those books you’re supposed to read, like Wuthering Heights (which I hated, by the way). I don’t really have a compelling reason why I haven’t read it, except, I’ve never really wanted to.
Red Rising by Pierce Brown. (I’m really sorry Joe and Shanah!) I know everyone raves about this one, but it’s up there in my sci-fi/space meh-ness with Ready Player One. (I am also still confused about why I referenced space books in that paragraph…) I mean, I’ll probably read this one because I might get screamed at if I don’t?
A Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin. Uhhhhh, it is highly unlikely I will read this. I have tried to read this one before, but it’s just … so … wordy! How can you talk about a snow covered field for FOUR PAGES? I don’t even like Tolkien’s wordiness, and Martin is like on a whole other level. (I mean, where is his editor? Did he eat his editor? Was it because the editor wanted to cut 400 pages of wordiness?) Also, I’ve heard the tv series diverges from the books, so I don’t really care that much.
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. I will definitely try to read this. I just downloaded a copy to my kindle app. Soon… but also, another one I haven’t seen the tv series of. (Maybe there’s something wrong with me? Why don’t I watch tv series? I mean, except for Game of Thrones. But everyone watches it.) Also, the fact that these books are about 18 normal books and also there’s 5,932 books in the series mildly puts me off… (However, I did get told at the Aurora Rising launch last week that I have to read this, which is why I’ve downloaded it. Baby steps!)
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. SOFII!! I am going to read this. Soon. Definitely before the end of the year. Or before the Netflix show starts. Whichever one comes first. Reasons that I haven’t read this is yet are mostly because everyone hates Mal and Alina, and loves the Darkling, and Nikolai is bae (and I have no idea what all this even means, but spoilers are evil and put me off reading this)…
Are there any books on here you think I should read?
Until next time, happy reading ??
39 Comments
Kristin @ Kristin Kraves Books
Thank you for your kind words. I’m so happy that you did this!
I am so shocked that I have read ten of the books on your lists. The only two I haven’t read are Children of Blood and Bone and Outlander!
I enjoyed so many of these but The Hate U Give, The Seven Husbands, The Book Thief, and Red Rising are must reads!!
Meeghan reads
Isn’t it funny how we’ve all read different hyped books!! I thought the same when I read your list (but I wasn’t at the 10 mark!!) I will keep these on my list and let you know how I go!! x
andywinder
If it makes you feel any better, I haven’t read a good amount of these too! But agreed with Kristin above, The Book Thief is a must read if you ever have the chance 🙂
uponthepages
HIGHLY recommend you read ADSOM. I was hesitant about reading it but it’s literally one of my favorite books of all time now.
Meeghan reads
Yaaay!! That’s a great recommendation!! (I may have also bought The Near Witch today so I could ease myself into reading Schwab!!)
uponthepages
I need to get the Near Witch, it’s the only book I don’t own by V.E. Schwab! I’m obsessed with her lol
Greg
The Night Circus *nods* I’ve often thought I was the only person who hadn’t read that one! Same with Red Rising. And I haven’t read The Seven Husbands but I can say the Taylor Jenkins Reid book I read was really good, so I really need to read more of her stuff!
Meeghan reads
Thanks Greg!! It’s nice to know we’re not alone, isn’t it!! ?
I will pick up Evelyn Hugo soon. I just need to figure out my books, but we’re moving house in the next couple of months so it’s a “for later” job!!
thepunktheory
You are not alone! I’ve only read a few of the books you mentioned but most of them are currently on my to-read-list.
The Book Thief broke my heart, I’d totally recommend checking that one out. I hated the Divergent books (and the movies as well) but really enjoyed Ready Player One. It’s not the best book out there but I loved the 80s vibe.
It took me forever to read the A Song of Ice and Fire books, but it was worth it. It so funny that you mention Tolkien and his wordiness, as I often compare Martin and him. While I Tolkien’s books really dragged on and bored me at times (is one even allowed to say that about the LOTR novels?), it didn’t feel that way with Martin’s stuff. I mean, it took me really long to finish each book, although I’m actually a fast reader, so he is definitely wordy as well, but kind of in a better way? Does that make sense?
Meeghan reads
It does make sense!! Also, ? I’m not sure we’re allowed to say bad things about Tolkien… but that’s another series I’ve never finished. (I’m totally getting banned from the book community for that!)
Excellent recommendations though. I’ll try Martin again and see if it sticks this time!! ?
buriedalivebybooks
GRRM isn’t known as the American Tolkien for nothing 😉 Agree that ASOIAF is worth it, and doesn’t drag as much as Tolkien can (we can say that!)
evelynreads1
Oh I hope you get into Schwab soon!
I actually also haven’t read the book thief (no interest) or the night circus (little interest) ?
I do really recommend children of blood and bone!
(Www.evelynreads.com)
Meeghan reads
I bought The Near Witch today!! One of the things stopping me from reading older Bardugo books is people saying her older stuff isn’t as good as SOC, so I thought if I started at the older Schwab then things can only get better?! ?
evelynreads1
Hahaha might be a good idea! The near witch is the only book of hers that I haven’t read though ?
Meeghan reads
I’ll let you know if I like it?!
evelynreads1
Oh yes please do!
bella
I loved Ready Played One but I agree it’s not for everyone! But I highly recommend reading The Night Circus, I’d had it on my TBR for 7 whole years before I decided to pick it up! I only read it couple weeks ago and loved it, it’s just a really charming read☺️ I also haven’t read Book Thief and everyone says to read it but I know it’s going to be so sad and I can’t do it to myself yet!
Meeghan reads
Yay!! I’m glad I’m not the only one who hadn’t read The Night Circus. Tbh, I think my copy must be getting around the 7 year mark as well as I definitely bought it before we moved, and we’ve been in this house for 5 years!! ?
bella
Hahaha it’s crazy how fast the time passes! You buy it and are really excited to read it then 7 years pass and you’re like “oh is that book still unread? Oh dear” ?
Meeghan reads
^^ story of my LIFE ?
Cam @ Camillea Reads
The Book Thief is an amazing read! I’d love for you to sit down and just…experience it!! So worth the read. I haven’t read many of the books either haha though I do own The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Children of Blood and Bone. I also want to try The Night Circus. It sounds lovely.
Meeghan reads
I just have SO MANY books I want to read!! One day I’ll be able to retire and then I can read 1 book per day until I catch up… which will be never!! ?
Kayla @ Books and Blends
I feel like I hardly ever like the really hyped books for some reason. I still need to read The Wicked King.
Meeghan reads
I love Holly Black’s Fae books, so I was very into TCP and TWK!! ?
Kayla @ Books and Blends
I read the first book twice but haven’t had the urge to pick up the second one. I honestly think it’s because of the hype and because it was spoiled for me before the book even released.
Meeghan reads
Oh no, that’s awful!!! The amount of people who got ARCs of it absolutely blew my mind.
Kayla @ Books and Blends
SAME HERE!
Ally Writes Things
Ahhhh so many amazing books on here! The Night Circus, Evelyn Hugo, and Red Rising were all five-star reads for me! I also really enjoyed ADSoM (though not the rest of the series as much). I hope you enjoy all of them when you get to them!
Meeghan reads
Thanks Ally!! I’m hoping to get to them soon!! ?
J.W. Martin
I supposed I can accept your apology, as long as you read Red Rising eventually (AND Ready Player One!) Honestly, I understand comparing RPO to space books, because…. Cyberspace? It does have a similar feel. HOWEVER, it’s nothing like Hitchhiker’s Guide. Nothing.
RPO is a love letter to the 80s (and some 90s) set to a unique story line. It’s a ‘must’ for children of 80s or gamers. And a ‘most-likely’ for everyone else.
Killer idea for a post, by the way. I just may have to steal it!
Meeghan reads
Ha! I stole it anyway, so please credit Kristin with the idea!!
I will read them both, I promise!! It just might not be this year… ?
J.W. Martin
Will do!
Marie
Ahh this is such a good list of books there, I hope you will give so many of these books a try sometime! I really enjoyed ADSOM, THUG, COBAB and The Night Circus 😀 <3
Meeghan reads
I will!! It’s just a matter of when!! ??
Jayati
I haven’t read The Hate U GIve either. *hides face*
But I plan to get to it this month, so…
I just read Ready Player One last month and really liked it!
Hope you have fun reading all these books!
Meeghan reads
Thanks Jayati!!
Keira
If there is one book on this list you read, I definitely recommend reading The Night Circus. It actually took me a couple of years to finally get around to it after buying it, but I am now absolutely in love.
Keeana @ Reading in the Clouds
The only book I’ve read on this list is THUG and it was sloop good! I started ADSOM but never got far into it because of a slump
Meeghan reads
Hahaha, I’ve started ADSOM about 3 times (Kell has a peculiar coat BTW) but never got past the first couple of chapters, and yes, I usually pick it up in a slump and I don’t know why I keep doing this?! ?