Let’s talk books. I’ve posted a time or two before when I was looking for new books to read (and despite what you’re about to read, I’m always open to suggestions). This time around though, I’ve got a huge stack of books to be read and just want to comment on the one I just finished reading…Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld.
I was warned that it would be very angsty. But I was also told that it was awesome. Imagine my disappointment when I found out that it wasn’t all that awesome. While I could handle the emo-filled, teen angst, I just couldn’t get over how slow moving it was. It was downright boring. Once again though I stuck it out. I figured if it’s getting rave reviews it’s got to be good, right? Um…not so much.
You’d think by now that I’d realize that if I hear nothing but raves for something…for months or in this case, years…that maybe I just shouldn’t bother. I’ve found that rarely do the books and movies live up to the hype. Especially Forrest Gump. My god I hated that movie. Or I just need to stick with what I know and love…my chicklit. Rarely does it disappoint. It’s the perfect amount of escape needed in a book.
So I ask you two things…
One, have you ever watched or read something that got such rave reviews that you just felt compelled to read or so, only to be left feeling like you were bamboozled?
Two, do you have any suggestions for teen books? My thirteen year-old niece is finishing the Twilight books and I’d like to get her something else to read. Part of me wants to go with the Gossip Girl series since I know she watches the show. On the other hand, if she’s digging the whole vampire thing (and it is its own genre nowadays), maybe I should stick with that. Any suggestions?
I’ve read Prep and it was alright. I don’t remember much of the story but it was one of those books I picked up at the airport to kill some time.
As for books that didn’t live up to the hype – Twilight! I tried to read it… I really did… and could not stand it! People have told me that this book has “changed their life” (pretty strong words there) but I’m not feeling it. And I usually like vampire books.
During my teens I read lots of romance novels and Greek mythology. The Greek mythology was really interesting, and I still love re-reading those myths to this day. Sorry I can’t be helpful in the teen book department.
For your niece – I really liked The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray. There aren’t any vampires, just some schoolgirls in Victorian England who start playing with magic. And I don’t mean to sound all radical feminist, cause I don’t think that I really am, but the main character in that series is a much better female role model than anything your niece will find in Twilight or Gossip Girl.
Also, when I was surfing on Amazon earlier today, I came across the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. I haven’t read it, but judging by the descriptions, it sounds like it’s Twilight and Gossip Girl rolled into one, with a dash of interesting historical theories on the side, so maybe your niece would enjoy that.
Also, also – Forrest Gump was totally awesome and you are clearly insane. 😛 🙂
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I’m so glad that you wrote this! I’m about 3/4 of the way through “Prep” and I’m also finding it slow-going and pretty “meh.” I find Lee, the narrator, annoying and self-absorbed and beyond angsty. I can’t tell if I’m supposed to feel sympathetic or if I’m supposed to want to shake her. I thought it was promising when she had the fight with her father during the parents weekend, but then na-da just back to boring. I’m so glad that I’m not alone! I have been waiting for something revelatory to happen, so now I’ll just give up hope and finish it since I’ve gotten so far into the book.
I can’t think of a teen series, but I recently read “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” and it was good, but probably too sexy for a 13 year old. The book “Red Rage” is quite good, but maybe aimed more for the 14-15 year range (deals with bullying and anger in teenage girls).
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*meh* to prep. i liked the cover best of all.
as for your niece…she may like megan mccafferty’s 4-book series (sloppy firsts, second helpings, etc) about a teenager from nj who is filled with angst…but is really smart. she’s edgier than bella (from twilight) and there’s a hot bad boy (named marcus flutie)–it’s the good girl falls for the bad boy thing. the books are good…
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Speedy – a vampire series changed someone’s life? Seriously? That just seems a bit much. I mean, I loved the Harry Potter books but would never say that they changed my life – LOL. But doesn’t it suck when books or movies just don’t seem to live up to the hype?
Michelle – Really? Forrest Gump was awesome? See, I just must be missing this “awesome” gene. I tend to hate those blockbusters (books & movies) that other folks love – not always, but quite often. Thanks for the book recommendations.
Brie – So then it’s not just me. Everyone at my book club thinks I’m insane for not loving it. It was just so damn sloooow and shut-the-hell-up-alreadyish. Thing is, even when she talked about her adult life she sounded depressed and insecure. Sad. Worse yet, we’ll also be reading the Laura Bush book in book club based on the fact that everyone loved this book *sigh*
CWG – I really should have read your post closer. I wound up going with another vampire series for my niece (Vladimir Tod) as it came highly recommended from a teen. I’ll keep Megan McCafferty in mind though, she sounds great.
Oh, I like some independant films, too, and there are plenty of blockbusters I haven’t seen and am not interested in at all. Like “Mr. and Mrs. Smith,” with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. No desire to see that movie at all. Sometimes I’ll see a blockbuster and think, “Um, WHY did people like this? I don’t get it.”
I don’t know, I just really liked Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump, I just really rooted for him to be happy and thought it was so neat how they set up that he was responsible for all that stuff, like “Shit Happens,” and the big yellow smily face shirt and stuff.
I haven’t seen it in a while, now I feel the urge to go watch it. 😛
You’re welcome for the book rec’s.
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For your niece – I really liked The Gemma Doyle Trilogy by Libba Bray. There aren't any vampires, just some schoolgirls in Victorian England who start playing with magic. And I don't mean to sound all radical feminist, cause I don't think that I really am, but the main character in that series is a much better female role model than anything your niece will find in Twilight or Gossip Girl.
Also, when I was surfing on Amazon earlier today, I came across the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz. I haven't read it, but judging by the descriptions, it sounds like it's Twilight and Gossip Girl rolled into one, with a dash of interesting historical theories on the side, so maybe your niece would enjoy that.
Also, also – Forrest Gump was totally awesome and you are clearly insane. 😛 🙂
Michelles last blog post..Christmas Wish List