There are many books out there that just weren’t for me. Whether they were classics or bestsellers, I just didn’t care for some of them. However, at least, I can now say that I read them, right? I can brag to all my friends and tell them how I read this book—and let’s not mention my thoughts on it.

Whether it’s for bragging rights or something else, I’m glad I read all these books I disliked. Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is: Top 10 Books I Disliked but Am Really Glad I Read:


The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins: I found the plot to be a bit disorganized and slow. The unreliable narrator grated on my nerves. Despite my dislike, I can now say that I read it. It was one of the most hyped books the year it released. Even though I didn’t like it, I was able to be a part of the hyped community while reading. Plus, I was able to go into the movie knowing how everything went down in the book.

Matched by Ally Condie: The dystopia genre is hit or miss for me and Matched was most definitely a miss. I can’t recall any one thing that put me off but overall, Matched seemed to be such a cliché of all the other bestselling works out there. Ugh. That cover though needed to be on my shelf so I can now put it with all the other read books on my shelf.

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore: I can’t say whether I found out Pittacus Lore was James Frey before or after finishing I Am Number Four. Naught a few years before, James Frey wrote his memoir and Oprah discovered he had lied for entertainment effect. Having never read his memoir, I can’t really say that’s why I didn’t like I Am Number Four. However, after finding several typos and other grammatical mistakes in the book, I couldn’t continue with the rest of the series. Just like The Girl on the Train, I read it so I could see how the movie would fare.


The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens: Look it! I can say that I’ve read at least one of Charles Dickens’ books. I’m hoping to read Great Expectations someday, it’s waiting for me on my shelf. Until I do, I can say I read the last book Dickens wrote before he passed away. The Mystery of Edwin Drood will remain a mystery as Dickens never finished the manuscript.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, and J.K. Rowling: Rowling spent seven amazing novels developing Harry Potter’s character. And it seems we get to see all that development shatter in what is considered a continuation of J.K. Rowling’s series. The book didn’t feel right and I know a lot of people won’t like me for saying this but I didn’t like it. However, of course, I waited in line for hours to get a copy so there’s no way I’m giving up the book. Besides adding it to my Harry Potter collection, I can at least say that I read it. My brother got half way through and gave up for many of the same reasons I didn’t like it.

And I Darken by Kiersten White: I love love love White’s Paranormalcy series. It’s absolutely hilarious and fun! And I Darken is the complete opposite of her previous series. However, I do not regret reading the book—as much as I won’t be continuing with the series—it was fantastic to see White’s writing style in an entirely different way.


Magonia by Maria Dahvana Headley: Another book that I’m glad to have read so I can put on my read shelf because that cover is absolutely stunning! Though I did learn, if it’s about talking animals, I must steer clear.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer: I read this just last year. Finally. I was deep in my love for Twilight when I purchased the book and even though I didn’t really like it, I can put it next to all my other Twilight books and say that I read it.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf: It’s probably the only Woolf book I will ever read. At least I can say I read something by her.


Cruel Crown by Victoria Aveyard: I wanted to love this one to continue with my loving streak of the Red Queen series. Yet, I thought most of the stories were just okay. Still, I read it and it can stand next to the series on my read shelf.

What books did you dislike but are glad you’ve read?