Today’s Topic: Popular Books that Lived Up to the Hype
Hosted by: That Artsy Reader Girl
I’ll admit that the more praise a book receives the more skeptical I am that it deserves it. Some books, I will even put off reading because of the hype. Sometimes I’m right and the book doesn’t live up to the praise. But sometimes I’m wrong and happy to discover a new favorite. As usual, I couldn’t stick to ten.
The Hating Game -I don’t read a lot of general market fiction. But when I kept hearing about this book, I was intrigued. I loved the way it handled the hate to love trope. Very witty and entertaining.
The Guernsey Literary Sweet Potato Peel Pie Society -I’m ashamed to admit the hype for this book actually put me off reading it until this spring. I’ve never been so glad to be proven wrong.
The Lady and the Lionheart -One of the first books I read which featured the circus as a setting. With a patient, sacrificial and unusual hero, it sits on my list of all time favorites.
Love in Three Quarter Time -This little novella was released earlier this year and managed the impossible -switching my love and allegiance from the city of Paris to Vienna.
Olivia Twist -A creative re-telling of the Dickens classic which was even better than I expected.
The House on Foster HIll -I’m not generally a fan of the suspense genre, but this one was so atmospherically creepy that it gave me the chills.
Blackmoore -One of two excellent novels by Julianne Donaldson. This one has more of a Bronte-esque feel and plot. The aching and yearning of the main characters seep through its’ pages.
Redeeming Love -This Christian fiction classic remains popular for a reason. It’s one I enjoy re-reading year after year.
The Start of Me and You -My first introduction to YA author Emery Lord. Loved this story about a young girl dealing with her grief.
Told You So -I’ve been a fan of this author for years. But she took her writing to another level with this independent release.
Then There Was You -They say the third time is the charm. As much as I enjoyed the author’s previous releases, this rom-com set in the land down under, is a real stand-out.
The Girl From the Train -This book was the first time I read a non-American author. Spanning decades and continents, it portrays the maturing and growth of real love.
The Lost Girl of Astor Street -There is so much to love about this book; the 1920’s Chicago setting, the heroine’s unique and fun name, and the loyalty Piper Sail displays as she searches for her missing friend. It is just a pleasure to read.
Dear Mr. Knightley -This debut novel took me by surprise. I loved the epistolary format and the way it referenced a beloved classic in a new way.
Do you ever find yourself skeptical of highly recommended books? What are some who earned their hype? What are some which didn’t?
The Hating Game sounds like it’d be a good one. Nice list!
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I’ve heard great things about The Hating Game. The Oliver Twist retelling and The Girl from the Train also look interesting.
I do lean towards skepticism of hyped up books, but if I hear enough about a book and it looks interesting, I will given them a chance.
I’m skeptical of hype, too. I usually put off reading hyped books for years. I haven’t read any of these, but I’ve seen the Potato Peel one on a lot of lists today.
I really want to try Olivia Twist. 🙂
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DMK! The Start of Me and You! Told You So! Guernsey! SO. MANY. GOOD. BOOKS. Of course, I also adore Joanne’s historical and Lorie’s creative “Oliver Twist” re-telling, too! 🙂