Here are 10 books I read in 2011 that I did NOT enjoy, arranged alphabetically by the author's last name.
1.The Everlasting Story of Nory by Nicholson Baker
A stream-of-consciousness narrative told from the point of view of a 7 year old. No other explanation needed.
2.The Hunger Games Trilogy: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
Dystopian madness. So violent, and **spoiler alert** most of the likable characters die by the end. Also, in a rather ironic twist at the end **spoiler alert** the whole thing ends up being for naught. Yuck.
3. A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan
Definitely not worthy of the Pulitzer.
4. Ape House by Sara Gruen
From the author of Water for Elephants, which I loved, I thought this would also be worth reading. It's not. The main plot revolves around over-sexed monkeys who are stolen from their lab and put on a reality tv show. Yeah. That should have been my first clue.
5. At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon
I finally got around to reading a Mitford book, and while there is nothing wrong with it, I'm sorry to say that I really didn't enjoy it. I kept waiting for something to happen, but it never did. I don't think I'll be reading the other 27 or however many there are in the series.
6. The Inner Circle by Brad Meltzer
This book is confusing and improbable. I don't know why it made the best-seller list.
7. This Beautiful Life by Helen Schulman
I was excited to read this book after hearing an interview with the author on NPR. It deals with the subject of teen sexting, but the author filled the book with such unlikeable characters, it was hard to care about any of it. Meh.
8. The Accidental by Ali Smith
This has been on my to read list for a couple of years, and I wish it still was. It's about a family whose world is turned upside down by the arrival of a stranger in their lives. Once again, the characters are not at all likable, and the ending was dumb. Plus, it is profanity run amok throughout. Not cool.
9. The Cosmopolitan by Donna Stonecipher
This is a book of poetry. I didn't get it and didn't feel like taking the time to dissect it so that I did get it.
10. Revenge of the Radioactive Lady by Elizabeth Stuckey-French
I failed to see any humor or quirkiness in this novel, which is how it is advertised. Don't waste your time reading it.
Johnna! You didn't like the first Mitford book? Oh, that is so sad. I would try the second because I just love them. I think I have read nine. I read them over and over. Hmm.
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