I'm participating in today's Top Ten Tuesday, hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week's prompt is:
Five Books I Feel Differently About After Time Has Passed
I actually had a hard time with this one. After going over my list of books I've read, I felt pretty steadily the same about almost all of them. I guess the good news about that is that my gut reaction to books is pretty accurately how I feel about them over time. Or maybe that makes me boring since, once set, my opinions don't really change...? Who knows. There are a few exceptions to my rule, though. Here they are:
This one is pure entertainment. There was and is a lot to enjoy here, but, at the end of the day, this book doesn't have a whole lot of substance. While I still like this book, it's not one that made me think very hard or really do anything besides chuckle. I think funny books are perennially underrated, so I don't want to knock off too many stars. It's a good book, and I'm not sorry I read it, but it maybe doesn't quite deserve the nearly 5 stars that I originally gave it.
I remember being really excited when I heard about this book, and then feeling extremely let down when I actually read it. My disappointment stemmed from the book introducing important themes of gender equality, freedom, and choice, and then never really exploring those themes. As time has gone on, however, I've been a little more forgiving of this book. I still think it really oversimplified things, but I've started thinking that that's not such a bad thing. This book won't satisfy older readers, but I think it definitely has a place with younger audiences. It's just not one of those YA books that crosses over well to adults. But that's okay. There is plenty of room for books like this. So while it wasn't as thought-provoking to me, it could still be useful in introducing important themes to younger readers who may not have considered how damaging sexism can be. (And then, when they grow up, they can pick up Margaret Atwood.)
My review for this book is positively glowing. According to me, this was a really gripping, thrilling read, and I was apparently dying for book 2 to be released. Now, nearly a year later, I cannot remember a single thing about this book. Seriously. I couldn't even tell you the name of the main character. So it may have been a fun ride, but apparently it was a very forgettable story. Now I'm not even sure if I'll be picking up the sequel.
I loved this book when I first read it, but I think I love it even more now. I didn't give it 5 stars when I wrote my review because I was a tad overwhelmed with the sheer number of hot topics this book addresses. However, the more I think about it, the more impressed I am with Moriarty's handling of all those hot topics. I think if I were to re-review this book, I'd give it 5 stars now.
I only gave this book 5 stars when I should have given it 50. If you haven't read it yet, GO READ IT.
Does your opinion change over time about books you've read? Or are you like me, and feel pretty steadily the same about what you read over time?
My opinion changes all the time after reading a book. I hate when I loved a book and then, like you, can't remember a thing about it. So did I really love it? Sometimes I go back to my read list on Goodreads and change my rating. Introspection is important!
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Whether a book can remain memorable after time has passed is an important part of a book's rating for me.
DeleteMy opinions don't always change after reading a book, but they do sometimes. I find myself giving some books 5 stars because I consider that a favorite. But, I realize later than, it's really more a 4-star read for me which means I love it, but it's not a favorite. I know it's weird, lol.
ReplyDeleteNot weird at all! I totally know what you mean. I've loved lots of books that, while they're awesome, don't quite merit the title of "favorite."
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