Top 10 WORST Books 2015

What is a Top Ten Best List without a Top Ten Worst List? Now, to be clear, if you like these books, that’s perfectly fine. However, I had some serious problems with them. Now, calling something the “worst” is awfully vague and subjective, but I’ll try to be as clear as I can. For some of these, they were just awfully disappointing and not worth the hype/praise, in my opinion. Others have more significant flaws. Once again the order doesn’t matter so much. With that in mind, here we go!

1. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

The only thing worse than talking to a self-proclaimed “Nice Guy” is reading a book about one. Gilbert is an abusive stalker. Our protagonist, people! But, don’t misunderstand: this isn’t a psychological thriller, it doesn’t give us insight into this kind of sick person, and it doesn’t show a journey of growth. We are supposed to apparently root for Gilbert and to believe and support his “romance”. It’s quite sickening.

2. Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton

The plot was all about the romance, and the romance was unbelievable and dull. I found it impossible to sympathize or relate to Archer’s white, rich people problems. There was no chemistry between any of the characters much less the two that are supposed to be in love, and the story just meanders way too long. While the ending did surprise me, it didn’t make up for the slog to get there.

3. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

Yeah, yeah, I know this is a play, but I had to read it, and by god was it awful. The ending is supposed to have this enlightened feminist point (that came off as completely forced), but it was not worth having to read the large sums of abuse as Higgins repeatedly ignores Eliza, insults/degrades her, and controls her every action.

4. Cinder by Marissa Meyer

While this book wasn’t terrible, it was terribly lazy. The Cinderella story is regurgitated: it is uninspired and dull. Asia is just a cheap backdrop: other than the prince eating shrimp wontons this story could have taken place anywhere else. The science fiction elements are mundane and not fully thought out. As well, there are elements to the story where the author was either too lazy to write adequately write or didn’t trust the reader to figure out. Without giving too much away, I was really frustrated with the Liar issue and the Shiny Like A Diamond issue.

5. Good Omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman

I’ve always heard that Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman were the gods of writing so I have to say I was more than a little disappointed at this flop of a book. The book reads like a bad stand-up comedian where it seems like every sentence is supposed to be this big joke, but it’s never funny.

6. This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald

I loved The Great Gatsby so I was so disappointed in this book. It was so difficult to read because the main character Amory is completely unsympathetic and unrelatable and yet every once and a while I would come across a sentence or a passage of Fitzgerald’s gorgeous writing and I just wished that beautiful writing existed in a better story.

7.The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events) by Lemony Snicket

I know, I know. Everyone seems to like this series. While I hear the series gets better with each book, personally, this series might just not be my cup of tea because I found the narrator condescending and distracting and left me feeling so distant from the main characters that I didn’t care what happened to them.

8. The Sun Also Rises by Ernest Hemingway

You might be saying, “You can’t put a classic on the Worst Book List, Kelly!” Oh, but, look. I just did. It wasn’t horrible by any means, but I just found it disappointing. While his writing does improve in his other novels, I think it is pretty evident that this was his debut. As it stands, this book lacked some of the finesse and power of Hemingway’s other work and some of his attempts at realism failed in my opinion.

9. The Prelude by William Wordsworth

While most of you probably won’t ever read this of your own freewill, I just had to get it out there that Wordsworth is just way too WORDY.

10. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

This is an odd mix of a book. Between having the strangely adult and the juvenile elements in this book, I was left just scratching my head. It does have some interesting aspects to it, but I just don’t think the story really knew what it wanted to be or who its audience was. 

Which ones of these have you read? Do you agree or disagree with me? What's the worst book you've read in 2015? Tell me all that and more in the comments below!

Top 10 BEST Books 2015

It the last week of the year which means it’s time for my Top 10 BEST Books 2015!

Now, as a reminder, these kinds of lists are subjective. You might not care for the books I love and that’s fine. As well, these are MY favorites of what I read in 2015. That means that if I didn’t read it in 2015 it won’t be on this list. So if you are wondering why that amazing book that was published in 2015 isn’t on this list, that’s why. Also, these books aren’t in any particular order (despite being numbered). They are all on this list because I think they are awesome, and that’s what matters. Now here we go!

1. My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult

Mind you, I had already seen the movie. So, lo and behold I was pretty surprised by much I loved this book. The writing is stellar. Boy, am I jealous of the writing. It’s clear that a lot of time, effort, and research was put into this book. I also balled my eyes out for the last 20 pages which is a pretty impressive feat in and of itself. I don’t cry at everything so I’m always impressed when words on a page are able to pull emotion out of me. It’s a sad read, but I would definitely recommend it.

2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon

This book nailed the voice of a boy with Asperger’s. While I was reading this book I felt like I was really Christopher, the main character. As well, the author uses humor to cleverly navigate the hard topics and difficult characters in this book. I’m not normally a fan of contemporary adult fiction, but I would definitely recommend this one.

3. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

A kid stuck on a boat for months on end? How boring, amiright? Surprisingly, no. The first half or so of this book reads like a really detailed biography. So much so in fact that I began to wonder if this was a true story. (It isn't.) Now, the second half of this book is what really brings this story over the top for me. I won’t give anything away but will just say that it blew me away.

4. Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

This story is such an interesting mix of learning about Tehran and literature. It is so lovely. I haven’t read all the books that Nafisi talks about, but I feel like she did a great job of giving the reader just enough to keep up; however, there’s such an extra depth to this book for those who have read the books she refers to. I cannot wait to reread this book after I’ve read them all.

5. Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Strayed’s true life story is fascinating, heartbreaking, and absolutely inspiring. You feel like you are on the journey with her. I think she is struggling with such relatable issues in this that everyone can take something away from it. 

6. A Dance with Dragons (A Song of Ice and Fire Series) by George R.R. Martin

If you don’t know already, Martin is a powerhouse writer. He’s got characters, he’s got world-building, he’s got plot. As well, unlike other books that switch point of view, there’s not once that I got bored with a chapter and wanted to skip/skim. Alas, now that I’m caught up I’m going to have to wait for the next installment like the rest of you peasants. I suppose we’ll have to keep busy complaining about the HBO series and how it differs. Just kidding! (Not completely...)

7. Passing by Nella Larson

This book covers such an underrepresented topic. I’ve never read a book on passing and thus never quite realized how prevalent and devastating it was. In my opinion, this isn’t just a recommended book but a must read. We all need to be more educated on topics like this.

8. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

While Mortenson and his organization might be under some scrutiny, I still believe this book has something to offer readers. This book adds depth and humanity to the Middle East in a time when we really need it, and I don’t think anyone can argue with the message of spreading education (regardless of whether Mortenson’s scale of success is exaggerated or not). I still very much think this book is worth checking out.

9. Billie Standish Was Here by Nancy Crocker

To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting too much out of this one. However, I was shocked to discover the rich relationship between two strong female characters (Billie Standish and Miss Lydia), its use/reference to feminism and civil rights movements, and its development past a pet peeve of mine. Personally, I hate it when a character has a Big Bad Secret that they keep secret and the story ends after they tell. It’s just all so boring and cliche. I really wanted to see a story where it shows the consequences and this story does just that. The last twenty pages had me crying like mad. So good.

10. The Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series) by Rick Riordan

Once again, Percy’s adventures have pulled me in and left me wanting more. This series continues to surprise me with its fun. I thought I would be too old for this series or that after the first one the fun would peter out, but I’m still wrong. Go check it out if you get the chance. 

Which ones have you read? Do you agree with me? What are your favorite reads from this year? Tell me all that and more down in the comments below!

Kelly Reads Twilight Reimagined Chapter 14

Last time on Kelly Reads Twilight Reimagined…

We discovered that:

-Beau likes to take unnecessary cold medicine

-Edythe turns into a disco ball in the sun

-Edythe gives Beau a piggyback ride

This time…

CHAPTER 14

Driving back home, Edythe talks to Beau about how old she is and how she and each of her other family members ended up as vampires. Of course, this reminds me that in Twilight Esme (Edward’s vampire mom) jumped off a cliff because her child died. I’ll be curious to see if Meyer keeps that part of the backstory now that Esme is a man named Earnest. All the other stories so far are the same, but Esme’s backstory seems the most gender-related so we’ll see…

When they get to Beau’s house, he’s starving so he starts eating some lasagna. They talk about what Edythe misses about being human, and she says that being able to sleep would be nice. Beau asks what she does during the night since she cannot sleep, and she tells him that she’s been coming to his house and watching him sleep. Like Bella, instead of being disturbed by this, Beau is only worried that he might’ve said some embarrassing things in his sleep. Granted, he did, but, personally, I think he has greater things to worry about like, I don’t know, a vampire who doesn’t understand personal boundaries?

Anywho, Beau’s dad comes home so Edythe skedaddles, but Beau realizes that she might still be in the house hiding out so he quickly eats his food and runs upstairs. As he predicted, Edythe is in his room. He asks for a human moment where he brushes his teeth and puts on his pajamas. Then, this odd little conversation happens:

“‘I’m not sure how I feel about that shirt,’ she said. Her voice was so quiet that I didn’t have any worries that Charlie [his dad] would hear us.

‘I can change.’

She rolled her eyes. ‘Not you wearing it — its entire existence.’ She reached out and brushed her fingers across the smiling pig. My pulse spiked, but she politely ignored that. ‘Should he be so happy to be food?’

I had to grin. ‘Well, we don’t know his side of the story, do we? He might have a reason to smile.’

She looked at me like she was doubting my sanity.

I reached out to hold her hand.”

Okay. I just googled smiling pig. It's kind of terrifying...

Beau, why????

So not only does this not happen in Twilight, I’m just so confused by what’s happening. At first, it seemed like Edythe was saying she didn’t like the shirt existing because she wanted Beau shirtless, but then it seems like she was offended by the content of the shirt which is a smiling pig. Granted, the first couple of times I read that line I thought Beau was referring himself to a smiling pig which would have been weird but with this book you never know. Plus, he is food to vampires so I could see it forcefully trying to fit that analogy in. Plus, who just has shirt that just has a smiling pig on it with no explanation?

Then, Beau makes the weird comment about the pig having a reason to smile, and Edythe looks like she is doubting his sanity to which I would like to add what else would she be doing and a oh-darling-Beau-us-readers-have-been-doubting-your-sanity-since-we-found-out-about-your-skin-condition. And then, just like that they move on to something else and this part of the conversation is never brought up again.

Then Beau notes to himself “My heart started beating…not faster exactly, but stronger somehow.”To which, I ask: unless you have a weak heart to begin with, how do you know your heart started beating stronger? How exactly do you measure that?

Edythe and Beau start talking about the gifts that vampires have such as Edythe’s ability to read minds and so on. God, I feel so sorry for vampires like Carine. You live with vampires who have the ability to read minds, influence emotions, and see the future and your ability is…compassion? Awww…poor thing…

Beau asks where did vampires come from and how they started. Edythe says she doesn’t know but suggests that there’s the possibility that they evolved just like any other species. Uh….except evolution doesn’t work like that. Dead things don’t evolve because…well, because they are, in fact, DEAD! Like, evolution happens to some species while others die out, but it’s not like your walking down the street and it’s like “Look, children! It’s an undead Tyrannosaurus Rex. Ooh, ah! So dead, so evolved, so advanced! I wonder if I can get it’s autograph?”

Edythe asks Beau, “‘is it so hard to believe that the same force that created the delicate angelfish with the shark, the baby seal and the killer whale, could create both our kinds together?’” Yes, yes, it is. However, Beau answers, “‘Let me get this straight — I’m the baby seal, right?’” which cracks me up.

Then our little baby seal asks about sex. Of course, since this is written by a Mormon, I’m completely dissatisfied and none of my questions are answered. ‘Cause, here’s my dirty mind thinking: if Edythe’s vagina is all vampire-y and not acting like a normal vagina (since vampire girls apparently cannot get pregnant but vampire men still have viable sperm), someone’s going to need a lot of lube. Instead, we get Edythe saying that, yes, vampires have urges too, and that sexy times probably won’t be in their future because Beau’s so fragile. Now, don’t worry! Edythe makes sure to worry about Beau’s manliness by saying, “I don’t mean that as an insult to your manliness, anyone human is fragile to me.” Whoo! Close call!

Now, I am glad that Beau, like Bella, has zero dating and sex experience. I was a little worried that since he’s a man that he somehow must have more experience. Of course, my relief doesn’t last long since apparently Beau has ten admirers at this school alone. TEN. How does he not have any dating experience yet? I mean, other than his personality? The chapter ends with Edythe humming a lullaby as Beau falls asleep. 

Kelly Reads Twilight Reimagined Chapter 12 and 13

Last time on Kelly Reads Twilight Reimagined…

We discovered that:

-Edythe gets catty and has a voice like raw silk

-Beau’s eyes are the culprits but luckily all his bones are shaped the same underneath his skin??!!

-Beau turns into a soap opera character

This time…

CHAPTER 12

Jules and her mom Bonnie hang out with Charlie and Beau as they watch “the game”. What game you may ask? Baseball? Football? Basketball? Soccer? Who knows! It’s the game.

Beau makes grilled cheese. Beau talks to Jules about cars. Beau is worried that Jules’ mom will tell Charlie that Edythe is a vampire. She doesn’t. Exciting, no?

Charlie tells Beau that he has a fishing trip planned the same day Beau says he’ll be in Seattle (but is really going to watch Edythe sparkle). Anyway, Charlie says that if Beau wants to postpone his trip to Seattle to wait for someone to go with him then Charlie will cancel his fishing plans. Which is weird. It made more sense when the character was a girl because…well, the obvious reasons: sexism and the danger of women being alone in a society with our rape culture. Granted, Beau had an awful experience with armed hobos, but Charlie doesn’t know that.

But before we get to the next chapter with the sparkling reveal, we get…drum roll…another boring day at school! YAY! Edythe and Beau confirm their plans for Saturday. Most of this is the exact same as Twilight though I am amused that Rosalie (now Royal) is in the cafeteria hissing at Edythe and Beau and no one thinks anything of it.

Edythe leaves early to hunt, and Beau thinks about ditching class but thinks better of it because he wouldn’t want people to be suspicious of Edythe if she ever accidentally killed him. He’s, you know, considerate like that? I know I always try to make it as easy as possible for my kinda vampire girlfriend to get away with killing me. However, this is nothing new. Bella did this too.

Beau keeps his dad out of the loop of his real plans for Saturday. He then imagines what it would be like to be killed by a vampire. After a while of thinking and doing laundry, he’s “relieved when it was late enough to be acceptable for bedtime…[and] deliberately took unnecessary cold medicine — the kind that knocked me out for a good eight hours”.

I say, what a rebel. That’s our Beau. Fighting off dangerous hobos, thinking too hard while doing laundry, and taking unnecessary cold medicine. Go, you?

Edythe and Beau drive to a forest and then hike their way to the meadow. Even if you haven’t read the books, you know the meadow because the meadow was in every single trailer for the movies, I swear. As Beau walks behind Edythe he describes her: “I’d never seen so much of her skin. Her pale arms, her slim shoulders, the fragile-looking twigs of her collarbones, the vulnerable hollows above them, the swanlike column of her neck, the gentle swell of her breasts — don’t stare, don’t stare — and the ribs I could nearly count under the thin cotton.” Now, even when I read Twilight in middle school, I knew that its version of vampiric beauty fell under Western beauty standards and norms; however, now that I’m Edythe’s beauty descriptions I realize now that on top of it being very narrow-minded and racist it also doesn’t make much sense.

For those who’ve read Breaking Dawn, the vampires in this world don’t just have a glamour that make them look beautiful.Their bodies literally reshape themselves into their most beautiful form. However, it wasn’t always considered beautiful to be skinny. Even in Western culture there were times when having a more voluptuous figure was beautiful because it signified wealth and power. Just another thing that now bothers me with the lack of research in this mythology…

Anyway, they make it to the meadow and the chapter ends with Edythe about to step into the sunlight.

CHAPTER 13

Edythe sparkles! Shocker. Beau runs toward her afraid she was going to catch on fire which is sad that he has so little faith in her, really. Yes, she’s totally going to commit suicide Beau to demonstrate what happens to her in sunlight. That makes sense. Then Edythe gets all emo and asks, “Aren’t you repulsed by my flagrant lack of humanity?” Uh…girl, you didn’t murder his father or turn into a bat. You sparkled. Just sparkled. A disco ball can do that.

Most this scene is the same as Twilight. Edythe explains how appealing Beau’s scent is. She compares it to ice cream, alcohol, and heroine. However, Edward does say that if he were to kill Bella he would miss her blushing, but that was cut in this version so it seems like Edythe doesn’t like Beau’s rashes after all. Of course, we also still get the lion fell in love with the lamb line. Overall, this scene isn’t too bad. A bit unrealistic, but, hell, it’s Twilight.

Of course, it then transitions into a weird touchy-feely game. Edythe leans over and rests her head on Beau’s chest to listen to his heart. Edward does the same with Bella FYI. However, when it’s Beau’s turn he traces Edythe’s face and then decides to caress down her body and wraps her into a hug. He then realizes that “She wasn’t breathing”, but apparently that doesn’t cue him in that he should stop. Instead, he decides to press his face into her hair and take a big whiff like a weirdo. Now, Bella’s nice enough to stop because of “not wanting to push him too far” unlike someone else that we know.

YASSSSSSSSS! Meyer might have denied me seeing Edythe carry Beau to the nurse’s office, but she was wise enough to keep this in!!!!!! So after all the oh-you-sparkle touchy-feely meadow stuff, Edythe asks Beau if he wants to experience how a vampire travels at extreme speed. Beau asks how, and Edythe cracks me up by replying, “Surely you’re familiar with the concept of a piggyback ride?” Beau is trying to come up with every excuse not to and suddenly Edythe is carrying boulder like “Bitch, I think I can carry your puny ass.”

So, Beau is finally on her back and “My face was burning, and I knew I must look like a gorilla on a greyhound.” Pffffttt HAHAHAHA! What an odd description! I wonder if she means the dog or the bus for this simile! Edythe starts running and once again we get Meyer’s great prose of “She streaked through the forest like a bullet, like a ghost.” Streaked? Really? Streaked? That was the best word she could think of? Okay, okay. So I know what she means. She shot through the forest like a bullet. I got that part. But like a ghost? Are ghosts really known for their speed? Are they known for streaking through forests? Ugh. Now I’m imagining naked ghosts. Moving on!

They make it back to the car. Beau can hardly breathe from traveling that fast. Edythe kisses Beau. The chapter ends with Edythe deciding to drive them home because Beau is “intoxicated by my very presence.”