What is the worst book you have read recently and why was it so bad?

[Miaou]

I've been reading light stuff atm and just grabbed this off the "chick lit" stand at the library just before having ds2 - I struggled valiantly through to the end but was really disappointed in it. The story was turgid and predictable, the characters one-dimensional, and I felt that what could have been an interesting story with the potential for some really sinister turns, was in fact incredibly dull. The final "showdown" between the mother and son was jaw-droppingly badly written and really let the whole book down.

However I have had lots of fun picking it to pieces so maybe it was worth it

Did he really make it all up? I haven't read his book, but I've heard of it.

James Frey "exaggerated", i.e. made it all up.

Please note he is not this James Frey.

don't know, only vague recollection of reading/hearing something like that... also, isn't augusten burroughs being sued? or am i just spreading rumours?

ha,ha someone gave me that book, unquietdad!

Hey, thanks MuminBrum... Sorry, wandered away from thread there for a minute and missed prize-giving.

[Wanders about poking out ample bosom - you were dead right on that detail MinB - avec medal in an 'Ay'm a ponce, doncha know' kind of a way]

Ooh, some load of drivel by Tony Parsons - can't remember the name - The Family Way, I think?

I took it, plus a whole load of other books, to the local secondhand bookshop and it was the only one to be rejected; clearly a very discerning proprietor.

She did accept my Sweet's Anglo-Saxon Primer.

Just finished Carry Me Down by M J Hyland and it's yet another book without a proper ending.
I was so enjoying it too, and it just fizzled out.
So not the worst book I've ever read, but bloody annoying.

Just finished "Mothers Milk" by Edward St Aubyn (having read great reviews) but was mightily disappointed. Not the worst book I've ever read by any means but was expecting much greater things from it.

dino tony parsons is the most pathetic excuse for a man EVER I have to say, all his books are whingeing shite!

I LOVED kevin
and on Chesil Beach

Tony Parsons is so vile. Even Julie Burchill couldn't stand being married to him.

Da Vinci Code

wankity wank - written as if the reader was a total idiot.

The worst book I ever read was "The Lovely Bones". Emotionally manipulative, mawkish and unsophisticated. Yuk.

OMFG

Dave bloody Pelzer

I spied loads in my cousin's house last weekend. She has Munchausens by proxy and massive 'victim' issues. Why am I not surprised therefore that huge fan of The Pelze???

Tony Parsons is a vile snivelling sorry excuse for a man.Seeing his picture makes me shudder.

couldn't BELIEVE how bad the lovely bones was. that sex scene. ugh. her poor friend.

Dh just read that Aitch.
He said he quite enjoyed it.

Every copy of The Lovely Bones should be sold with a box of matches and a gerry can of lighter fluid. Because the most enjoyment you'll get out of that book is when you toss it on a pyre.

it truly is a wretched book, moony. i am horrified. mind you someone on here read it three times on her honeymoon. i think she was posting on the divorce threads...

He probably filed for the divorce. Because I would have if my spouse read that depressing load of steaming dung on our honeymoon!

It begs the question, 'Um, where you the girl at parties who always got drunk and then locked herself in the bathroom sobbing hysterically?'

Dh sailing around the baltic at present but will pass on withering comments.

It is tripe, moondog, but I could see where a person could be lead to convince themselves it passes muster if they're stuck on a boat. I felt the same way about 'Moby Dick' when I read it in a stormbound tent. Clarity appeared in the form of clear skies.

Honestly, it is tosh.

find out if he cried, moondog, please. don't divorce him too hastily.
i waited to cry... i wrinkled my nose a couple of times but it turned out to have been in disgust.

He sobbed out loud in Billy Elliott so frankly,wouldn't be surprised.

Expat,are you sure you are not Jewish???

Har! billy elliott. pleasant enough but another over-rated hit that i didn't cry at.

I laughed in BE.
Am sour old cynic.
He is a bit of a wuss (despite being manly 6 foot agricultural type used to wrestling with maddened bulls)

Funny old world.

the memory keepers daughter (as recommended by mum's net)
big disapointment could've been really good i thought BUT it wasn't it was slow and dull