5 Much Loved Books I Did Not Finish {in 2018}

Last year, I wrote about the Best Books I Read in 2017. I was hoping to write another 'best books' post but last year, as a reader, was not very good even though I read some 46-47 books. I read some good books {Wrote about it actually. You can read my guest post 'Top 5 Reads By Women Authors' on Shalini's blog}, but there are so many well-loved books I could not finish, and it bothered me.

I really enjoy reading reviews, on goodreads especially. I read several reviews before buying a book. I used to believe that it was a wise thing to do, however this year's reading experience changed that perception. I have decided that I won't trust the reviews, entirely, from now on. Of course, I'll read them, but I'm going to follow and trust the blurb and sample chapters. 

OK, now about the books that I could not finish ---and trust me, I tried really hard even though I am an impatient reader {I tend to close the books unfinished if they don't grip me by 50-60 pages}. They left me utterly disappointed.

A Man Called Ove

Everyone was talking about this book on Twitter ---warm, funny, adorable, lovely, best book were the words describing the book. As usual, I visited goodreads, checked the {mostly positive} reviews and bought the book. As I started reading the book, I thought readers were right, but after some 3-4 chapters, it started to bore me. I found it slow, repetitive and boring. Plus, the old man who seemed adorable and realistic in the first few chapters, turned out annoying and insensitive.

I really wanted to like it ---so much that I read 119-120 pages---but eventually left it unfinished.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Honestly, I just google searched 'potato peel society', found this book and copy-pasted the title. I mean what's the point if can't even remember and pronounce the title of a book?

It is a book that got 99.9% positive reviews. All my reader friends loved it. It is, supposedly, a love story and an epistolary novel {novels written in letters format}. I bought it and started reading. I was almost sure I'd like this book but I found it boring and confusing. 

Not that it was my first epistolary novel. I have read two epistolary novels ---Love Virtually and Every Seventh Wave, the sequel ---absolute favourites! But Love Virtually is about two people who accidentally get in touch through emails, whereas in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, too many people are writing, too many letters to too many people. I couldn't keep the track who is who! Mainly because they all sound the same. Plus, nobody was saying interesting things. No wit, no humour, no warmth in the letters. 

Thankfully, I watched the movie recently, which I liked. Mainly because of the hero and the mesmerizing locations. Now that I have watched the movie, I have no intention of finishing the book, and I wondered what was the purpose of writing this book as epistolary novel? Why? Just because it's a different format?

Calling Sehmat

These days, I feel slightly inclined to read crime novels, and Calling Sehmat came with fabulous reviews. The subject is intriguing, especially because it is based on a true story about a female spy!

I bought the book, started reading and gave up after 77 pages. 'I'd rather watch the movie.' I decided. It was a good decision, as I really liked Raazi.

Calling Sehmat is a powerful story, but the way it has been told makes it unexciting {for me, of course}. The 'storytelling' is important. This book badly lacks the 'what next?' factor.

To Kill A Mockingbird

OK, don't roll your eyes, please. I feel really bad mentioning this book here. I felt a little ashamed that I hadn't read this book. It seemed that I was the only one, that's why I bought it.

At first, the book seemed like a pirated copy. The font was too small, pages rough. I even sent a couple of pictures to my friend to confirm. 'It seems original,' she said.

Honestly, I was too impatient to leave this book unfinished. Just 35 pages and I got bored. I wondered if it was a children's book. I may try reading this one, some day.


The Rosie Project

I was actually enjoying it. I even shared a quote on Twitter. I liked Don Tillman and Rosie but then {after some 100 pages or so}, it got really slow and started to bore me. The situations were somehow dull. Maybe, I can try reading this one again.


Special Mention:

Wuthering Heights ---the way readers talk about this book ---a love story, and Heathcliff, I still feel it should have been my kind of read, but NO. I tried to read it a few years ago but couldn't read beyond 3-4 chapters. I tried again last year, but No. I didn't know what was going on! I won't pick it up again.


That's all from my side. Is there any popular book that you did not like?