What’s one book that shocked you by how much you enjoyed it?
I know we all know the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” But what’s one time it actually applied? Hoping to find some hidden treasure to read lol
This by no means is an unpopular/unknown book, but War and Peace. I read it once at 18 once I got over how daunting it seemed and I completely enjoyed it despite Tolstoy making me go through some emotional turmoil. I wasn’t expecting to find in this book so many relatable and moving characters that left an impression on me.
I’m rereading it now at 26 and honestly? The reread is far from boring or redundant. I think I love this book even more now because I get to better appreciate the characters that blew me away the first time.
starpendle on
This is probably more because of my usual tastes for books (adventure, fantasy with maybe romance on the side) then anything, but The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels was randomly recommended in my Spotify audio books suggestions, despite never really reading romance focused comedies or such. I was like why the heck not, as I was looking for more to listen to while grinding away in Stardew Valley but… well. I loved the protags and the dynamics, and it was a cozy fun time, and now I’m delving more into the same genre. Didn’t realize how fast I could read and how refreshing it is after reading a lot of stories with so much of their own in universe terms.
I read The Covenant of Water by Verghese. At least in the first half, I was somewhat bored and I wondered if I would finish it. Even in the second half, I was enjoying but not particularly blown away. Yet, at least 2 months after finishing it, I think about the characters and their lives all. The. Time. It’s a book that I really appreciated upon reflection.
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This by no means is an unpopular/unknown book, but War and Peace. I read it once at 18 once I got over how daunting it seemed and I completely enjoyed it despite Tolstoy making me go through some emotional turmoil. I wasn’t expecting to find in this book so many relatable and moving characters that left an impression on me.
I’m rereading it now at 26 and honestly? The reread is far from boring or redundant. I think I love this book even more now because I get to better appreciate the characters that blew me away the first time.
This is probably more because of my usual tastes for books (adventure, fantasy with maybe romance on the side) then anything, but The Christmas Swap by Talia Samuels was randomly recommended in my Spotify audio books suggestions, despite never really reading romance focused comedies or such. I was like why the heck not, as I was looking for more to listen to while grinding away in Stardew Valley but… well. I loved the protags and the dynamics, and it was a cozy fun time, and now I’m delving more into the same genre. Didn’t realize how fast I could read and how refreshing it is after reading a lot of stories with so much of their own in universe terms.
Absolutely [The Hands of the Emperor](https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/af2bba9c-8f41-4a3e-b87a-8532a44ccb67) by Victoria Goddard. I never would have picked it up if I hadn’t seen it recommended on reddit, and now it’s one of my favorite books.
I read The Covenant of Water by Verghese. At least in the first half, I was somewhat bored and I wondered if I would finish it. Even in the second half, I was enjoying but not particularly blown away. Yet, at least 2 months after finishing it, I think about the characters and their lives all. The. Time. It’s a book that I really appreciated upon reflection.