I just read the post “What is the worst book you read that was suggested on this subreddit?” (Can’t link directly, it’ll get removed)
Now that I’ve spent 20 minutes sifting through a gauntlet of hate for some books I really enjoyed, I’d love to know what masterpieces you literary sommeliers would recommend. Most suggestions on this sub have no context (granted, they’re generally in response to a somewhat crafted/specific request), so you don’t know if your own tastes align with the suggester. What didn’t you like about a given book that your suggestion gets right?
You hated Project Hail Mary? Which sci-fi (stand alone) should I read instead?
Fourth Wing? Which romantasy?
Tomorrow x3? Which…. whatever that was?
I get that taste is subjective*, but some of the critiques about the books had me wondering wtf? Did we read the same book? I’m not implying any of the above are the apex of storytelling or writing, but I was entertained.
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*Except for The Alchemist; objective waste of time.
by novel-opinions
3 Comments
Maybe this isn’t quite what you’re looking for, but DaVinci Code was on that list and I thought it was entertaining but not anything to write home about. The Name of the Rose is like it’s ancient highbrow cousin. You’ve got the same themes of religious censorship, murder and political intrigue, mysterious documents, and secrets hidden in architecture. It’s the better version by far.
I feel like “Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller played it incredibly safe, and thus didn’t say anything interesting on the characters or its influences.
“Alcestis” by Katharine Beautner depicts more complex expressions of love and desire, and has a more creative, eerie tone. It’s a dreamy queer poly imagining of Alcestis’s time in the Underworld.
I would like older Fouth Wingers to try Kushiel’s Dart by Jacquline Carey. It is the first of a very enjoyable trilogy which is sex and kink positive. I say older readers because I do feel she is an 18+ author and certainly as the series continues there is graphic sexual assault content. There’s no dragons either fyi.