Just added it to my list!

Go to the library and pick out 2-3 books you think you might be interested in (probably a mix of fiction and non-fiction). You can speak to the librarians about your interests and they can provide some recommendations. Then pick a book to start with and dedicate 30-60 minutes each day to reading that book. Try to make it a habit. If you really don’t enjoy the book you picked to start with, move onto the next book.

Something else you could try is finding a book that was turned into a movie that you might be interested in. Read the book first, then watch the movie and compare the two. Knowing that you will be able to watch the movie and then see the book come to life might provide some motivation to start and finish the book.

Yes, shallow is a great way to describe it!

I read The Nightingale in 2020 and just read The Great Alone a few months ago. Based on these two books, I get the sense that Kristin Hannah likes to throw unintentional pregnancies into the mix to really shake things up.

Yes, I think I can decide what I think is worth people’s time based on my own experience. And yes, I think we’ve already covered that you think I’m arrogant and that I don’t care. But I am glad you’re able to decide that I’m arrogant.

I don’t really care that you think my opinion is arrogant, because it’s my opinion. If people want to read Colleen Hoover books for any reason, then that’s fine—everyone is entitled to read what they want. But there are many, many books out there that are a far better use of their time.

Haha I know! I feel like these books are every teen’s/pre-teen’s guilty pleasure at some point or another.

I never read the whole Flowers in the Attic series, but I did read a number of VC Andrews books when I was a teenager. I didn’t realize at the time how completely bonkers they were—they were just weird and entertaining and a little scandalous. Now as an adult I’m like….wtf? But I guess I have to sort of admire anyone who can write such off-the-wall stories with such fervor.

The subject matter doesn’t really offend me, I just don’t think she’s a skilled or talented writer. I don’t know why people who really enjoy reading books are bothering with her stuff. It seems like her work is better suited to those who just want to consume something mindless and “thrilling” (but without any actual thrill.)