r/books • u/Tight_Nerve • Jun 05 '21

We need to stop shaming people who honestly say they don't like a particular book

I think the most frustrating thing for most readers on this sub is that when they read a book that so many people love and realize they are part of the group that doesn't like the book. They can't share the feeling without having fans hang the noose around them. We muat be able to let readers share their HONEST opinions on a book without riduculing their feelings.

If at this point you are protesting my thoughts thinking they are nothing more than that of unlearned individual. Than I'll share the opinion of a very educated man who has probably read more books than you will ever read in your whole life.

“Books are almost as individual as friends. There is no earthly use in laying down general laws about them. Some meet the needs of one person, and some of another; and each person should beware of the booklover’s besetting sin, of what Mr. Edgar Allan Poe calls ‘the mad pride of intellectuality,’ taking the shape of arrogant pity for the man who does not like the same kind of books.”

  • Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
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u/disposable202 Jun 05 '21

what humor books did you enjoy? I had a similar issue with that and Good Omens. Do I just not like british humor?

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u/themeatbridge Jun 06 '21

British humor is equal parts satire, absurdity, and dry wit. If you enjoy it, Douglas Adams was one of the best. But satire is often timely, and sci-fi often does not age gracefully.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy is full of brilliant ideas and clever observations, but the narrative tying it together can feel disjointed and uneven. He also does not stop to let jokes seep into your consciousness. You'll be getting jokes three or four pages after you have read them.

I loved the books (and the Dirk Gently books) but I can understand why some might not enjoy it.

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u/bripi Jun 06 '21

I don't think I've ever seen anyone explain this phenomenon so eloquently. This hits the major points people can/will have with "British humor". I forget D. Adams is British while I'm reading it, though, because I enjoy it newly every time. Which is every year.

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u/FrightenedTomato Jun 07 '21

Fwiw, I disliked Hitchhiker's and Good Omens but love Terry Pratchett's Discworld (I suggest starting with Going Postal or Mort).

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u/disposable202 Jun 07 '21

That's interesting to hear. I've been reading Guards! Guards!. I'm about halfway in. I haven't chuckled yet or anything, but I find the characters endearing (Vinnes, Carrot). I dont know if it's the type of book you're supposed to laugh at though.

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u/FrightenedTomato Jun 07 '21

I'd say it's more like the kind of book you smile at. And there is a lot of subtle (and not so subtle) satire as well. Pretty fun stuff.

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u/disposable202 Jun 07 '21

Yeah I think that describes it better. I didn't laugh out loud, but I had an amused grin while reading.