A weekly feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

There isn’t much worse in the book world than getting super hyped up about a book– finally getting your hands on it, only to discover it fails to live up to your expectations.  Ugh.  On the flip side, it can be pretty freaking amazing to have a negative attitude prior to reading a book, only to come out on the other side feeling like you just conquered the world.  Here are some books that come to mind when thinking about these two extremes.

In no particular order…..

HELLOOO WINNERS:

(M Molly Backes)  We read this for book club.  The other girls weren’t real fans of this one, so I had a definite chip on my shoulder, but ended up really enjoying it!  My high school experience was very true to stereo types so I found this book to be quite honest!  People really are like that.  There were a few extremes- but overall, she nailed it.

(Marie Lu)  I had no reason to be turned off from this book, but I was.  I never wanted to buy it and even after finally doing so, it sat on my shelf and endured many dirty looks before making its way into my hands.  Good thing it did- it was amazing!  I don’t know why, but I always picture June as Asian- anyone else?  Or am I a total weirdo??

(Richelle Meade)  I was worried about this one because I was going through some serious Vampire Academy withdrawal, but Richelle Mead didn’t let me down.  Not sure I love it as much as VA, but they come close.  Always unique, filled with the perfect amount of action and romance.

(Elizabeth Wein)  I like historical fiction, but it’s not my first choice.  Plus, I knew that this focused on an intense friendship, rather than romance.  I don’t need to tell you that I am all about the kissing, do I?  Well, I have no words for this book.  The characters made their way into my heart and haven’t left.

(Cassandra Clare)  I don’t like prequels.  Never have, never will…. BUT…  this book swept me off my feet.  I adored The Mortal Instruments—but WOW, The Infernal Devices took home the prize.  Probably one of the top series I’ve ever read.  Absolutely beautiful.

HELLNOOO FAILURES:

(Lauren DeStefano)  Listen, I liked Wither.  I did.  The story was completely original and quite captivating, but this book was a flop for me.  Gabriel is a wiener.  A total dud.  He just laid around sick or high the entire book.  Get off your ass and do something useful.  Basically, that was what killed it for me.

(Moira Young)  Blood Red Road was clutch.  What a crazy good book.  I had a countdown going for this book.  With most series, I look forward to the next book, but with this one I was foaming at the mouth.  I needed this one.  Finally got it, read it and yes, it was good– but total second book syndrome.  There was a lot of down time.  I get there is a need for plot building, but it didn’t really hit a climax until the very end.  That ending did turn me back into a rabid animal though.  Can’t wait for book 3!

(Ally Condie)  Don’t get me started on this one.  Basically,

  Get my point?  Only needed 1 book.  Great idea, but lousy execution.

(Lauren Oliver)  I loved the Delirium series, but this book left my heart longing.  I wanted more from it.  This book has been discussed to death, so I won’t go on, but what a let down.

(Jennifer E. Smith)  I read so many great reviews on this book, but it did nothing for me.  Sure, it was a cute story, but nothing special.  I didn’t feel connected and wasn’t pulled into the romance.  I was more emotionally tied to the relationship between (see- I can’t even remember her name… forgettable) and her father.  In my opinion, it was weak.  I am reading This Is What Happy Looks Like in a couple weeks, so hopefully  that one will be a winner!

ENCORE:

Just because it’s funny…