Books I Would Rather Burn: A Reflective Look at Literature

Since delving into the world of literature, I’ve encountered several books that left a lasting impression not because of their quality or cultural significance, but for the opposite reasons. From deliberate errors and lack of compelling narratives to sheer time-wasters, these books have pushed the boundaries of my patience and even roused thoughts of burning them, much like some of the classics once did. In this article, I explore the books that made me question the value of reading them and give you insights on why I believe they fall short.

Where the Crawdads Sing: A Geographical Blunder

“Where the Crawdads Sing”, although a bestseller, is not the literary treasure it purports to be. The author’s geographical inaccuracies were so glaring that it left me questioning her attention to detail. Not every New York Times bestseller is a must-read.

For our book club, we had to read several other books that were equally problematic. These books, despite being popular, lacked the depth and authenticity that truly enrich a reader's experience. This made me reflect on the importance of fact-checking and the role of truth in literature.

Ambassador Sir John Richmond’s Perspective on Exodus

During my time at Durham University, I had the privilege of meeting Sir John Richmond, a distinguished former ambassador in the Middle East. He once spoke about his disdain for Leon Uris’s Exodus. Sir John went as far as saying he wanted to flush the book down the toilet due to its biased viewpoint. His opinion highlights the importance of critical thinking and the ability to discern between literature that truly resonates and that which detracts from the literary experience.

Fahrenheit 451: Almost an Exception to the Rule

Fahrenheit 451, despite being a renowned piece of science fiction, has its fair share of controversy. While not a book I want to burn, the novel does serve as a critical reflection on the value of literature. However, if it were treated as a joke, we might see its cultural place differently. This book’s humor can sometimes overshadow its profound commentary on censorship and the role of books in society.

In Watermelon Sugar: A Wasted Opportunity

In Watermelon Sugar, written by Richard Brautigan, has been a waste of my time, unmatched even by The Teachings of Don Juan, a book I felt pressured to read since being a hippie in the early 70s. This book lacked a coherent plot, compelling characters, and any postmodern philosophical outlook. It was weird, boring, and full of unusual trivia that didn’t serve any narrative purpose.

Delivering Books to Charity Shops Instead of Burning Them

I understand that book burning is a sensitive issue with historical and cultural connotations. Therefore, my solution is to donate such books to charity shops. This way, they might find new homes and reach readers who need them, rather than sitting on a shelf gathering dust. This also serves as a kind of purging, allowing me and others to let go of books that have outlived their purpose.

The Da Vinci Code: Historical Errors and Misleading Screens

The The Da Vinci Code remains a book I would rather deliver to the charity shop. Initially intrigued by its popularity and a free promotion at a local bookshop, I managed to finish it, though regretting the time wasted. The book’s many historical inaccuracies, numbering over 300, were merely a distraction from the plot and a testament to the author’s reluctance to do research.

Jeffrey Archer’s Cardboard Chic

I once attempted to read a book by Jeffrey Archer, though I cannot recall the title. After a few pages, I realized it was as unenjoyable as chewing cardboard. I gave up but felt conflicted about the book. The story’s unmemorable plot and writing style made it unbearable. Had I the right neighbor, I would have been happy to burn it, but instead, I donated it to a noisy neighbor who adored it and enjoyed the quiet it brought. Sometimes, sharing unfortunate experiences with books is the best thing we can do.

Conclusion

Through these experiences with literature that left much to be desired, I have learned to be a more discerning reader. Not every book needs to be devoured, and some should be politely discarded. The lesson here is not to judge a book by its popularity but to assess its content and impact on one’s reading journey.