What is the Crappiest Book You Have Read?

Over the past four years, I've read over 200 books but have found it challenging to pinpoint the absolute worst one. This is because, as humans, our innate preferences dictate our inclinations. While one person might relish spending their weekends watching Netflix, another might prefer outdoor activities.

For me, the genres of History, Mythology, and Economics are my cup of tea, whereas Romance Fiction and Poetry fall slightly short. That said, is it warranted to judge a book solely by my own preferences? No, it's not. Every person has a unique perspective, and what one individual finds mundane can be a goldmine of wisdom for another. For instance, Ikigai, which is often labeled as a worldwide bestseller, failed to ignite my interest. But does this mean it's the worst book ever read by me? Absolutely not! It was just not my cup of tea.

My Take on a Few Notorious Books

It's tempting to list off obvious clunkers such as 'Twilight' or 'Fifty Shades'. However, the book that left me laughing out loud was, ironically, a supposed literary gem: Doris Lessing's 'The Fifth Child'.

The Fifth Child is a short novel about a happy family who, after welcoming four wonderful children, experiences a shocking and heartrending event. The fifth child, Ben, is born looking ugly, dysfunctional, and destructive, bringing a sense of shame and guilt to the parents and siblings. Eventually, they decide to institutionalize Ben.

However, things start to go wrong. Upon bringing Ben home, their neighbors, John and his gang, take him in, and within moments, the infant's presence is so bizarre that it made me laugh out loud. The portrayal of the repulsive child astride a motorbike was particularly humorous. The final pages of the book were both hilarious and confusing, as society seemed to be spiraling into chaos while the author seemed uncertain about the significance of her message.

Personal Perspective

Was there anything redeeming about the book? Perhaps, for some, the novel held deep meaning. Given its short length—only around 150 pages—it wasn't overwhelmingly time-consuming to read through. Yet, my overall experience was quite different.

While the book is lauded by many as a profound literary achievement, personally, I found it to be a stark contrast to the highly acclaimed 'American Psycho' and 'War and Peace.'

Final Thoughts

When reading, it's important to remember that every individual has a unique taste and perspective. What one reader finds dreary or dull, another might find thought-provoking or just plain hilarious. What I found to be the crappiest book I have ever read, 'The Fifth Child', offers valuable insights but may not be to everyone's liking.

So, the next time you read a book that leaves you feeling underwhelmed, remember that it might be perfect for someone else. And who knows, it might just provide the laughter and reflection you need on a dreary day.