This weeks question is “What is the worst book you’ve read recently?” Keep in 
mind, recently is important. Well, this may not be a popular choice but I would have to choose Life of Pi by Yann Martel. I know!!!! Before heads explode let me explain. I did not choose this because of the writing (which was beautiful) or the story (which kept me interested) but I absolutely, with all my heart, disliked Pi. It is difficult to like a book for which you feel the narrator (who happens to be the main character) is a snob. I kept waiting for Richard Parker to eat some Pi – now that would have been a story!!!!
Twitter: WellReadReviews
13. Aug, 2009 at 12:38 pm #
I have been debating getting this novel – simply for the fact that it’s so popular.. but it never looked all that interesting to me.
Twitter: bluestockingbb
13. Aug, 2009 at 1:00 pm #
Haven’t read this one. Here is mine
Yes, I am one of the many, many readers who loved this book. But I do agree – Richard Parker going for some Pi could have been very entertaining!
This book has been suggested in at least three of the book clubs I’ve been in over the past few years – but it was never selected (each member submits a title and we vote from the list). I was never thrilled with the description either.
I’ve yet to read Life of Pi so thanks for the snob warning. My worst is Orson Scott Card’s Treasure Box, which I’m considering leaving incomplete. But I also don’t like not finishing books.
On another note, Good Omens is on my TBR list so how’s it going for you?
Everyone has been telling me how wonderful Life of Pi is and that I would just love it, but I’ve been debating…
I chose The Reader by Bernhard Schlink as my most recent bad book. You can check out my thoughts here.
I have not read this book , will consider carefully.
At least the story and the plot was interesting, and the writing beautiful.
Glass half-full
I always wanted to read that but I had my reservations.
Here’s mine.
Even though I loved this book, your review made me laugh. I find the reason you did not like the book refreshing though. Most people say the story, which I do not understand unless it is about the ending, which I could see where that might be a turn-off (I liked the ending myself). Pi did get on my nerves here and there but he did not seem like a snob to me. Perhaps I have just read about some seriously snobby characters, I don’t know, lol.
Hmm, now I’m curious. I’ve been able to enjoy some books despite an unpleasant narrator (As Meat Loves Salt is the first that comes to mind), and I wonder how I’d react to Pi. Maybe I should try it.
I’m also glad that you could decisively choose a book to answer this BTT; so many entries I read refused to pick even one book they liked less than any other they read. Weird.
Haha sounds like you should write “Life of Pi – an alternate ending”
Actually I just posted about a new project that the author is working on, involving sending books to the Canadian PM every couple of weeks. I think he’s going to publish something based on that. Have a look here: http://infloox.wordpress.com/
I am in the minority on this one. The story is actually very good and so is the writing. I just kept hoping I would start to like the main character. Oh well!
I have just started Good Omens (and I mean just started) but I have already chuckled. I am looking forward to this one!
I have only read the Ender series and Lost Boys by Card and really enjoyed them. I tried another one of his books and couldn’t finish it. The storyline just didn’t grab me.
And just remember, I am in the minority concerning Life of Pi.
Whether it’s in the minority or not, it’s still good to hear opinions.
From what I’ve heard about Pratchett, who is also TBR, your immediate chuckles are no surprise.
I am now about halfway finished. I cannot put this one down. Right now I am staring at it and it is calling me. This is definitely one of my faves. I cannot wait to finish it but yet do not want it to end. The typical dilemma when you find a great book!
Maybe snob isn’t the right adjective…no it is. I liked the ending also.
Dilemma indeed!