Top 10 Tuesday: Books I’d Gladly Throw in the Ocean

1. “Sphere” by Michael Crichton

Genre: Science Fiction

Seeing as the majority of this novel takes place underseas, I’d say the ocean is an apt location for this one! The overall concept was actually interesting, but the writing and character development really irked me. The writing itself was dry, and the portrayal of women and people of color was offensive. The one woman in the novel is constantly objectified and seen as overly emotional; she’s never taken seriously. And there are racist stereotypes used to describe the one black character. Not one I plan on reading again.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

2. “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad

Genre: Fiction

I read this one in high school and HATED it. I honestly don’t even remember why, I just remember feeling very strongly about my hatred of it.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

3. “One of Those Flings” by Lauren Blakely

Genre: Romance

This was a short little audiobook that I got for free on Audible, but it was just way too cheesy for me. The writing was cringeworthy and the story just… didn’t make a lot of sense. I thought the narrators did a good job with what they were given though!

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

4. “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep” by Philip K. Dick

Genre: Science Fiction

Again, an interesting concept, but the portrayal of women in this novel was so sexist and offensive. The author’s hatred of women was just palpable as you read it. You can read more of my thoughts in my review HERE.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

5. “Allegiant” by Veronica Roth

Genre: YA Fiction

I enjoyed Divergent (the first book in this series). Insurgent (the second book) was okay. But Allegiant… It just didn’t make much sense. And I won’t reveal any spoilers, but I really didn’t like the ending.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

6. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry

Genre: YA Fiction

This is going to be a controversial one! I read this one in high school and really didn’t like it. I don’t remember much about it, other than being disappointed by the ending and not getting the hype. I might need to try this one again though! So maybe I’ll hold off on throwing it in the ocean.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

7. “After You” by Jojo Moyes

Genre: Romance

At the time, I enjoyed the first book in this series (though I now recognize that there are some majorly problematic issues with the plot). However, I just found the sequel so disappointing and unnecessary.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

8. “Before I Fall” by Lauren Oliver

Genre: YA Fiction

This is another one that I read in high school and just didn’t really enjoy. Again, I don’t remember exactly why. I remember not liking the choices the characters were making, and that it seemed pretty generic and bothersome.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

9. “The Vine Witch” by Luanne G. Smith

Genre: Fantasy

I read this one about a year ago, and found the plot boring and the romance forced. Truthfully, I didn’t hate this one at all! But I didn’t love it either.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.

10. “Swing Time” by Zadie Smith

Genre: Realistic Fiction

This was one of the first audiobooks I ever listened to. I thought the premise sounded interesting and I was really excited to read it! However, I felt like the plot meandered and like it never really went anywhere. I also felt like the main character never really grew and developed much. By the time I finished, it just seemed like a big waste of time because there was no real pay-off.

You can find the Goodreads synopsis HERE.