Stieg Larson fail
So many people have told me about the Stieg Larsson Trilogy and how wonderfully profound and well written these books are.

Unfortunately, I cannot seem to get into the rhythm of reading on of the books.  Firstly, I can identify with the UK and USA as background to a story, but Sweden seems to be difficult t envision. 

The names of the cities and town are impossible to pronounce (even quietly in my little) brain and as there is nothing familiar about it, I cannot seem to get the picture painted in my head.

And then, the story just doesn’t grip me, at all.  And I’m very sorry for everybody who loved the books, but hey, to each his own I say.
Magda

He just doesn't do it for me
Anything by Dan Brown ~ sorry the man just does not do it for me!  Have tried to read "The Da Vinci Code' at least ten times and it leaves me cold as do all his other books.
Tessa

Not loving Sookie very much
I feel you! People just cannot handle criticism of Twilight. It is frustrating that it's taken so personally because I love a good debate about a book.

I am battling to get into "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo".

So I moved onto the Sookie Stackhouse series (True Blood), and now I can't stand Sookie. Granted I am about 10 pages in, but I watched a few episodes on TV, and she annoyed me then. So it could be that.

Bella first and now Sookie?
Bella is blank, and Sookie is unnaturally giggly and happy.
Why can't I like these characters that the everybody seems to adore?
Phillippa

Don't understand the fuss about J.M. Coetzee
Your column resonated with me.

I have tried and tried to read J M Coetzee, I even read Disgrace twice as I thought I'd missed something, then I read his other books and no... nothing... nada. They all left me stone cold and wondering who and what decides a Nobel prize.

Sure the English, grammar etc are all superb but he treats his subject matter in such a self absorbed manner that I find his writing superficial. Would someone please tell me what is so fantastic about him? There are far better South African authors who need more recognition, Zakes Mda for one.
Carolyn

Eat, Pray, Yawn
I have to say that I found Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert one long, self indulgent, yawn!

 I watched Elizabeth Gilbert's interview with Oprah (after being selected as Oprah's book of the month); read all the rave reviews and thought I just had to have the book - everyone was saying what an amazing personal journey it was and so full of spiritual revelations.  So, I sat down with a cup of tea and began to read:  What a disappointment.

So many people go through real trauma and have to deal with it, within their own limited circumstances, right then and there. Very few have the luxury of taking a year off to go and "find themselves".  So, she had an unhappy marriage and decided to get a divorce - join the masses!

Wonder if the movie will make me feel any differently?
Sue

Everyone reacts differently to a story
I totally agree with you, I personal do not love the Eclipse book from the Twilight series, even though I loved all her other books. I hate it when people give you an expectation of a book; it ruins the whole experience for me.

I prefer to read a book and make up my own mind, all the time my taste changes depending on my mood or how my life is going.  I read anything from the good old trashy love stories to sci-fi series and I love a good mystery anytime.

But I believe that not everyone can love the same book at the same time as we are all in different spaces in our lives and we all react differently to the story.
Justine

Lord of the boring?
I am a reader of note – never without a book in my bag, a book beside my bed, and a book in the bath.  From the classics to suspense, romance, non-fiction, sci-fi, graphic novels… need I continue?

BUT the one book, or series that I could never, ever get through has been Tolkien.  I can’t begin to explain why but I can’t even sit through the movies.

Perhaps I am seriously missing something, but I will never know, will I?
Karin

It's your turn. What books were you expecting to love based on people's praise, but ended up hating? Share them with us in the comment box below.