I used to feel this way but I have such a difficult time enjoying classics that they are no longer a priority. There are still some I want to read at some point though.
You should try it! It’s excellent! And especially if Christ inspires you, that will lighten the horror of the story. It’s really beautiful—heartbreaking for sure! But still definitely worth reading!?
People think I can’t be way into fantasy without having read The Lord of the Rings. I’ve tried, about 11 times. I love the movies I can’t get into the book. But I WANT to. It’s a bit embarrassing yes.
Not at all, it is good but my god jrr tolkien knows how to stretch out a book! I started trying to think about which way they were heading and all the detail he goes into but got bored with all that. When they actually get to mordor and i looked at the map i had completely got the direction wrong!
I had to begin it about a dozen times, before I managed to get to the part where it started to get good! If you think about it in the way it was written, as 6 books, the whole first book is a real trial to get through! It’s only when they get to Tom Bombadil’s house (not in the movies) that it starts to become readable!
That’s the point for me, when I found it started to get better & once you get past the point they arrive at Rivendell, you’ll start to really enjoy it! But I find life is far too short, and there are far too many amazing books out there, to spend time on something you hate!
I never read lotr until the summer before my senior year of high school, or maybe it was my junior year but i had to read the first two for hw and turn in a paper about it the first day of school. I couldnt stand not knowing what happened so i read the whole thing
I read this when I was 9, and absolutely despised it, & vowed never to read it again! But this year it is on the school syllabus & I knew I’d have to re-read it to be able to teach it, and I actually really enjoyed it! I was so surprised! I guess that’s the difference of reading classics when you’re a child as opposed to reading them as an adult!
I suppose it’s hard for a 9 year old to comprehend all the intricacies of past times. But as an adult you understand a lot more. I think I’m going to give it another read. It’s been over 3 years since I read it last.
Absolutely, I was a rather precocious child, with my reading, and thought I was being clever, but I think the reason I hated it so much was just because I didn’t really understand it! Although, I felt incredibly aggrieved that she would forgive his betrayal! Again though, it was more that I didn’t understand the intracacies, as you said!
I did struggle with the English even though it’s my first language. I nearly gave up on it because of the old English writing. It’s hard going when your reading it and then have to think what word they’re talking about and convert in today’s English.
I’m more embarrassed that i used to love reading as a kid and then just left it to one side for so many years. Have got back into it in the last couple of years though so plenty of catching up to do! Just trying to find a genre / author that i love, i re-read lotr and liked that, read the innocent / awakened mage but then got fed up with the “doesn’t know it yet hero” thing, yesterday i finished the peace and war trilogy by joe haldeman so might give military sci fi a go. Currently reading the earthsea quartet and have lots more robin hobb to read though but considering detective fiction maybe. (Sorry for the long reply, been drinking and seem to write as i think when that happens!)
As an English graduate & teacher, I feel I should have read it – it’s one of the only classics I haven’t read – but I just can’t wade my way through! These days I just don’t bother with books I struggle with, there’s too many great books out there, waiting to be read, for me to spend forever reading something I hate! I’m not massively keen on classics anyway, to be completely honest! I much prefer fantasy. The only other one that I’m disappointed in myself for never finishing is Dickens’s Hard Times – I despise that book!
They are meant to be read slowly! A chapter a day at most (some argue a chapter or two a week). Most of these massive epic stories weren’t published as an entire book, but rather as a series! Read other things in between, too. I think it took me 18 months to get through war and peace, and when I stopped forcing it it just got soooo much better and I could really appreciate it as a masterpiece.
up to this point, any of Neil Gaiman’s works, but now I am listening to Norse Mythology on CD and I love hearing his voice do the characters, he’s quite good. I’ve seen his stuff that has been made to movies but haven’t read the books yet.
Girl with a dragon tattoo. Tried but was suffering from burnout. Never got far- memory/ brain was nowhere. Now in a better place- Will try again this year. Can’t wait!
I don’t think there’s a book I’m truly embarrassed to not have read, but the one people give me the most trouble about when I tell them is Harry Potter. Haven’t read a single one.
At first I just hadn’t gotten around to it. Then it was too expensive because the books were so popular. Now I’m waiting for my kids to get a little older so we can read them together. 🙂
The Count of Monte Cristo –just because I was given three versions of it (one physical, one audio, and one ebook) and I started and stopped, lol Really must get back to it one day.
I am sure I am missing a lot of really good books from my personal portfolio, especially many of the classics. But honestly, at this point in my life I don’t care what anyone else thinks about what I have and have not read, and I am definitely not embarrassed to have not read something that others think everyone should read. I read what I want, period.
@Shreya I had to try all 3. Jumped on the bandwagon. Sadly I wish I could say I stopped at just one… But I finished all the series hoping each one would get better, but it didn’t lol imagine my disappointment
I haven’t read Pride & prejudice but I love Austenland & other novels based on Austen’s works are on my TBR list. I mean how can I dare to love Darcy if I don’t know the original one! xD
Same. I dont own them, but some people feel like you’re not “well-read” if you don’t read them. I don’t agree with that, but I do think I should read them.
I really couldn’t think of anything to answer for this thread, but Shakespeare might be it. I read Macbeth in high school but I think it was a version rewritten to be read more easily. I had to read King Lear in college and COULD. NOT. COMPREHEND. I had to buy the sparknotes and read the summaries after I read each section because I’d misunderstand every single passage. I’ve never attempted anymore Shakespeare and to be honest I am a bit embarrassed that I apparently am not smart enough to read it!
I was similarly flummoxed by Paradise Lost in the same class.
In fairness, I didn’t admit I was struggling because I was afraid I’d get in trouble for buying the sparknotes and embarrassed because everyone else seemed to get it. In hindsight I should have fessed up and let him help me. I probably wasn’t the only one who wasn’t getting it.
I was going to a fancy smart people school and was convinced I was an imposter not smart enough to be there and the fact that I couldn’t read Shakespeare would find me out. Gosh that sounds silly now. It felt so intense at the time I didn’t even question it.
It’s not a question of “smart”—you just read more of it and you’ll get used to the language (and watch it, too!) So many great stories! Don’t be discouraged❤️?❤️
I took pretty much all literature classes as my electives so I’ve read many of the popular classics books, with the benefit of a class to help me along. I don’t think anyone should feel guilty for having not read them. I think we give them a bit too much credit. They’re great but most of us read for fun. If it’s not your cup of tea I don’t consider them required reading unless you’re studying literature or history and I’m not sure why we’ve put them on that pedestal. They’re just books.
Though not sure why I haven’t used the same argument to let myself off the hook with Shakespeare.
I couldn’t finish The Historian, and everyone seems to love it. Not embarassing, but I couldn’t figure out what everyone loved about it. It just didn’t grab me.
I have never read Harry Potter and honestly have no desire to do so. I am however embarrassed that I have had The Book Thief for several years and haven’t read it yet. Oops. I will try to read it this year. After my Faith and Jennifer Estep books that are calling.
For all the people who mention Harry Potter but then mention that they’re not embarrassed about it, sounds like you’re more interesting in bragging about how sophisticated you are for not having read those “popular” books.
Nope, just no desire and have heard everything about them from my kiddos when they were reading them. I’m sure there are books that you’re not Embarrassed about not reading.
I’m not the one who said anything about being to sophisticated for “popular” books. I simply said I am not embarrassed by not reading them. Take it how you may but that doesn’t change that some people have no desire to read them for whatever reason and arent embarrassed to say so.
The question wasn’t “What books haven’t you read and are you embarrassed about it?” It was “What books ARE YOU EMBARRASSED about not having read?” I said it SOUNDED like you were bragging, since you felt the necessity to inform everyone that you not only hadn’t read those particuarl books but WEREN’T embarrassed by it. If I came across this question, I would either answer the question asked or scroll on by.
Anna Bumble Newport Yes, I did. Again, though, why add the extraneous and completely unnecessary part. And there was at least one other person who said the same thing without answering the question asked.
Anna Bumble Newport Nope – I have better things to do (talk about snide – funny, since you’ve spent exactly the time “picking” about my comment as I did). You’re the one who felt the need to get defensive – ironic, since your comment wasn’t really the one that rubbed me the wrong way. 🙂 You have a good day, too, DEAR.
Maybe so, but it comes off to me as their needing to announce to the world that a) they haven’t read them, and b) they are NOT embarrassed about it – in response to the question about books you ARE embarrassed not to have read. There seems to be something behind if, if not that – maybe they ARE a wee bit embarrassed, even if they don’t want to admit it.
I would second Holly Fairhurst in suggesting that you continue in the series. The complexity and age level, as well as the maturity of Rowling’s writing style (you have to remember that Sorcerer’s Stone was her first published book) only increase as it goes on.
I was 11 when they came out and HP was 11 too, so a real experience has been lost there. I have no idea why I never read them. I think by the time I thought to read them I was in HS and was hardcore into classic American literature.
I’m 50% through deathly Hallows. Taking my sweet time. Dreading the end ?? but yes. I have enjoyed them immensely. I read them all on the enchanted version on iBooks and I think that really helped with the experience. I bought the 20th anniversary box set for my son for when he’s old enough and a gryffindor philosopher stone (he’s a proud one, I’m slytherin).
My niece who’s 11 just started reading them (I got her the slytherin edition) and loves it so far. I’m happy to share it with them.
I think my least favorite was The Order of the Phoenix. I had a hard time with the death in that one. It was just so heartbreaking, even more than the rest of them. Then there’s a part at the very end of the Half-Blood Prince movie that really gets me. ?
The length of it doesn’t bother me. I love long books. I just finished one longer in a quarter of the time it took me to read it.
Order of the Phoenix is good. My favourite is Half Blood Prince. By far. Even the movies. I’m one of the few who was happy Dumbledore died. I am however dreading Snapes death more than anything.
IMO they’re best read with a class to discuss with. There are books that I felt were favorites when I had a literature class that years later I couldn’t even get through on my own.
I think my high school was the only one in the world where they didn’t have their students read To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve seen the movie but have never gotten around to the book. ?
It was required reading for me in 9th grade, but I was required to read very few of the commonly required books so I missed out on a lot. I loved this one. I’ve meant to reread it several times and honestly have held back because I’m afraid I might not love it as much as I did then.
@Jill I have that fear of disappointment, too. I have Philip Pullman’s new book but haven’t started it yet. I loved his first trilogy so much that I’m afraid it will be a letdown, even though a lot of people have been very enthusiastic about it.
My English classes didn’t read a lot of the classics so I never have..including To Kill A Mockingbird, Scarlett letter (though we watched the movie), and the only Shakespeare I read was Romeo and Juliet
Aindrea McHone Griffin It may be daunting due to its reputation and how much the world of the books has expanded. I read the first book when it came out and don’t remember having much problem with it at all. Maybe if you just put some metaphorical “blinders” on and try to forget about all that other stuff… 🙂
I can’t think of anything , yes there were a few I have stop reading because I couldn’t get in to them but I would go back to them later and end up loving them ..
To all those saying 50 shades, please be proud that you HAVEN’T read it… listened to an article about how it was written and have never wanted to read a book LESS – basically pure marketing. I love well written sensual scenes and am by no means a prude, but that book (those books) is the most cynical piece of marketing junk I have ever heard of. There. said it.
A writer friend of mine, who writes erotic scenes in some of her books, has said 50 shades was originally very thin, and it was fleshed out to ‘become’ a novel.
I’m proud I never read it. I will admit to reading the free preview on Amazon, mainly to see what all the fuss was about and if it was actually good enough to merit all its attention. (No.)
I so agree with your last comment, Caron. I’d rather read a well-written book about nothing than a poorly-written book that has a compelling story in it. Strangely enough, though, I’m not much into poetry.
Most of the Classics, but don’t get me wrong i do own many of them, but i already have so much to read that they just get pushed to the side, but eventually i will get to themm 😉
The second half of To kill a mockingbird. Forced to read it twice, but both times just faked my way. Also, the diary of Ann Frank. Faked my way again! It was the end of senior year, and a lot of stuff going on.
Most of the classics. The only ones I’ve read are Little Women, The Old Man and the Sea, and some of the kids’ books I read when I was a kid (E.B. White, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Frank Baum, L.M. Montgomery).
oh i went on that mission as i have never read a classic either. I tried and got through about 6 but when i started a tale of two cities i couldnt stomach another classic….. the writing style is so different, not for me im afraid
True, you never know, you could love them. i can only comment on my experience but i am most definitely sticking to my to read pile and not bothering with the classics again.
They’re thick but I bet you’d be surprised how fast they go. I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than a few days on a Harry Potter book and I’m not generally a fast reader. The font is biggish ?
The anticipation will just make them better. 🙂 I’m rereading them again for the first time in years and it’s *almost* like the first time over again, I’m loving it.
I have never read a George Orwell book which I am not embarrassed about but he is my father’s favourite author so feel I should at least try. Also, people seemed shocked I have still not read LOTR even though I love fantasy, it’s on my TBR for this year though!
Why would people have to be embarrassed about not reading something? I don’t encourage answering this question because it encourages insecurities. Nobody needs to be embarrassed for not reading a book. Know that you are special and gifted because some people can’t read.
I didn’t know I said they were forced to. You might try reading the comments over again. I was giving a complement to everyone that saw this post. But thanks for making me the bad guy for trying to be kind and caring towards people. Because apparently being nice makes me a bad person in your eyes.
You said you don’t encourage answering this question. You don’t need to encourage it, if it’s not for you then just scroll past it the same as anyone else who wouldn’t want to answer it would do. I’m not entirely sure why you think anyone would set you up.
Um PTSD people have me ruining my life since I was a child. Normal therapists wouldn’t encourage it either. Once again you are turning my motivational comment. Out to be something bad but okay.
Lord of the Rings, I don’t seem to be able to get into it. I got it from the library as an audio book and got confused because the reader was doing the voices to similar. I have also never read the Bible. Maybe I need a more modern translation.
To Kill A Mocking Bird, classics for adults like Wuthering Heights and Pride And Prejudice, Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit. Harry Potter was on that list until a month or two ago.. I’m on Goblet of Fire right now AND I LOVE IT ??
Anything classic. Pride and Prejudice, Frankenstein, Sense and Sensibility.
Ditto
I used to feel this way but I have such a difficult time enjoying classics that they are no longer a priority. There are still some I want to read at some point though.
Same
1984, divergent series and Hunger Games series
I don’t read anything about slavery. I can’t handle it. So, I have not read Uncle Tom’s Cabin.
You should try it! It’s excellent! And especially if Christ inspires you, that will lighten the horror of the story. It’s really beautiful—heartbreaking for sure! But still definitely worth reading!?
That is one I have also shied away from reading for the same reason.
To Kill a Mockingbird
People think I can’t be way into fantasy without having read The Lord of the Rings. I’ve tried, about 11 times. I love the movies I can’t get into the book. But I WANT to. It’s a bit embarrassing yes.
Not at all, it is good but my god jrr tolkien knows how to stretch out a book! I started trying to think about which way they were heading and all the detail he goes into but got bored with all that. When they actually get to mordor and i looked at the map i had completely got the direction wrong!
I had to begin it about a dozen times, before I managed to get to the part where it started to get good! If you think about it in the way it was written, as 6 books, the whole first book is a real trial to get through! It’s only when they get to Tom Bombadil’s house (not in the movies) that it starts to become readable!
@Lisa-Marie that is exactly the point I get to every time!! Maybe I need to hang in there a little longer next time….
That’s the point for me, when I found it started to get better & once you get past the point they arrive at Rivendell, you’ll start to really enjoy it! But I find life is far too short, and there are far too many amazing books out there, to spend time on something you hate!
I never read lotr until the summer before my senior year of high school, or maybe it was my junior year but i had to read the first two for hw and turn in a paper about it the first day of school. I couldnt stand not knowing what happened so i read the whole thing
I was lucky I read LOTR in middle school when I had a better attention span. I don’t think I could read it now.
I haven’t read it yet but it’s in by tbr pile
Jane Eyre
That’s a good book. It’s what started my reading again.
I read this when I was 9, and absolutely despised it, & vowed never to read it again! But this year it is on the school syllabus & I knew I’d have to re-read it to be able to teach it, and I actually really enjoyed it! I was so surprised! I guess that’s the difference of reading classics when you’re a child as opposed to reading them as an adult!
I suppose it’s hard for a 9 year old to comprehend all the intricacies of past times. But as an adult you understand a lot more. I think I’m going to give it another read. It’s been over 3 years since I read it last.
Absolutely, I was a rather precocious child, with my reading, and thought I was being clever, but I think the reason I hated it so much was just because I didn’t really understand it! Although, I felt incredibly aggrieved that she would forgive his betrayal! Again though, it was more that I didn’t understand the intracacies, as you said!
English is not my native language, and it’s such a thick book!
It’s hard enough if English is your native language, let alone if it’s not! Kudos to you for attempting it! (I hope that doesn’t sound patronising! )
I did struggle with the English even though it’s my first language. I nearly gave up on it because of the old English writing. It’s hard going when your reading it and then have to think what word they’re talking about and convert in today’s English.
I’m more embarrassed that i used to love reading as a kid and then just left it to one side for so many years. Have got back into it in the last couple of years though so plenty of catching up to do! Just trying to find a genre / author that i love, i re-read lotr and liked that, read the innocent / awakened mage but then got fed up with the “doesn’t know it yet hero” thing, yesterday i finished the peace and war trilogy by joe haldeman so might give military sci fi a go. Currently reading the earthsea quartet and have lots more robin hobb to read though but considering detective fiction maybe. (Sorry for the long reply, been drinking and seem to write as i think when that happens!)
If I may make a suggestion, please try reading the Red Rising series by Pierce Brown & Nevernight by Kay Kristoff, I’m pretty sure you’ll love them!
What time is it where you are?? lol
9:05am for me…
3.10pm here in the UK!
I meant for his drinking, but ok….;-)
Ah, ok, I see! Lol!
Haha
Anything Tolkien lol
Me too, but am I really embarrassed? ?
You should though! I read the Hobbit but I haven’t read the LotR yet
@Ashley I’ve seen the story so many times in different formats that I know the story and it’s not great lol
Different formats?? I’ve only seen the movies lol, I think it’s good! Oh well
@Ashley maybe I used the wrong word….I’ve seen cartoons and movies, all different lengths and depths.
I thought there were only one set of movies, I didn’t know there were cartoons
No they’ve remade them a lot, for tv, the movies, etc.
I guess the only one I’m ashamed of never finishing is War & Peace – I’ve tried reading it so many times & just can’t get through it!
That’s heavy reading! I battled with it as well.
As an English graduate & teacher, I feel I should have read it – it’s one of the only classics I haven’t read – but I just can’t wade my way through! These days I just don’t bother with books I struggle with, there’s too many great books out there, waiting to be read, for me to spend forever reading something I hate! I’m not massively keen on classics anyway, to be completely honest! I much prefer fantasy. The only other one that I’m disappointed in myself for never finishing is Dickens’s Hard Times – I despise that book!
They are meant to be read slowly! A chapter a day at most (some argue a chapter or two a week). Most of these massive epic stories weren’t published as an entire book, but rather as a series! Read other things in between, too. I think it took me 18 months to get through war and peace, and when I stopped forcing it it just got soooo much better and I could really appreciate it as a masterpiece.
That is a huge book
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series.
Don’t gasp but Harry Potter series
Me too. Not to my liking
Same
I’m not embarrassed by it but I’ve never read any of them or watched a single movie.
Anything by John Green. Just don’t like that kind of book though?
You are right not to trust him lol
Me either. Haven’t read any of his, and I dont plan on it.
Nothing I mean everything at it’s time.
Not actually embarrassed but here are my Do Not Want To Read List:
Divergent series
Hunger Games
Maze Runner series
Divergent series was not worth it, and I only read the first book of the Maze Runner series. Didn’t feel like it warranted going on to the second.
Harry Potter ?
I tried. I didn’t care for it. But I’m not ashamed.
I also didn’t care for it. I have tried multiple times… I’m just not into magic’
And “tooooo many layers!”
Most of the Swedish classics … especially the ones by authors from the working class.
My philosophy is, there are so many great books and so little time to read them all??
Thats why i only normally read a book once but sometimes i have to do a reread
All of the Percy Jackson books. I’ve only read the first series and that was in middle school.
up to this point, any of Neil Gaiman’s works, but now I am listening to Norse Mythology on CD and I love hearing his voice do the characters, he’s quite good. I’ve seen his stuff that has been made to movies but haven’t read the books yet.
I HATED The Graveyard Book! Don’t worry that you don’t like them, his writing is pretty weird?
I loved listening to this!!! It was great… I didn’t get on with American God’s, have a few on my tbr though ?
The count of monte cristo
To Kill a Mockingbird
Me too
Girl with a dragon tattoo. Tried but was suffering from burnout. Never got far- memory/ brain was nowhere. Now in a better place- Will try again this year. Can’t wait!
Hamlet
King Dork ?
I don’t think there’s a book I’m truly embarrassed to not have read, but the one people give me the most trouble about when I tell them is Harry Potter. Haven’t read a single one.
Do you not intend to, or just haven’t gotten to it yet?
At first I just hadn’t gotten around to it. Then it was too expensive because the books were so popular. Now I’m waiting for my kids to get a little older so we can read them together. 🙂
Seems reasonable to me.
I’m not embarrassed but I’ve not read any of the series or watched any of the films.
The book thief
Yes me too
I haven’t read it, either, because I think I’ll cry. I don’t want to cry.
The Count of Monte Cristo –just because I was given three versions of it (one physical, one audio, and one ebook) and I started and stopped, lol Really must get back to it one day.
Infinite Jest
I am sure I am missing a lot of really good books from my personal portfolio, especially many of the classics. But honestly, at this point in my life I don’t care what anyone else thinks about what I have and have not read, and I am definitely not embarrassed to have not read something that others think everyone should read. I read what I want, period.
50 shades series, twilight series, and the divergent series
I’m proud of this. Who wants to read that garbage!
I’m proud of not reading the 50 shades series. No thanks.
I’ve read divergent, but didn’t like past 2nd book. For the sake, tried twilight. Read only first book. 50 shades not even touched ?
@Shreya I had to try all 3. Jumped on the bandwagon. Sadly I wish I could say I stopped at just one… But I finished all the series hoping each one would get better, but it didn’t lol imagine my disappointment
@Ashly girl I wish I could have not read them lol conversations with co-workers about them was very eye opening to say the least lol
I can’t say I’m embarrassed that I haven’t read something. I don’t really care what others think about my reading choices.
Exactly! Whose business is it
Only the books that I’ve owned for a long time and haven’t gotten around to.
Almost all the Shakespeare I’m supposed to have read as a French English teacher. But honestly after 2, i couldn’t.
I haven’t read much S. either.
To be fair though, they’re plays, so they’re meant to be watched not read! I enjoy reading them, but I by far prefer watching them!
The GReat Gatsby
I haven’t read Pride & prejudice but I love Austenland & other novels based on Austen’s works are on my TBR list. I mean how can I dare to love Darcy if I don’t know the original one! xD
I love Austenland!
How do you like the movie adaptation? I really love it too xD
Love it!! I’ve watched it several times! I actually didn’t even know there was a book before I saw the movie. It’s so awesome.
Agreed. Both Austenland the book and movie were good.
Many of the classics!!!!
Harry Potter series
I haven’t either. But I don’t care. I read for myself. Right?
None…?
Petfect answer! It’s nobody’s business what you read or didnt! !Wish that had been my answer!
Harry potter
None
Classics on my tbr. I own them because I know I should read them, but I haven’t.
Same. I dont own them, but some people feel like you’re not “well-read” if you don’t read them. I don’t agree with that, but I do think I should read them.
I really couldn’t think of anything to answer for this thread, but Shakespeare might be it. I read Macbeth in high school but I think it was a version rewritten to be read more easily. I had to read King Lear in college and COULD. NOT. COMPREHEND. I had to buy the sparknotes and read the summaries after I read each section because I’d misunderstand every single passage. I’ve never attempted anymore Shakespeare and to be honest I am a bit embarrassed that I apparently am not smart enough to read it!
I was similarly flummoxed by Paradise Lost in the same class.
You deserved a better Shakespeare teacher.
In fairness, I didn’t admit I was struggling because I was afraid I’d get in trouble for buying the sparknotes and embarrassed because everyone else seemed to get it. In hindsight I should have fessed up and let him help me. I probably wasn’t the only one who wasn’t getting it.
I’m quite sure you weren’t.
I was going to a fancy smart people school and was convinced I was an imposter not smart enough to be there and the fact that I couldn’t read Shakespeare would find me out. Gosh that sounds silly now. It felt so intense at the time I didn’t even question it.
It’s not a question of “smart”—you just read more of it and you’ll get used to the language (and watch it, too!) So many great stories! Don’t be discouraged❤️?❤️
Don’t worry. I don’t get it either, but I’m not really interested if I get it?
I took pretty much all literature classes as my electives so I’ve read many of the popular classics books, with the benefit of a class to help me along. I don’t think anyone should feel guilty for having not read them. I think we give them a bit too much credit. They’re great but most of us read for fun. If it’s not your cup of tea I don’t consider them required reading unless you’re studying literature or history and I’m not sure why we’ve put them on that pedestal. They’re just books.
Though not sure why I haven’t used the same argument to let myself off the hook with Shakespeare.
I think it would be Harry Potter or Lord of The Rings?
I couldn’t finish The Historian, and everyone seems to love it. Not embarassing, but I couldn’t figure out what everyone loved about it. It just didn’t grab me.
Not embarrassed, but I’ve never read The Great Gatsby….. It is however on my TBR list for this yr
Good book and movie
Very short book too, it won’t take you much trouble ?
I haven’t read most of the classics…
Neither have I
Not embarrassed about it but simply not interested in reading the books, Harry potter.
I finally read the first one last year. No plans to read any more any time soon.
Wow! Didn’t expect so many replies. Nice!
I have never read Harry Potter and honestly have no desire to do so. I am however embarrassed that I have had The Book Thief for several years and haven’t read it yet. Oops. I will try to read it this year. After my Faith and Jennifer Estep books that are calling.
Oh, read The Book Thief. It was my favorite book I read last year.
I plan on it. I will probably read it before the end of the year. Lol
I listened to it — it was beautifully read — and at times left me crying in my car.
Oh great! I’m already a sensitive person, this should be interesting. Lol
Ah that’s sad you’re missing out on a beautiful series
It was my favorite last year too @Elise– and I also listened to it.
And sobbed.
I’m going to read it and I will probably cry. Lol
@Jocelyn It’s a perfect book to be read outloud because the character of the narrator is such a storyteller, and the reader is just perfect.
Yes! I agree
I’ve been listening to audiobooks for like 15 years, and honestly it might be my favorite of all time.
I’ve only recently really gotten into audiobooks, this year I listened to about 25. Before that, I listened to maybe 1 a year.
They can be hit or miss but I’ve found some pretty amazing ones.
I had a 150 mile round trip to work, so audiobooks saved my life and kept me from retiring even sooner than I did!
I hated the Book Thief ?
Harry Potter
Harry Potter. The twilight series
The Bible in its entirety.
For all the people who mention Harry Potter but then mention that they’re not embarrassed about it, sounds like you’re more interesting in bragging about how sophisticated you are for not having read those “popular” books.
Yeah. It takes an interesting sort to take a conversation about shame and twist it into pride instead.
Nope, just no desire and have heard everything about them from my kiddos when they were reading them. I’m sure there are books that you’re not Embarrassed about not reading.
Sure Anna, but that isn’t the conversation the rest of us are having. ?
I’m not the one who said anything about being to sophisticated for “popular” books. I simply said I am not embarrassed by not reading them. Take it how you may but that doesn’t change that some people have no desire to read them for whatever reason and arent embarrassed to say so.
The question wasn’t “What books haven’t you read and are you embarrassed about it?” It was “What books ARE YOU EMBARRASSED about not having read?” I said it SOUNDED like you were bragging, since you felt the necessity to inform everyone that you not only hadn’t read those particuarl books but WEREN’T embarrassed by it. If I came across this question, I would either answer the question asked or scroll on by.
Did you see The Book Thief was in that response or did you read what you wanted?
Anna Bumble Newport Yes, I did. Again, though, why add the extraneous and completely unnecessary part. And there was at least one other person who said the same thing without answering the question asked.
Ok so then you really didn’t need to make such a snide remark or assumption about those of us who haven’t read H.P. and aren’t embarrassed by it.
@Anna Then don’t go announcing to all and sundry in a thread that has nothing to do with it. No one cares.
Anna Bumble Newport Nope – I have better things to do (talk about snide – funny, since you’ve spent exactly the time “picking” about my comment as I did). You’re the one who felt the need to get defensive – ironic, since your comment wasn’t really the one that rubbed me the wrong way. 🙂 You have a good day, too, DEAR.
Harry Potter is one of the best series’ ever! Everyone should at least read the first book, as it is classed as a classic☺️
@Jocelyn You should read some more! They get more intense once you read PoA
I’m sure I will at some point. Or at the very least do the audiobooks- I love Jim Dale’s narration.
Maybe so, but it comes off to me as their needing to announce to the world that a) they haven’t read them, and b) they are NOT embarrassed about it – in response to the question about books you ARE embarrassed not to have read. There seems to be something behind if, if not that – maybe they ARE a wee bit embarrassed, even if they don’t want to admit it.
I would second Holly Fairhurst in suggesting that you continue in the series. The complexity and age level, as well as the maturity of Rowling’s writing style (you have to remember that Sorcerer’s Stone was her first published book) only increase as it goes on.
The increasing sophistication is another reason I wish I had read them as they came out.
I was 11 when they came out and HP was 11 too, so a real experience has been lost there. I have no idea why I never read them. I think by the time I thought to read them I was in HS and was hardcore into classic American literature.
@Jocelyn Maybe that particular experience has been lost, but I was in my 30s when they came out and loved reading them. 🙂
Well I’m 30 now ??
I’m only 15 now, and grown up with the films first, along with most other film and show adaptations?My room is basically Hogwarts?x
The Illiad
It took me 30 years to finally read the Harry Potter books lol.
But I’m not embarrassed but there’s many classics I’ve never read
Did you enjoy them in the end?
I’m 50% through deathly Hallows. Taking my sweet time. Dreading the end ?? but yes. I have enjoyed them immensely. I read them all on the enchanted version on iBooks and I think that really helped with the experience. I bought the 20th anniversary box set for my son for when he’s old enough and a gryffindor philosopher stone (he’s a proud one, I’m slytherin).
My niece who’s 11 just started reading them (I got her the slytherin edition) and loves it so far. I’m happy to share it with them.
I think my least favorite was The Order of the Phoenix. I had a hard time with the death in that one. It was just so heartbreaking, even more than the rest of them. Then there’s a part at the very end of the Half-Blood Prince movie that really gets me. ?
OoTP is so long, maybe that’s why many people don’t enjoy it?❤️
The length of it doesn’t bother me. I love long books. I just finished one longer in a quarter of the time it took me to read it.
Order of the Phoenix is good. My favourite is Half Blood Prince. By far. Even the movies. I’m one of the few who was happy Dumbledore died. I am however dreading Snapes death more than anything.
My fav is PoA! I just love Remus Lupin, so his introduction and the whole secret of ‘who is Sirius Black’ really fascinated me?❤️
I managed to get through 30 years as a college professor without reading Virginia Woolf. That’s embarrassing. 🙂
You’re missing lovely things! X
most of the classics :/ I am definitely embarrassed about it but I get so bored when I try to start them 🙁
I’m an English teacher & I feel the same!
IMO they’re best read with a class to discuss with. There are books that I felt were favorites when I had a literature class that years later I couldn’t even get through on my own.
I don’t care for them either, most of them anyway.
I think my high school was the only one in the world where they didn’t have their students read To Kill a Mockingbird. I’ve seen the movie but have never gotten around to the book. ?
It was required reading for me in 9th grade, but I was required to read very few of the commonly required books so I missed out on a lot. I loved this one. I’ve meant to reread it several times and honestly have held back because I’m afraid I might not love it as much as I did then.
@Jill I have that fear of disappointment, too. I have Philip Pullman’s new book but haven’t started it yet. I loved his first trilogy so much that I’m afraid it will be a letdown, even though a lot of people have been very enthusiastic about it.
I have that one sitting in my pile too!
TKAM is my very favorite book!
My English classes didn’t read a lot of the classics so I never have..including To Kill A Mockingbird, Scarlett letter (though we watched the movie), and the only Shakespeare I read was Romeo and Juliet
Scarlet Letter was one I’ve had to read twice and could have done without. ? I haven’t read Romeo and Juliet.
You’re not missing much lol
Game of Thrones series
Haven’t either and won’t
Well I really love this genre and my excuse for not reading is how daunting the series is. ?
Aindrea McHone Griffin It may be daunting due to its reputation and how much the world of the books has expanded. I read the first book when it came out and don’t remember having much problem with it at all. Maybe if you just put some metaphorical “blinders” on and try to forget about all that other stuff… 🙂
@Leslie thank you for the advice. Maybe I will make it a goal to read at least the first book and see if I enjoy it.❤?❤
The Classics
I can’t think of one. If I were embarrassed, I’d just pick it up and read it!?
I can’t think of anything , yes there were a few I have stop reading because I couldn’t get in to them but I would go back to them later and end up loving them ..
Edgar Alan Poe
To Kill a Mockingbird.
I’m not much of a classic’s reader. But, please try this! It is the BEST!
Will do Gail. Thanks for the encouragement.
Let me know what you think!
I couldn’t agree more with @Gail. TKAM is my all time favorite book. If you like Audible – Sissy Spacek does a great job narrating it.
Thanks! Yes I always have an audible book playing in my car, so will try to get this one from our San Jose library.
The movie is GREAT also. Oh, man! Gregory Peck as Atticus!!!!!!!
@Gail I keep meaning to re-watch that. Its on Netflix (or it might be Prime).
Yes, you’d think I would have seen the film by this time, given that we’re such movie buffs!
It’s the only movie-book combo that are equal, IMO
Twilight probably…. tied closely with Game of Thrones.
Any number of literature titles – War and Peace comes to mind.
The Oxygen Thief. Hated the first line..
Harry Potter ?
Last year I made a point of reading several books I had always lied about having read ? Jane Eyre & A Tale of Two Cities being a couple of them.
I read A Tale of Two Cities for the first time the year before last.
Read it many years ago, loved it, and still remember its effect on me.
HP Lovecraft (any of his stories). Also War and Peace. It taints me in the bookshelf.
Nothing wrong with H.P. Lovecraft. Just bought some graphic novels with his stories.
Roxane, I’m embarrassed to have never read it, as the OP says.
I’ve been reading horror since my teens and I should’ve read it by now.
50 shades series
it’s not embarrassing to not have read those.
You can do without. No literature
It’s embarrassing to have read them. And here I am, guilty as sin. ???
50 shades series
To all those saying 50 shades, please be proud that you HAVEN’T read it… listened to an article about how it was written and have never wanted to read a book LESS – basically pure marketing. I love well written sensual scenes and am by no means a prude, but that book (those books) is the most cynical piece of marketing junk I have ever heard of. There. said it.
Amen to that.
A writer friend of mine, who writes erotic scenes in some of her books, has said 50 shades was originally very thin, and it was fleshed out to ‘become’ a novel.
I think that the apostrophes belonged around ‘novel’
I know i am a horrible snob and if people enjoy it then fine, but i like to read writing that is a joy rather then just communicates
I’m proud I never read it. I will admit to reading the free preview on Amazon, mainly to see what all the fuss was about and if it was actually good enough to merit all its attention. (No.)
I so agree with your last comment, Caron. I’d rather read a well-written book about nothing than a poorly-written book that has a compelling story in it. Strangely enough, though, I’m not much into poetry.
Grapes of Wrath. Too long.
Loved that book in high school
Oh no! It’s one of Steinbeck’s greatest works. Try it again maybe?
I can’t be embarrassed, I’m in an ongoing proces and getting where I can. That’s all that matters. I just can’t read everything.
GWTW
Most of the Classics, but don’t get me wrong i do own many of them, but i already have so much to read that they just get pushed to the side, but eventually i will get to themm 😉
Good question! I’ve never read Hemingway. Need to do that!!!
Little Women and 1984
Anything Russian – I’ve started a few but they appear to be verbose and depressing.
Dr. Zhivago! I couldn’t put it down.
The second half of To kill a mockingbird. Forced to read it twice, but both times just faked my way. Also, the diary of Ann Frank. Faked my way again! It was the end of senior year, and a lot of stuff going on.
Atlas Shrugged
Most of the classics. The only ones I’ve read are Little Women, The Old Man and the Sea, and some of the kids’ books I read when I was a kid (E.B. White, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Frank Baum, L.M. Montgomery).
oh i went on that mission as i have never read a classic either. I tried and got through about 6 but when i started a tale of two cities i couldnt stomach another classic….. the writing style is so different, not for me im afraid
There are so many good books already on my reading list I’ll probably never get around to most of the classics.
True, you never know, you could love them. i can only comment on my experience but i am most definitely sticking to my to read pile and not bothering with the classics again.
Great Gatsby
To Kill a Mockingbird
Moby Dick
Harry Potter
I literally just started the series, lol.
i know i will love them, they are just so big haha. im in the mood for quick 200/300 page reads lol
They’re thick but I bet you’d be surprised how fast they go. I don’t think I’ve ever spent more than a few days on a Harry Potter book and I’m not generally a fast reader. The font is biggish ?
yeah i know, i really should stop making excuses and just read it. i know they are going to be amazing
The anticipation will just make them better. 🙂 I’m rereading them again for the first time in years and it’s *almost* like the first time over again, I’m loving it.
aw, i think you have convinced me. when i have finished my current read, i will read them 🙂
Nothing to be honest
None, I’ve been around too long to ever be embarrassed about books I have read or haven’t read.
I have no regrets in the books I’ve read or not read.
Just got to get to ’em, right? =D
To kill a Mocking Bird…. it’s on my list of must reads for this year?
It’s my favorite book!
There Eyes Were Watching God
Not embarrassed about anything I have read. Keep reading everyone!
I have never read a George Orwell book which I am not embarrassed about but he is my father’s favourite author so feel I should at least try. Also, people seemed shocked I have still not read LOTR even though I love fantasy, it’s on my TBR for this year though!
Anna Karenina
100 years of solitude! Not really embarrassed. Just can’t finish it.
Anna Karenina and Grapes of wrath are two books you must read.both are great in their own ways
Why would people have to be embarrassed about not reading something? I don’t encourage answering this question because it encourages insecurities. Nobody needs to be embarrassed for not reading a book. Know that you are special and gifted because some people can’t read.
Nobody is forced to answer anything, they answer because they choose to.
I didn’t know I said they were forced to. You might try reading the comments over again. I was giving a complement to everyone that saw this post. But thanks for making me the bad guy for trying to be kind and caring towards people. Because apparently being nice makes me a bad person in your eyes.
You can delete my comment if you like but I do take screenshots of everything just to make sure people don’t set me up. DTA
You said you don’t encourage answering this question. You don’t need to encourage it, if it’s not for you then just scroll past it the same as anyone else who wouldn’t want to answer it would do. I’m not entirely sure why you think anyone would set you up.
Um PTSD people have me ruining my life since I was a child. Normal therapists wouldn’t encourage it either. Once again you are turning my motivational comment. Out to be something bad but okay.
Who in their right mind would encourage embarrassment anyways? Like I said it encourages insecurities. Anyways have a nice night.
Lord of the Rings, I don’t seem to be able to get into it. I got it from the library as an audio book and got confused because the reader was doing the voices to similar. I have also never read the Bible. Maybe I need a more modern translation.
Brontes
A Tale of Two Cities
Any of the classics & Harry Potter.
Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter
Any Jane Austen.
I haven’t either. Last year I tried reading Emma but only got to page 58. I may try again sometime this year.
The Diary of Ann Frank
Jane Austin
Tess of the D’ubervilles
To Kill A Mocking Bird, classics for adults like Wuthering Heights and Pride And Prejudice, Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit.
Harry Potter was on that list until a month or two ago.. I’m on Goblet of Fire right now AND I LOVE IT ??