Books I Wish I Had Never Read: A Personal Horror Story

There are certain books that stand out in our minds as regrets, some that we wish we had never picked up. Here's my journey through books that left me questioning my reading choices and the reasons why they are among the most forgettable reads of my life.

The Bible

The Bible is a spiritual text for millions, but for me, it was a challenge to find any personal value in its teachings. While acknowledging its significant cultural and historical importance, I must admit that the monotony and at times, the preachy nature of the content made it a tough read. I once heard the phrase, "A book is like a plant. We must first sow the seed, and then water it regularly, and if we do not have the patience and desire to do so, it is a waste of time." Sadly, I believe the Bible falls into this category for me, and I wish I had never spent precious time digging into it.

Catcher in the Rye

Catcher in the Rye is often celebrated as a classic, but for me, it was a massive letdown. Despite the hype and the many positive opinions surrounding this book, it failed to capture my attention or inspire any genuine emotion. The introverted, cynical protagonist, Holden, felt unreal to me. I couldn't see past his insincere complaints about society and his deep-seated inaction. As I grew older, my admiration for this book waned even more, as I found it primitive and flawed. Life is short, and I don't have the luxury to waste time on books that leave me indifferent.

Donald Trump: The Art of the Deal

But books aren't the only regrettable reading. Donald Trump: The Art of the Deal is a perfect example of a book where the author's persona and the content itself are universally disliked. Trump, a delusional, self-absorbed, dishonest, and megalomaniacal fascist, is the antithesis of the values this book aims to promote. Moreover, the idea of any self-proclaimed 'ART DEALER' dictating the path to success is laughable. The content is full of exaggerated claims and boasts about Trump's supposed business acumen, which is dangerously misleading. Do I need to waste more time on such unnecessary reading?

God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

God of Small Things was one of the most disappointing reads. People often extol its unique narrative and emotional depth, but my reading experience was far from what others reported. I felt that the author's attempt to convey complex emotions and cultural nuances was heavily exaggerated and ultimately unsuccessful. It was a book that I forced myself to read because some people deemed it a must-read. The blogs I encountered recommending this book were a source of frustration. They seemed to prioritize keyword optimization over genuine reader experience. I would advise readers to be cautious of such blog recommendations and seek out actual reviews from fellow readers for a more accurate assessment of the book's quality.

Robin Sharma Books

Robin Sharma, a self-help author, is another regrettable author for me. I find his books filled with meaningless and repetitive advice. Titles like the Quintessence of Thinking, Leaders Eat Last, and The 15 Secrets of Leadership reflect the content's mundane and generic nature. For someone like Robin Sharma, it's all titles and no substance. It's easy to fall into the trap of seeking deep meanings in his books, but I've found that the actual readings leave me unfulfilled. These books feel like a cycle of same-old, same-old advice that permeates self-help literature.

The Fountainhead

The Fountainhead is another book that I found to be confusing. It is renowned for its intellectual depth, but the plot and characters became convoluted. The main character, Howard Roark, became a construction worker, and the narrative took an unexpected detour when his girlfriend married his friend, followed by a series of conflicts and resolutions that were hard to follow. By the end of the book, particularly the climax of Roark's destruction of his own building, I was utterly lost. Spending 7 hours over 3 days was a waste when the content could have been far more engaging and coherent.

Existential and Absurdist Literature

Lastly, there are books I wish I had never encountered due to their challenging philosophical views. Authors like Albert Camus, Samuel Beckett, Samuel Ionesco, Franz Kafka, and Harold Pinter are part of the canon of existential and absurdist literature. While I acknowledges the importance and philosophical contributions of these authors, I found them difficult to relate to. They often deal with themes of existentialism and the absurdity of life, which require a certain level of philosophical understanding that I do not possess. The lack of relatable themes and the sometimes cryptic narrative style made these books a chore to read. Reading these works didn't bring me any greater understanding; it just reinforced my belief in the importance of authentic and genuine emotions.

In conclusion, while these books may hold value for some readers, they are regrettable reads for me. Leaving them behind has allowed me to focus on books that bring joy, inspiration, and enrichment to my life. Books that I wish I had never read remind us to be selective about the literature we consume, ensuring that we invest our time in works that provide us with genuine value and satisfaction.