So what books do you despise??? *hope i spelled that correctly...*

Chicken Soup for the Teenage/Emo/etc. Soul, Who Moved My Cheese?, and religious books.

all left-to-right books! i only read mangas and right-to-left things!

I see i dont like alot of left to right books either, MANGA 4eva!
I absolutely despise this series my sister reads called judy moody.

religious books
crappy manga
long ass books where nothing happens the WHOLE BOOK
harry potter

Harry potter books are awful. Idk about the movies tho, dont watch them.

The classic called Deerslayer! The first 114 or so pages just describe a guys clothes and appearance.

lol, that is worthy of despise.^^^
I also hate pokemon books, not to mention the anime in general. sorry poke' fans but thats the way my subconcious crumbles.

I havent really read pokemon books so I cant say I despise them... oh I forgot one The Golden Compass hated that one too.

i did when i was eight. lol I hate all that stuff.
*NOT TRYING TO SPAM. THIS ISNT SPAM. For reference*
THE GOLDEN COMPASS IS AWFUL! undeniably.

The Bible.

And sappy romances. And seedy sex novels for desperate housewives with dying libidos.

I hate Of Mice and Men. The book is boring and badly written. I also hate seedy romances. I also didn't like Insomnia by Steven King. Boring book and it was huge.

I hate Of Mice and Men. The book is boring and badly written. I also hate seedy romances. I also didn't like Insomnia by Steven King. Boring book and it was huge.


THANK GOD YOU MENTIONED THAT

On that subject of like those required reading books that teachers think are oh-so-good when they're really not -- I simply MUST mention The Old Man and the Sea. That was the DUMBEST, most BORING book I have EVER read.

It was like one big run-on sentence. Ernest Hemingway sucked royally.

I didn't really like Farenheit 451 either. I know what its about and I'm smart enough to get it, but I didn't like how the idea was presented.

Has anyone read House on Mango Street?

Don't. Spend your time reading/doing something that's actually enjoyable.

It was a bunch of vignettes about a whiny kid who didn't appreciate what she had. We had to read it for freshman English.

I also hate books that when you come to the end you feel like a lot is missing and you find yourself thinking 'What about this? What about that? And how the hell did that happen?'

I know I'm going to be killed by nerds as I sleep tonight but I'm actually hatin' the Harry Potter books -.-; They're long and annoying and with todays society of short attention spans I don't have time to sit and read fuckin 900+ pages of the same old shit day in and day out. The first 3 were good but something just kind of happened to make me lose interest *sighs*

Here's the kind of books I really hate though, which are books like 'get rich fast like me.' or something. For college I had a summer reading thing I have to do and it's called 'Getting Good Grades in College' same old same old 'do as we tell ya and you'll make million dolla!' kind of crap.

Anything by Anna Quinlan. Had assigned reading for a couple of her books while in my first year of college. Totally turned me off to her.

I hate every book except:

Manga
Comics
Cheat Code Books
Magazines
The Bible (My Religion)
And any other non-educational book.

Yes I do hate most books. The only time I read what's not mentioned up there is when I'm forced to. Looks like I gotta prepare for a flame war *Puts up firewall*

HARRY POTTER SUCKS.
I hate The Golden Compass too. I didn't even finish it.
I don't really despise City of Bones, I just hate the ending (so does my sis). At the end, the guy that the main character likes turns out to be her brother. T_T

Any book that has to deal with a child being abused, its to sad to read lol.

The Alchemist.

the story's too common and it tends to repeat certain lines over and over again.

the Bible.

edit: Quran and the Torah. mainly Bible, though.

the Bible.

edit: Quran and the Torah. mainly Bible, though.

Thanks for ripping my sig -_- (twas a joke)

Probably....childrens books that are like "What shape is this?" and its like the only words for like 3 pages, and you finnaly get to the name of the shape and the rabbits like "ITS A SQUARE!" and you just wanna like hit that fucking rabbit and be like "NO SHIT!? DID IT TAKE YOU THAT LONG TO FIGURE IT OUT! OR DO YOU JUST LIKE ASKING QUESTIONS THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW THE ANSWER TOO" since this is probably in a place with alot of kids, all the little shits are now staring at you going "mommy whats wrong with that man" Ya know whats wrong with me?! THE F*CKIN RABBIT ALREADY KNEW IT WAS A SQUARE

Also: Of mice and men (i think thats the name) Uhg over discriptive and leny is like "I didnt do nutin george!" YES YOU DID! YOU THREW A FUCKING PUPPY AT THE WALL!

OMG...the book Farenhiet 451 sucked...this is how the book ended...the guy was a criminal cuz it was against the law to own books and he took some books he found and read them so the police was chasing him, he escaped to a band of hobos who all read books and were constantly running....and then...get ready for this...the city just gets bombed from another country and everyone in the city dies (this book is really old and it was supposed totake placein the future) talk about clouser(SP?)...whatever

The harry potter series...man those books just get on my nerves.

I hate The Greek Way so much. I can't stand reading nonfiction.

In fact, I hate all nonfiction, biographies, and autobiographies.

(Did I spell that right?)

I liked Of Mice and Men...also House on Mango Street...lol

there isnt ONE book that i "despise"...but a type of book...I HATE TEXTBOOKS! OMFG....x.x...so many pages T.T

all books suck

the bridge to terabithia
my bloody name is TABITHA! NOT TERABITHIA
i'll kill the next person who calls me that

Diary of Anne Frank.
creatures of the kingdom

The Chosen (summer reading project) most boring book I have ever read, no violience or anything good at all.

OMG...the book Farenhiet 451 sucked...this is how the book ended...the guy was a criminal cuz it was against the law to own books and he took some books he found and read them so the police was chasing him, he escaped to a band of hobos who all read books and were constantly running....and then...get ready for this...the city just gets bombed from another country and everyone in the city dies (this book is really old and it was supposed totake placein the future) talk about clouser(SP?)...whatever

You clearly missed the point of the entire novel. Fahrenheit 451 is Ray Bradbury's fulmination against censorship. If you read F451 for face value, I'd agree with you in saying that the story doesn't end on a happy note. But to say that the book sucked because you weren't able to grasp the hidden messages is asinine. I would hope that the reader would have a deeper appreciation for liberties that we oftentimes overlook, such as being able to read and speak freely.

If the concept of censorship is one that you still aren't able to understand, I'd suggest reading 1984 by George Orwell. Perhaps you'll find the plot to be more riveting and enticing.

I hate anything by Melville. Trying to sift through Moby-Dick was sleep-inducing. The book is stretched out to unthinkable proportions and the span of the falling action to the resolution is literally two or three chapters.

Has anyone read House on Mango Street? Don't. Spend your time reading/doing something that's actually enjoyable.

It was a bunch of vignettes about a whiny kid who didn't appreciate what she had. We had to read it for freshman English.

I also hate books that when you come to the end you feel like a lot is missing and you find yourself thinking 'What about this? What about that? And how the hell did that happen?'

I HAVE!!!
FUCKING LONG AND BORING!!!!

yupp!!!

i hate readin anything lpong and in small print without pixs....

Ummm...right now I'm reading The Scarlet Letter...I hate old colonial era stuff...

^ i hate nathaniel hawthorne period. =.=

so i despise the blithdale romance as of now....i never had to read the scarlet letter =P

harry potter books.....i dont think there that good and they are very intimidating

I HATE ALL BOOKS!!!...The ONLY books I do like are Graphic Novels...such as Naruto...XD

i hate harry potter -.- .....

harry potter books.....i dont think there that good and they are very intimidating

BLASPHEMY!

I hate anything by Melville. Trying to sift through Moby-Dick was sleep-inducing. The book is stretched out to unthinkable proportions and the span of the falling action to the resolution is literally two or three chapters.
I loved Moby Dick and i like alot of meliville books

any way the only book that i cannot stand is Death Be Not Proud: John Gunther
its a memoir of the authors son... it wasnt the plot that i didnt like it was just the way that it was written... He jumped from spot to spot randomly numerous times and then random letters were added at the end... I think that the symbolism in the book were really good and if the book had flowed ore smoothly then it would probably have been a very good one..

i dont like to read Harry Potter.........if they are launching the movies, why reading HP??

Books not in English.

Books not in English.

i could bet that ur spanish xD for not reading books in english :P
just kidding........do as i do when i read in english........underline the word that u dont understand and search it

i could bet that ur spanish xD for not reading books in english :P
just kidding........do as i do when i read in english........underline the word that u dont understand and search it

Lol, I said books NOT in English. That means, if the book isn't in English, I don't like it.

LOL.......sorry man.....im blind today.....i didnt read it well xP

The Dark is rising (whatever its called)
I dont know what it was I just did not like reading it
I quit reading it after the first few chapters
the movie isnt motivating that much either >.>

also I really hate those sex books that only describes what theyre doing
example: he got on top of her, "oh oh..." she moaned
now tell me, did that make you horny?

along with those femenist books that just say: omg men are the worst! all they want is to get into us!
now tell me, what did the good guys out there do to deserve this bitch writing all this shit about us?
Ill get into that some other time when I feel like it

The problem with the way literature is taught in the US is very apparent in this thread.

English teachers too often force kids to read what are essentially amazing books; however, they were all books that the teachers first read and appreciated in college. Especially when the reading is required, you can't expect junior high or high school students to develop a "literary eye" by feeding them advanced literature.

There are levels of complexity in literature, and very, very few novels really can bridge the age gap that often stands representative of those levels. George Orwell's 1984 is one, sure, but Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is usually only appreciated by those who already have a fancy for early American, post-Puritan, self-reflective literature.

And let me tell you, I am not a fan of early American, post-Puritan, self-reflective literature.

In contrast, Hawthorne's short stories are fantastic.

English teachers need to keep in mind that, like me, when they were in school they were already probably book worms. That means they probably entered college with a predisposition for the enjoyment of literature, which would lead them to more and more eclectic choices. That's only natural.

Bringing those wonderful novels you found during college or graduate school is not a way to impress high school freshmen. The books aren't contemporary. With rare exceptions, the books are not comparable to modern life (or, if they are, they are only in the highest stylistic/symbolic sense, which means that a kid in high school isn't going to grasp it easily). Most of all, they're written in styles that the teachers had to learn to love through repeated exposure to many styles of writing.

High schoolers usually don't have that kind of exposure.

That's why it's better to start with something simpler, shorter, and more relatable, and, if possible, with non-stop action.

For example:

Shade's Children by Garth Nix.
That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton
The Giver by Louis Lowry
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie (not contemporary, but exciting)
Sex Education by Jenny Davis (Enticing title to pique interest, but it's not scandelous at all)
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck


These days, I even recommend graphic novels to English teachers wanting to get kids into reading. Graphic novels are bigger than they've ever been before in literature, and I think it's pretty arrogant to ignore the category as if it is something less than normal prose.

Some of the most celebrated authors/artists of our modern age are combination graphic artists and writers. Just look at the popularity of Neil Gaiman and his "The Sandman" series.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. My 2c.

Not to mean offence, I dislike/despise the bible. I'm not a christian though I respect other people's views and opinions. I find it a shoulder or such to hate people, like how extreme ones hate gays.

Other than that, I find it Ironic that I despised of Mice and Men, now it is my favourite.

Not to mean offence, I dislike/despise the bible. I'm not a christian though I respect other people's views and opinions. I find it a shoulder or such to hate people, like how extreme ones hate gays.

Other than that, I find it Ironic that I despised of Mice and Men, now it is my favourite.

even the book that we hate, it´ll be our favourite one xP

Bible is for the Fathers :D we are unable to read it and to fill it in our head xD

The problem with the way literature is taught in the US is very apparent in this thread.

English teachers too often force kids to read what are essentially amazing books; however, they were all books that the teachers first read and appreciated in college. Especially when the reading is required, you can't expect junior high or high school students to develop a "literary eye" by feeding them advanced literature.

There are levels of complexity in literature, and very, very few novels really can bridge the age gap that often stands representative of those levels. George Orwell's 1984 is one, sure, but Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is usually only appreciated by those who already have a fancy for early American, post-Puritan, self-reflective literature.

And let me tell you, I am not a fan of early American, post-Puritan, self-reflective literature.

In contrast, Hawthorne's short stories are fantastic.

English teachers need to keep in mind that, like me, when they were in school they were already probably book worms. That means they probably entered college with a predisposition for the enjoyment of literature, which would lead them to more and more eclectic choices. That's only natural.

Bringing those wonderful novels you found during college or graduate school is not a way to impress high school freshmen. The books aren't contemporary. With rare exceptions, the books are not comparable to modern life (or, if they are, they are only in the highest stylistic/symbolic sense, which means that a kid in high school isn't going to grasp it easily). Most of all, they're written in styles that the teachers had to learn to love through repeated exposure to many styles of writing.

High schoolers usually don't have that kind of exposure.

That's why it's better to start with something simpler, shorter, and more relatable, and, if possible, with non-stop action.

For example:

Shade's Children by Garth Nix.
That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton
The Giver by Louis Lowry
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Ten Little Indians by Agatha Christie (not contemporary, but exciting)
Sex Education by Jenny Davis (Enticing title to pique interest, but it's not scandelous at all)
A Day No Pigs Would Die by Robert Peck


These days, I even recommend graphic novels to English teachers wanting to get kids into reading. Graphic novels are bigger than they've ever been before in literature, and I think it's pretty arrogant to ignore the category as if it is something less than normal prose.

Some of the most celebrated authors/artists of our modern age are combination graphic artists and writers. Just look at the popularity of Neil Gaiman and his "The Sandman" series.

Anyway, sorry for the rant. My 2c. For our summer reading before 8th grade, we hated A day no pigs would die. I have read two of the other books on your list though, and love them. The book i despise is Great Expectations by Charles Dickinson. Too many big words >.<

The problem with the way literature is taught in the US is very apparent in this thread.

English teachers too often force kids to read what are essentially amazing books; however, they were all books that the teachers first read and appreciated in college. Especially when the reading is required, you can't expect junior high or high school students to develop a "literary eye" by feeding them advanced literature.

I understand and partially agree with what you're saying, but at the same time I think it is very important to introduce classic literature at the high school level. I don't mind putting myself on the chopping block here, and thus I'm going to be completely honest: I hadn't read a single piece of classic literature until my freshman year in high school. Don't get me wrong; I was always a bookworm. It's just that I never knew what good literature was until 9th grade. Before high school, I was absorbed in teen fiction and fantasy, and the books I read in school were of the same variety as the books you mentioned toward the end of your post. As a senior in high school, I can honestly say that I am grateful that I was introduced to the classics my freshman year. In fact, classic literature is practically the only genre I read these days.

Developing a "literary eye" is certainly a task that can't be taught, but I do believe that by practicing and being exposed to literature rich in concrete details, characterization, and symbolism, critical analysis becomes easier. Let's face it: not everyone is on the same path as you and I and plan(s)(ned) to major in English in college. For some, the high school years mark the last time a book will ever be opened. It is important that in those four years of high school students develop not only the ability to analyze written text, but a vocabulary that will allow them to get by in the 21st century. I'm not convinced that books such as The Giver and That Was Then, This is Now can accomplish such feats.

There are levels of complexity in literature, and very, very few novels really can bridge the age gap that often stands representative of those levels. George Orwell's 1984 is one, sure, but Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter is usually only appreciated by those who already have a fancy for early American, post-Puritan, self-reflective literature.

I read The Scarlet Letter my sophomore year. I'd be lying if I told you that I understood every symbolic message Hawthorne cleverly weasled into his novel; however, I do feel as though I grew as a person from reading his novel. In the very least, I was exposed to the harsh inconsistencies of Puritan society. At best, I'd say that I began to read more critically. Rather than take Hawthorne's sentences for face value, I began to look slightly more deeply into the written word. Such excavation of meaning, for me at least, has only become increasingly honed as I continue to zip through classics. Now, I'm not saying that this effect is point and case for every single high school student--in fact, I'm sure I'm that one in a million--but reading a book that is above one's level is a challenge. The only way to become better and stronger in a subject is to challenge yourself with more difficult material.

Bringing those wonderful novels you found during college or graduate school is not a way to impress high school freshmen. The books aren't contemporary. With rare exceptions, the books are not comparable to modern life (or, if they are, they are only in the highest stylistic/symbolic sense, which means that a kid in high school isn't going to grasp it easily). Most of all, they're written in styles that the teachers had to learn to love through repeated exposure to many styles of writing.

It doesn't matter whether or not the books are contemporary; we read literature because human emotions don't change. Times change but people don't. Many of the themes and motifs found in The Scarlet Letter are still largely applicable to modern-day society in America, for example.

It's clear that a student is not going to grasp most of the important concepts found in these novels, but it is the job of the teacher to facilitate the learning of those concepts and ideas. Trust me, a student is not going to easily grasp Chemistry or Calculus unless the instructor is worth his salt.

High schoolers usually don't have that kind of exposure.

So when do you suppose would be a logical point in time during which students could feasibly become exposed to classic literature and participate in the same enriching experience that one would be subject to by starting at the high school level? College is too late, especially for those who will never take another English class after freshman year.

These days, I even recommend graphic novels to English teachers wanting to get kids into reading. Graphic novels are bigger than they've ever been before in literature, and I think it's pretty arrogant to ignore the category as if it is something less than normal prose.

That could be fun. I'd maybe do a unit on graphic novels if I were teaching a regular English class. I definitely wouldn't incorporate graphic novels into a college preparatory or advanced placement English class.

Bobobobobobobobobobobobobobo manga's.
I dunno if they count,but god is that manga/show stupid!

Fahrenheit 451

I despise books against our nation's military...and childrens books

don't like the bible

a dictionary and textbooks

I HATE GREAT EXPECTATIONS!!! IT'S THE MOST BORING BOOK I'VE EVER BEEN FORCED TO READ!!!

^props to the kid above me. great expectations was one of the most boring books it has ever been my displeasure to read. not only did Pip go through all that shit, he didn't even end up with the girl (who was a bitch) in the end.

and, The Catcher in the Rye. Why is everybody gushing about this book? Holden Caulfield was a whiny bastard that needed to shut up.

^props to the kid above me. great expectations was one of the most boring books it has ever been my displeasure to read. not only did Pip go through all that shit, he didn't even end up with the girl (who was a bitch) in the end.

and, The Catcher in the Rye. Why is everybody gushing about this book? Holden Caulfield was a whiny bastard that needed to shut up.
i like that phony <.< lol

seriously though, i enjoyed that book o.o

new book to hate:
The Confidence-Man: His Masquerade
By Herman Melville
[that's right...the guy that wrote Mody Dick]

The books I hat the most? The text books I'm given every year in school! Ugh! They're full of boring stories and their so heavy in numbers! I also can't stand books for children! Ugh! They drive me insane! It used to always be little kids asking me to read them a story about something people around my age find annoying! Make it stop!