Top Ten Tuesday is a feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s theme is: Throwback Freebie: Ten Books I Loved During The First Year I Started My Blog, Favorite Books Published 5 or 10 or 15 Years Ago, Ten Older Books I Forgot How Much I Loved, etc. etc. Tweak however you want!

Today, I am going to share some books that are older, and that seemingly everyone and their mom has read… only I have not. Because I fail. And I will tell you if I ever might read them. And then you can yell at me in the comments. Sounds legit. (And thanks to Holly and Val who actually answered the question “Hey, what are some books that I haven’t read but everyone else has”. It’s impressive, really.) Also going to stick to YA, otherwise we could straight up be here all day.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Why I Never Read It: Honestly, I had told myself during its hype that I didn’t “like vampires and such”. I don’t really think that’s true, I just thought it was. Oops?

Will I Ever Read It? Nah. I would have, maybe. But I know how it ends. And I still stand by the fact that I am never going to not see Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, and sorry, it skews everything.

Harry Potter #2-7 by J.K. Rowling

Why I Never Read It: Don’t throw shit, but I read the first one and didn’t love it? I struggled to get through, I’m sorry, I said it.

Will I Ever Read It? Okay, still no throwing… but no. I might give the movies a go some day? Idk, it’s just… why read something I am not excited about when I have all the other books in the world?

Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Why I Never Read It: Because back when it was first a thing, I was sure I didn’t like fantasy. Do we notice a pattern?

Will I Ever Read It? Possibly. I have heard mixed reviews, but I do know a lot of people who loved it. So…  solid maybe for this one.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Why I Never Read It: Erm. No idea. I hadn’t even heard of it until I started blogging, tbh. Which is weird because I was about 13 when it came out, so where the hell was I?

Will I Ever Read It? Ehhh. Maybe. I know everyone loves it. Also it isn’t super long. So yeah, I may give it a go.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Why I Never Read It: Because I am an asshole? I have always wanted to read it, I own it, so what is my malfunction?

Will I Ever Read It? YES. I really will. Someday. Promise.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

Why I Never Read It: Because the books are big. And because I heard some “meh” things about the third book. 

Will I Ever Read It? HELL yes. Especially after reading Laini’s amazingly gorgeous Strange the Dreamer, I am absolutely going to read these. Also, I own the whole series, so.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan

Why I Never Read It: I honestly don’t know? Is it Middle Grade? I can’t even tell. And I also legitimately thought for a long time that Percy Jackson and The Lightning Thief were two totally separate entities, so you can see how great I’m doing.

Will I Ever Read It? I mean, it isn’t super likely? I low key want to see the movie though, since half of the cast of The 100 is in it…

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

If I do ever read it, it’ll be this far superior cover.

Why I Never Read It: See Twilight and my misguided vampire situation.

Will I Ever Read It? Oh, so much yes! I am now a Richelle Mead fan in general, so even if everyone hadn’t read it, I’d want to.

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Why I Never Read It: Because I still don’t fully understand what it is? I thought it was a straight up kids’ book, but apparently not? Confusion is the reason, basically.

Will I Ever Read It? I mean, maybe. It’s super short. So there’s that.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Why I Never Read It: Literally just time. I have owned it since I started blogging.

Will I Ever Read It? So, it’s heaped in controversy. But I do still want to read it, to decide what I think. And maybe watch the show? We’ll see how the book goes. If the book goes.

Well, this could go on forever if I let it, so I’ll stop there! Have you read these? I assume so. Any “big” older books that you’ve yet to read?

Posted September 12, 2017 by Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight in Top Ten Tuesday / 40 Comments

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40 responses to “A Bunch of Old Books You Read and I Did Not

  1. “Idk, it’s just… why read something I am not excited about when I have all the other books in the world?”

    YES^!! This is my feeling about books that don’t interest me either.

    Never read the HP or Twilight books (not interested). I hear good things about the Graceling series, but never did look into it. I did read “Ella Enchanted” though (years ago) and thought it was cute. 🙂

  2. Haha, I loved Twilight, but I totally get what you mean about only being able to see Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. If I hadn’t read it when it was first published and already had a pretty strong mental version of what I thought the characters looked like, I’d probably have the same problem.

    OMG, yes, you have to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone. It is amazing! 🙂

  3. I’ve read quite a few of these, but some I haven’t read. I started Daughter Of Smoke and Bone but I really couldn’t get on with it. I don’t think I could have read Twilight after seeing the films… Bella still annoyed me in the books as she did the films though! Ha. Great list! 🙂

  4. I love the Daughter of Smoke and Bones series, but I listened to the audiobook instead of reading the print book. Maybe that was the difference. I reread The Little Prince a few years a go and was so delighted with it. It is short and wonderful. My TTT

  5. Great spin on this week’s topic, Shannon! I really don’t think you should feel bad for not liking Harry Potter – HP fans who judge people who haven’t read it or don’t like it aren’t true HP fans in my opinion, and I don’t understand why they spend their time shaming people who haven’t read it instead of gushing about it with people who have. If everyone liked exactly the same thing the world would be boring as hell.

    I think I’d like to try reading Ella Enchanted at some point, too – I remember trying to read it when I was around 10 or 11 and I kept getting bored, but my reading tastes have changed a lot since then and I love a good fairy tale-inspired story. =)

  6. I never finished Harry Potter either ? I don’t really remember reading the first two but I do remember one of my teachers at school reading the third and fourth books to my class. I’ll probably get around to reading it someday, but I was never really that interested.

    I have both Daughter of Smoke and Bone and 13 Reasons Why on my TBR but I’m a little tempted to take 13RW off of it because of all the controversy surrounding the TV show.

  7. I feel the same way about Harry Potter but don’t admit it much because of fears of stoning? It’s nice to know I’m not the only one! Okay Vampire academy- not something that I would normally go for but I saw the movie and it made me curious. And I know the movie is kinda *cough* bad but… I kinda liked it in a not taking it too seriously way?? IDK, I can see reading this.

    And of course you know my Hunger games shame. 🙁

    13 Reasons why- I can see maybe trying because I thought the show was good (mostly).

  8. I’ve read half of books in this read and I generally enjoyed them, especially DoSaB. I reread it in preparation to read Strange the Dreamer, and it still amazes me the second time around <3 I also haven't read Ella Enchanted, along with Lemony Snicket books and other children books, because they weren't available in my country at that time. Even now, I'm not sure I could find those books here.

  9. Awesome twist! I did read 50% of those books, but I will say – I will never read HP or Twilight. Once I have seen a film adaptation, I really have no desire to read the tome it was based on. An HP fan even admitted to me, that all the major plot points were in the film, so why?

  10. I haven’t read The Little Prince, 13 Reasons Why, Graceling, or Ella Enchanted! I did watch the 13 Reasons Why show and LOVED it, but I don’t feel like reading the book, to be honest? And all the others don’t interest me! I do want to read Perks, though! ?

  11. I haven’t read a ton of older books.? Ones like Delirium and Wither and Noughts & Crosses? I never got to those agh. But then I only got into YA when I was about 16 so LIKE I’M WORKING HARD HERE TO CATCH UP.

    omggg read Perks though. READ PERKS. That’s the only book that’s ever made me cry. ? (Although it was like 4 years ago so I havE NO idea if I’d feel the same way now. hhaa. I need to reread it.)

    I’m one of the ones that hates 13 Reasons Why. I find it super problematic and it does a lot of blame-bullying…like basically saying if you have depression and people aren’t nice to you, then THEY are the reason you could die. Which can obviously play a part, but like…no?? Again I read it years ago but it made me so sick I stopped reading for ages afterwards. OKAY WOW, I’M JUST RAINING ALL OVER YOUR BLOG RIGHT NOW. ?? I wouldn’t say “don’t read it!!” because go for it if you want. 😉 I’d definitely be keen to hear your thoughts haha.

    And omg The Little Prince… I still have no freaking clue what that book is on about and now I’m worried that small children are smarter than me. WHICH IS PROBABLY TRUE. ?

  12. I’ve read all, but two of these! Although I can say I enjoy them all, my favorites and the ones I would recommend for sure are Daughter of Smoke and Bone, the Harry Potter series (the series grows with the reader) and Graceling, but only if you like fantasy.

  13. Jo

    Harry Potter is one of my favourite series, but if you’re not interested, then it’s not worth it, I’ve read way too many books that I shouldn’t have just because everyone else loved them. I never read Twilight either. Percy Jackson is so much fun, one of my favourite series! Graceling I hated, Katsa’s brand of feminism is so problematic. Perks is good, but I prefer the movie. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is good, but it depends on how much you like romance as it takes a very big romantic turn in the second part of the book. I really enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why, I raced through it, it was so addictive!
    My TTT: https://jjbookblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/top-ten-tuesday-124/

  14. Harry Potter is great but I understand if it’s not for you. I was disappointed by the last book.

    Yes, Percy Jackson is middle grade but it’s not normal middle grade. It’s good and funny.

    Daughter of smoke and bone is awesome but yes, rather long. Graceling has a fantastic start, the second half of the book is rather meh though. Vampire Diaries I’d say see the movie and if you like it read the book haha. I read books one and two but gave up on three. I just had difficulty liking the main character.

    Sorry I babbled!

  15. I have seen the first Harry Potter movie and it didn’t grab me, I haven’t read any of the books and they aren’t on my top list. I just picked up Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher from the library I am hoping to get to it soon! Great list and love the topic idea!

  16. Thirteen Reasons Why is a book I feel everyone should read. As someone who has had suicidal thoughts, it really stuck with me, and made me think about how other people may not understand how our brains work. I loved the Twilight series, read them all before the movies. I loved the Percy Jackson series, but cannot get into the new series by Riordan for some reason. I loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but haven’t finished that series yet either. Fun topic!

  17. Le Petit Prince is about LIFE and GROWING OLDER. It’s one of my favorite books; we had to read it in high school French class.

    Also I love that you bought the whole Daughter of Smoke and Bone series but haven’t read it!

  18. I totally agree with you on the Harry Potter series and I’ve watched the movies. I can’t say I’m a BIG fan. The Vampire Academy series is amazing! You should totally read it! 13 Reasons Why turned out to be a beautifully tragic story. I’d recommend the audiobook to it as well C:

  19. One thing about The Vampire Academy books, you have to read at least the first two books before you decide to continue or not. I loved the series but the first book was just okay for me. Book #2 and beyond? Very good!

  20. I loved your tweak of this week’s theme!

    I’ve read Percy Jackson and Harry Potter, but the rest? NOPE. I don’t plan getting anywhere near Twilight because I’m not interested, but I’m DEFINITELY reading Graceling and Daughter of Smoke and Bone!

    Other old books people everyone has read and I haven’t: The Archived by Victoria Schwab (I will soon), The Mortal Instruments series (I’m making my way through it!), The Lies of Locke Lamora (I really want to), Looking For Alaska (not a big John Green fan), A Series of Unfortunate Events (I tried, but I missed the train. Not for me at this moment), Hush Hush (lol no).

    I’m not sure about the Vampire Academy series, though. I’ve heard great things, but I don’t know if I’d enjoy it. It’s still a MAYBE.

  21. I’m so glad I’ve found someone who hasn’t read all the popular YA books because I feel like everyone has read all the popular YA books…except me. XD

    I have read several on this list! Twilight (now that I think back on it was one of the first YA books I ever read), Daughter of Smoke and Bone (LOVED IT, her writing is simply amazing), Percy Jackson (ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SERIES EVER, PLEASE READ IT), Harry Potter #1-6 (I haven’t read the 7th book as the books have gotten progressively darker, especially regarding the black magic and as a Christian it made me feel quite uncomfortable) and The Perks of Being a Wallflower (I enjoyed it but I didn’t LOVE it).

    I actually have the whole Graceling trilogy out from the library currently! I’ve heard so many good things about it so I’m looking forward to reading it! *_* I definitely won’t be reading Thirteen Reasons Why as books about other mental illnesses, besides anxiety, can trigger my panic attacks and anxiety!

  22. EXCUSE YOU! Please read The Little Prince! What the heck. Who are you Shannon. I didn’t just tell you about that book for you to NOT READ IT. It’s like, 2 PAGES.

  23. I like Harry Potter but it’s not the best book I’ve ever read. Tbh, if it wasn’t for the book community I wouldn’t even think about it.

    You need to read the perks of being a wallflower it’s so… innocent. I think it’s the best description I can give.

  24. I haven’t read a lot of these… and have no interest in several of them. I loved both Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, but they aren’t for everyone so I won’t throw stones…

    I WILL however, join in with Cait and the others who are urging you to read Perks… truly a fantastic book! And I think the other commenters have convinced me to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone haha.

  25. I haven’t read Percy Jackson either – or some of these other ones. However, for the Harry Potter series, I think certain books are better than others (if you ever want to give them a shot again) BUT you should see the movies at least!! I read Twilight and the rest as they came out and loved them at the time but I’m not really interested in ever re-reading, etc.

    The Perks of Being a Wallflower is my favorite book of all time, like seriously. I mean, I read it the first time when I was younger and that might help – but I re-read it and still love it too, so we’ll see what you think. LOL

    I read Ella Enchanted for a Children’s Lit class and I really did love it!

    -Lauren

  26. I enjoyed the Twilight books but I will never reread them for the same reason: I will without a doubt see Kristen Stewart and that will ruin everything. Thanks for nothing, K-Stew. Perks is worth reading but to be honest the movie was better (no burning me at the stake for that comment). I’ve never read the DoSaB trilogy and I’m not sure I ever will. Even though I own all three books. Everyone gushes about the “beautiful writing” and to be honest that’s the very thing that puts me off. I realize that makes no sense but there you go.

  27. Kel

    You should go read Ella Enchanted NOW. The rest of the list doesn’t matter. I’m nearly positive you will like it, and you’ll end it with a smile on your face, and it’s school season, so we all need more smiles. 🙂 Also, I’ve read Twilight, Harry Potter, Percy Jackson & Lightning Thief, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and Graceling and wasn’t super wowed by any of them. Ella Enchanted remains an all-time favorite. Just saying.

  28. Not everyone is going to like HP and that is fine. 😀 I gave Daughter of Smoke and Bone a chance but did not like the second half of that first book. But I am giving Laini Taylor another chance with Strange the Dreamer at some point so…

  29. I think I have actually read all of these. I’d give Twilight and Vampire Academy a miss though, and I don’t know if Little Prince and Ella Enchanted will work as well if your first reading is as an adult. (Though I guess that’s how I read E.E., since it wasn’t out when I was a kid.) I thought Lightning Thief was decidedly mediocre until my daughter asked me to read it to her, and I enjoyed it much more seeing how she responded to it. Loved the first two Smoke & Bone books, but petered out on the third–Strange the Dreamer is better. Of all of these, barring the obvious (Potter), I love Graceling the most. I read it pre-blogging, so hype-free, and just enjoyed the heck out of the series.

  30. I literally have the SAME issue with the Little Prince. I always thought it was related to the book “The Little Princess” when I was growing up (I now know that it’s not) but I didn’t find out until I was an adult that it’s actually not really a kid’s book and is super sad???

  31. Out of these, I have read:
    Twilight, which I came to late—when the movie came out. I loved it though—it was the book that got me back into reading, so I have fond memories.
    Harry Potter. I’m not as addicted as other people, but I definitely loved these.
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I liked this book, but didn’t LOVE it as much as some other people did. I found it somewhat sad and disturbing.
    Daughter of Smoke and Bone—I finally just listened to this series on audio just before Strange the Dreamer came out. I really loved it, but still haven’t read Strange for some reason.
    Lightning Thief—These books were cute. I didn’t read past the first series, but I liked them.
    Vampire Academy—I actually liked the spin-off series (Bloodlines) better. But, yeah, read them.
    The Little Prince—I THINK I read this once upon a time. I definitely get the confusion.

  32. You know, we are kind of on the same page. Although I have read Twilight (and uh, I kinda loved it) and Percy Jackson (loved it so more) I haven’t read any of the rest. I read up to book three in the Harry Potter series but I have to admit I don’t really like it >.> As for the rest, some I am still planning on reading but the time goes by so quickly!

  33. I love Twilight. I haven’t read the Vampire Academy books yet. I have read 13 Reasons Why because of the Netflix show. The Netflix show is much better. I haven’t read Harry Potter, but I have seen the movies (my fiance is into them). I may someday listen to the audiobooks. I do have Graceling on my list on Overdrive, but I haven’t read it. yet. I might be reading The Perks of A Wallflower sometime soon. I have Daughter of Smoke and Bone on my list. I haven’t read Percy Jackson, but I also had thought about seeing the movie too.

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