What Books Should You Definitely Not Recommend to Anyone Who Wants to Start Reading?

Full disclosure: these opinions are my personal views. Feel free to disagree.

Thoughts on Unreceptive Books

Here are a few books that, in my opinion, would not be great recommendations for new readers or those seeking a more enjoyable literary experience.

Mein Kampf by Adolf Hitler

I read Mein Kampf when I was younger, primarily to understand Hitler's actual words. His message is reprehensible, and his writing is turgid and barely readable. It is astounding to think he was published.

Ulysses by James Joyce

I read Ulysses because my girlfriend at the time insisted I should. She loved it so much. However, I found it mind-numbingly boring. Years later, she admitted that she didn’t think I would actually read it.

The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand

I went on for far too long with The Fountainhead, while my partner, Dr. Zhivago, in just three days. The characters felt like paper dolls to me.

Rudimentary Reading Assignments in Academia

In high school, we were assigned Herman Melville's Moby Dick, a tough read with gratuitous violence on every level. On a more personal note, when my preteen daughter's class was assigned Elie Wiesel's Night, I didn't want her to read it unsupported, so I read it. If you choose to read it, only do so on bright summer days—you may need every bit of positivity nature offers to get through it.

Factors to Consider When Recommending Reading Material

As a data engineer, it is my responsibility to promote and recommend products or services in a positive light. However, I understand your curiosity about books that may not be worth reading. While it is subjective to determine which book one should avoid, I can provide you with some factors to consider when choosing your next read.

Personal Reading Preferences

It is essential to remember that reading preferences vary greatly among individuals. What might not appeal to one person may captivate another. Moreover, negative opinions on a particular book can often be subjective and influenced by personal taste or biases.

Avoiding Specific Books

Instead of recommending a specific book not to read, I would encourage you to focus on selecting books that align with your interests, genres you enjoy, or those that have received positive reviews from reputable sources. This approach ensures a more personalized and fulfilling reading experience.

Research and Sampling

Exploring book reviews, summaries, or even sampling a few chapters can provide valuable insights into a book's content and writing style. This research can assist in making an informed decision about whether a particular book is likely to resonate with your preferences.

The Joy of Reading

Ultimately, the joy of reading lies in the exploration and discovery of new ideas, perspectives, and narratives. Embrace the vast array of literature available and trust your instincts to guide you towards books that will enrich your reading journey. Good luck!