My Worst Reads of the Year

Most of you know that I'm an avid reader...most of you also know that I'm an optimist. That's why I want to try something a little different as we near the end of 2011. This year I would like to highlight my 2 worst reads of the year. I know- I usually stick to my faves (& some optimism might still trickle in...) but I really feel like sharing the most disappointing reads my greedy little eyes consumed.

#1- The Good Mayor - a love story that could not get any worse. I held on through the disappointments hoping it would improve. A secretary for the town mayor who has been unlucky in love has a crush on her boss- one that is strongly encouraged. The setting is some Eastern European country I was trying to dive into. Just as I'm beginning to see that this will not follow the fairy tale ending the heroine (?) turns into a dog to escape the prying eyes of the townsfolk and steals away in the night with the mayor. When the dog and mayor are safely away to start a new life she resumes her human shape.

Really?

Disaster.

#2- I do try to read Canadian literature...but this author I found particularly discouraging because she used lots of long complex sentences to say nothing. Nothing! I know you've all tried to read those books- but I kept getting distracted by these perfectly manufactured (sometimes beautiful phrases) that did not tell a story. Call me old-fashioned but the stories I enjoy have a beginning, a middle, and an end*grin*. I wouldn't say this lady is a terrible author but Charlotte Gill is not my preferred type of story-teller (& I would not recommend her short stories)*grin*.

Apart from those two it was another great year of reading. I shamelessly fall back on British murder mysteries when I've finished a book that leaves me feeling 'meh'. If any of you have some good recommends please send my way. I could recommend a couple good ones but don't want to change this post from the negative to the positive*grin*.