Now that we’ve shared our best books of 2009 it’s time to let loose on your worst reads. 2009 was actually a pretty good year for me, not too many flops ... here are my top 3 ...
Synopsis: Ten years after the publication of Wicked, beloved novelist Gregory Maguire returns at last to the Land of Oz There he introduces us to Liir, an adolescent boy last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did in the Witch. Bruised, comatose, and left for dead in a gully, Liir is shattered in spirit as well as in form. But he is tended to at the Cloister of Saint Glinda by the silent novice called Candle, who wills him back to life with her musical gifts. What dark force left Liir in this condition? Is he really Elphaba's son? He has her broom and her cape—but what of her powers? Can he find his supposed half-sister, Nor, last seen in the forbidding prison, Southstairs? Can he fulfil the last wishes of a dying princess? In an Oz that, since the Wizard's departure, is under new and dangerous management, can Liir keep his head down long enough to grow up?
Jacqui's Review: Many Gregory Maguire fans will disagree with me but I simply couldn't finish this book. There are not many books I do not finish, even if I am having a hard time with them. Perhaps I made the mistake of reading it immediately after going to see Wicked the Musical which I am guessing was an extremely mainstream interpretation of Maguire's book. But I couldn't help being swept into the magic of the musical and was intrigued at how the story was intertwined to explain certain incidents in the original Wizard of Oz. I must own up to the fact that I am NOT a fantasy enthusiast.
Whatever She Wants: True Confessions of a Male Escort by Andrew Rosetta
Synopsis: The wonderfully revealing memoir of a London male escort is smart, uncensored and eye-opening. The book uncovers exactly what type of woman is willing to part with her money for sex, and what type of man is willing to provide whatever she wants.
Jacqui's Review: Now, with a blurb like that my expectations were high and I was looking forward to indulging in some voyeurism but unfortunately the book simply didn't deliver. I did keep reading it hoping for more with every turn of the page ... It was entirely boring.... yawn :-(
30-something and Over it: What Happens When You Wake Up and Don't Want to Go to Work Ever Again by Kasey Edwards
Synopsis: Kasey Edwards has everything she's always wanted: a successful career and the lifestyle and assets to match. But she's empty and uninspired and doesn't want to go to work...ever again. Terrified that she'll spend the rest of her life wearing pinstripes and pretending to care about 'adding value', Kasey embarks on a quest to rediscover passion and purpose in her life and work. We follow her on a journey of self-discovery as she looks for meaning in a puppy's eyes, begs her gynaecologist to cure her existential crisis, dabbles with the Law of Attraction and braves ten days of silent meditation. Meanwhile, her best friend Emma, who is experiencing a similar crisis, concentrates her search in the fields of casual sex and vodka shots. This irreverent yet poignant memoir will make you question our definition of the 'perfect life', laugh at the absurdity of the modern workplace and be warmed by the story of a friendship. Rise above your office cubicle for a moment and join Kasey in asking life's big questions - and find the courage to listen to your answers.
Jacqui's Review: Was looking forward to reading this particularly as I had enjoyed Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert so much. Unfortunately, Kasey's journey into self discovery left a little to be desired. Don't think she covered any new ground and the writing style wasn't overly enticing. Very ho hum!!
Was there a book you loved to hate in 2009? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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