Won't Read More Books by These Popular Authors Ever Again! || Books with Emily Fox 

What authors are you not planning on reading any books they wrote ever again? Why?

I really wish people weren't so defensive over these authors. Because people that don't like their books have to keep saying "oh it's not for me" If you don't like it. You don't like it.

There's too much of these mediocre mystery/thriller books these days, and 9/10 of them are called "Something Girl" or "The Woman something something." Ever since Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" came out, everyone has been trying to imitate it or put a twist on it. It's getting harder for me to pick a book to read from that genre because they're all so derivative and unimaginative.

Mine is Sarah J Maas. I tried, I really did, but I only got until the first half of Heir of Fire when I gave up completely on that series. I also finished A Court of Thorns and Roses, and surprise surprise, didn't like it. I decided, ONCE AND FOR ALL, to try to read Crescent City and if I didn't like it, I wouldn't continue with any more of her works. Yeah, I just feel like she writes the same characters again and again: hot guy with a lot of snark and sarcasm and pointy ears and bAdAsS female protag who is perfect and can do no wrong and is (most of the time) horny for the pointy-eared guy

An author I cant read a book from again would be John Green.

Also Rainbow Rowell refuses to acknowledge the racism in Eleanor & Park and deletes comments about that on Instagram 💀

So I'm a big Neil Gaiman fan; however, if you start reading a book by him and aren't into it, I'd say just dnf and then skip him, it won't get better for you. Lol. Like I said, I enjoy his writing, but there is a sort of "mysticism" surrounding it. This perpetuates people's belief that if they didn't like it, it's because they couldn't "understand" it or that they just didn't get it. Add to that a fan base that borders on being a cult, and then people feel scared to admit they didn't like him. Different people like different writing styles, and I like his, but that doesn't make me right or someone else wrong.

I'm sorry to hear about Neil Gaiman because The Graveyard Book is one of my all time favourite books, but it doesn't make sense to keep reading authors you don't like when there are so many other worlds to explore! :)

I hate Rowell's writing with a burning passion.

I was waiting to hear you rant about Sarah. J Maas lol

Kinda sad about Carry on. I never read any other Rainbow's books, because I'm not interested in contemporary stories, but the Carry on is one of my fave. Don't see it as a fanfiction of HP, rather deconstruction of chosen one and magical mentor trope.

I hate Cassandra Clare and Sarah J Maas. I will never pick up another book by either of them ever again. I have tried so many time to read their books and I just CANT. I don’t understand what’s so great about them.

I agree with what you said about Karin Slaughter. Her books just go too far for me personally, and the graphic violence seems like it is being used as spectacle and not for a bigger purpose.

As soon as I read the title, I just knew you'd mention Rainbow Rowell 😂

Seeing Rainbow Rowell at the top of this list made me SO HAPPY!😆 I hated Eleanor and Park🤮

You should read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier this fall season. I think you’ll really like it. It’s very atmospheric.

I read fangirl and never picked up rainbow rowell again

Honestly love how honest you are. It’s so refreshing!

James Patterson for me. I read a few and they just didn't grip me at all.

I can't stand Patricia Cornwell's books. I really tried to get into them because they were really hyped, but if I had to read one more page of that Scarpetta character and her cooking and her wine I'd go mad

I really don't understand the hype with Karin Slaughter. She seems to put her female characters through so much shit just for the shock value and sometimes it feels like the book is fetishizing all that sexual violence.

I have read Coraline, American Gods, and Ocean At the End of the Lane and I just don't get what I'm missing from Neil Gaiman. People I know love him!

I really love watching your videos, thank you so much for making them! You are Fantastic virtual company 🙂

There are a few authors I enjoyed when I was a teenager, but I don't have any interest in now: John Green, Rainbow Rowell, Stephanie Meyer and Sara Shepard. Some authors I'll probably never pick up again because I was really intrigued by the premise of their book(s) but hated the execution: Adrian Barnes (Nod), Gena Showalter (Firstlife), Rick Yancey (last two books if the 5th Wave Trilogy), Daniel Godfrey (New Pompeii). I've read two series by Ann Aguirre and while I enjoyed the plot and world building I absolutely hate the way her characters interact with eachother.

Probably Seanan McGuire for me. I really liked the idea of all of her books I've looked at, but I never ended up liking the books when I read them Probably just not my style...

I literally just got a push notification for this video and while watching I noticed the date was from 4 days ago. What the heck?!

Haven’t read “the sun is also a star,” but “everything, everything” was so underwhelming that I probably won’t. I also had a lot of problems with that book. And I liked “fangirl” but I’m not really interested in any of RR’s other books (besides maybe “carry on,” because I liked fangirl). I think the protagonist reminded me a lot of myself at that age and the issues I faced going off to college, so I have a soft spot for it. But idk, none of her other ones really sound that interesting to me.

Videos like these just make me grateful that I have a kindle (for cheaper books) and that Amazon gives you samples to read before you buy.

I really enjoy M.J. Arlidge, a UK crime author. They are very fast paced, fun quick reads. His Helen Grace series flys. Easily a one day read.

I vehemently disagree on a couple of them, but I’m sure we’ll all survive :D

My heart sank when you said "Neil Gaiman". He is one of my favorites. But I can understand why many people don't like it, some books can get a little too weird. But if you ever decide to give another chance I think The Cemetery Book is one you would enjoy.

I cant remember if I posted this before but I think you'll like Foe by Iain Reid. Sci fi, twilight zone vibe- short read/listen

Neil Gaiman is my favorite author and I fully support your decision to not read anymore of his books! His writing style is pretty consistent throughout all of his books I've read, so if you've tried two and haven't liked them I really don't think you'll like any of his others. I enjoy his books BECAUSE of his writing style (it just immediately clicked with me, makes me feel at home, and is generally a treat for me to read), but I really think thats the main thing that makes his books special, and if it didn't click with you from the beginning I can safely say none of his books will be fun for you to read. Don't second guess yourself, you know what you like and thats why I love your videos!

I think it would be a good idea to do a "try a chapter" of the ones you already own! I would argue in favor of Carry On by Rainbow Rowell. I think people are thrown off, because it's like Harry Potter, but you are dumped into the story in book 7. So many of the epic battles have already been fought, and our main character already has his reputation. I think maybe that bugs people, but I found it interesting to try to piece together what came before.

I can’t read James Patterson. My brain just shuts down 😳

I'm glad I'm not the only one who listened those Karin slaughter books

I only had to read Cabin at the end of the world to know I'll most likely not pick up another Paul Tremblay book. So disappointing.

The only Gaiman I’ve really liked is Norse Mythology which isn’t really his story but his interpretation of pre-existing myths

I am happy you clarified you don't think Slaughter's books are bad, but just too graphic for you.

I completely agree about Karin Slaughter. Pretty Girls was my 1st and last of hers.

can you do a video with your all time favourite mystery thriller novels?? I want to start reading some more, especially now going into fall

Same on Neil Geiman, personally I find his general ideas brilliant. however, his writing is lackluster and never manages to captivate me, I think he's mediocre at best.

I’ve tried to get into two insanely popular books from RU-vid and just gave up. Funnily enough, the main male character was named Theo is each book. I just don’t get the hype around Goldfinch and The Silent Patient 🤷🏻‍♀️

Love this! Very helpful

I have the exactly same feelings about Paul Trembley. I remember loving The Cabin until the end even though I can't remember what happens. I also listened to Growing Things and just couldn't focus. I don't think I'll bother reading anything by him again. It's a shame too as I had high expectations.

What is "magical realism"? I noticed in multiple videos and comments you guys talk about "Magical realism" and I have to admit I'm confused. I tried looking it up, but I'm still not sure, what is the difference between magical realism and fantasy or phanstastical books?

John Green for me. I remember reading TFIOS right before the movie came out bc all of my friends were reading it and I thought it was so good... recently I tried to read Turtles all the Way Down and couldn't make it past the first few pages before I got sick of the pretentiousness of it, it really rubbed me the wrong way for sure.

To be fair to Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is quite different from what he usually writes, and Good Omens was co-authored, so they're not very representative of his work. Neverwhere is much more typical. If you want to give him one last chance, I'd try one of his short horror stories (I recommend Snow, Glass, Apples) or his Sleeping Beauty retelling, The Sleeper and the Spindle. If you hate them, at least they're short, but I think you might like those!

This makes me want to reread fangirl. I enjoyed it, loved eleanor and park and carry on but read them all years ago. And I trust your opinion. Also hated attachments.

I gave up on Karin Slaughter on my 3rd book. A pregnant character was stabbed in the stomach and partially scalped. That was it. I was done. I dnf'd it and unhauled all her books. I also won't ever read Jodi Picoult again. I was so furious about the ending of My Sister's Keeper that I won't try another one.

I liked a head full of ghosts. The ending was so bone chilling. It was actually the opposite of how you felt about the cabin at the end of the world the whole book was ok and the end was so creepy it boosted my overall rating

I really loved the Head Full of Ghosts audiobook! It really helped me in my reading slump. It was super creepy ❤️

Oh no, I just recently ordered The Good Daughter. It's going to be my first Karin Slaughter book!

For me, the vast majority of authors that fall into the "Never Again" category are all YA authors. I'm in my mid-30s now and I just can't relate to the struggle of teenagers anymore lol. So mine is: Sarah J Maas Cassandra Clare Libba Bray Susan Dennard (I liked Truthwitch, but am struggling to get into the rest of the series) Marissa Meyer Not YA: Josh Malerman - I just am not into his writing and feel that it's overhyped

The Last Conversation by Paul a Tremblay is worth a read! I haven’t read any of his other works but that short story really intrigued me. All of the forward collection short stories were pretty spot on actually. They were all available through kindle unlimited when I read them.

I’m Australian, and I totally agree about Jane Harper. Her worlds do evoke the Australian landscape and feel, but I find them so utterly Australian tropey, particularly the whole drought in the outback vibe....argh...

I read the last conversation and it was alright, worth the read for the size of it. It was the first thing I've ever read from him and it didn't make me want to rush out to pick up anything else he's written, though.

Mystery recommendation: Death Comes to Pemberley by P.D. James.

Erin Morgenstern is probably going to be added to my done list. I’m going to give the Starless Sea a chance because it was gifted to me, but getting through The Night Circus was a huge drag.

Finally someone who isn't scared to death to say things they don't like. FINALLY!!!

My list would include Blake Crouch Sarah J Maas Christopher Paolini Jodi Picoult Peter Swanson Paula Hawkins All very well loved author whose books I can't stand.

No pressure, but I really think you should give Gaiman another chance (especially if you have Neverwhere on your shelf, it's sooo different from The Ocean at the end of the Lane). Anyway, I will never read anything more by all those romance writers that I once read like Colleen Hoover 🤷‍♀️

My never again authors are: Rowling Rainbow Rowell Kiera Cass Dean Koontz Anne Rice 🤷‍♀️

Lol, Neil Gaiman is one of my literary crushes, funny how tastes differ. Neverwhere and Ocean were two of my fave reads of this past year. Personally, my never-again-list is Ruth Ware, Pierre Lemaitre and (my own controversial effort here) Erin Morgenstern. Circus was so beautiful with nowhere to go...

You should try to read Joël Dicker for your mystery/thriller mood! The most popular is "The truth about the Harry Quebert affair", it´s really entertaining. Or read "The silence of the white city" by Eva García Saenz, its actually a trilogy and I really enjoyed it and the mystery was good, it kept me thinking what the hell happened? haha

I get you on Neil Gaiman. The American Gods was somewhat enjoyable, but all his other books were kinda meh for me😅

A Head Full of Ghosts is one of my favorite books ever. I'm a big fan of psychological horror, and this book really worked for me. Give It a try! 😊. Greetings from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

I think you should give A head full of ghosts by Paul Tremblay a chance. I've read all of his books and by far A head full of ghosts was the best one!! 5 out of 5 stars for me. The authors I pretty much gave up on though are Philip K. Dick (I really don't understand the hype) and Mary Kubica (a thriller author - for some reason I keep picking up her books, don't like any of them and end up being mad at myself for reading them xD)

I DNF’d Carry On I could not get into it. It felt like I was reading the last book of a series

I loved this video idea! So fun

The thing about Neil Gaiman is that his best work is comics, sandman is masterful, although I don't know if you're very keen in comic book reading, but in my opinion his novels are also great.

I also tried to read Neverwhere and I just didn’t enjoy it. I also had Good Omens and I wasn’t into it. I guess it’s his writing style. Good to see I am not alone. Lol

The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell is so so good, in a totally different league to her other books!

Neil Gaiman, I love him as a person and narrator. I LOVE his adaptations of his books to visual media, but I only like his writing. After I finish his books I'm like - well, that was nice. I've read several of them and still haven't found one that really enthralled me.

Rebecca Schaeffer is a hard pass for me. I loved the idea behind the Market of Monsters. But I just can't. I read books one and two and I found book one problematic for several reasons, but I was willing to give the series another try. But all of the issues I had with book one became highlighted and central to the plot in book two. I also can't say her writing style really works for me. I can see why people love her books but I just can't.

Ooh it hurts my heart a little that Neil Gaiman is here, but I can see how he wouldn’t be for everyone!

Have you seen A Simple Favor? It's a fantastic subversion of the "crazy wife/mom" thriller trope and I LOVED it.

I think that sounds like a good strategy for Paul Tremblay. I like Neil Gaiman's middle grade books (Coraline and The Graveyard Book) but not so much his adult books.

I also have no desire to read Rainbow Rowell, her books just never spoke to me anyway so I'm not tooo upset by it.

The only Neil Gaiman book I've liked is The Graveyard Book. I didn't care about any of his other ones

Definitely SJM for me, I got really into throne of glass but the more of it I read, the more I hated the direction she was taking with her characters and the problematic factors eventually completely overwhelmed any good I found earlier. And then I read the first two acotar books and that was when I swore I'd never put myself through her bs again. Turned me off fae books for a long time tbh

I also tried and failed to like Neil Gaiman. The ending of The Cabin at the End of the World made me never want to read another Paul Tremblay book.

I've read a few of Gaiman's books and they all have a different feel but I really enjoyed them. Neverwhere and American Gods are the best, imo. Anasasi Boys and The Graveyard Book were good as well. His short story A Study in Emerald, which was also turned into a superbly done graphic novel, is very good, especially if you like Lovecraft mythos stuff. I've never read the two you read.

Have you read anything by Mike Omer? He is one of my faves. I think I have read everything he has written thus far.

I will probably never read a book by James Dashner again. Maze Runner series was awful, and his other series was not that great either.

I'm not sure if anyone else mentioned the forward collection, but for me the Blake Crouch and NK jemisin stories are stand outs/exceptional 😊 not sure if you'd like the Tremblay one, but I got them as a bundle for cheap on Kindle so I'm not too mad about the meh ones haha

I think it's a total mood that you're trying to still read in the shower and yeah, I have put a book down on the vanity at the last second, gotten in the shower, and then picked it back up as soon as my hands were dry. :)

Gaiman is a bit iffy for me because its stuff that I like to read but for some reason I'm not feeling it. I've read good omens and the graveyard book and started the sandman series but other than that i think im done with him

I won’t read Gillian Flynn again, dnf’d Gone Girl and Sharp Objects - just not my thing.

I really, really liked A Head Full of Ghosts. I urge you to give it a try! I didn't read Cabin at the End of the World, but I heard it's not one of his best ones.

i’m sure you have said this to everyone but where are you from?

I was just getting ready to type Lisa Jewell in the comments when you mentioned her. I’ve read two of hers and hated both!!

I think my list is: - J K Rowling (even if she wasn't a sentient trash bag, her writing is just so bland and underdeveloped) - Cassandra Claire (if she counts; I've never really liked anything she's done outside of that LotR fic, and that was likely just because I read it as a child) - Elan Mastai (I know he's only written one book so there's a chance he might improve, but my complete and utter disappointment over a concept that could have been so interesting being instead used to make every single underwritten woman, including his /sister/ fall in love with the protagonist tells me I won't read it regardless) - Gillian Flynn (I have no idea why, because her writing is fine and the plots are all the sort of thing I'd usually throw myself headfirst into, but something in her work just doesn't click for me) - Rainbow Rowell (I really did try, and Carry On was sort of blah, but acceptable enough to give her another shot. However, Fangirl annoyed me to no end; the only thing that got me to finish was my determination not to have any DNFs on my list that year)

I’m currently reading Pail Tremblay’s Survivor Song and I love it so far but I am hoping it doesn’t have a horrible ending like The Cabin at the End of the World bc I agree with you on that

You need to read Carry On by Rainbow Rowell- i know you didn't like her other books, but this one is so different. i too an not a fan of hers, but this book blew me away, it's amazing and fun and like i said- very different from her other books. For me the only reason i finished Fangirl, was because of the short segment with Simon and Buz (who will later have their own book- carry on) so give it a chance. I agree with you on most of your choices in this video and the other you made later (also authors you won't read from) but on this i disagree strongly, i so hope you would give it a chance (and i realize this is needlessly personal, but i loved carry on so much, it's hard for me to think you would be denied of the pleasure)

Back in 2007/2008 I read Karin Slaughter but lately I haven’t been able to get into them.

'Life's to short for bad books'. Joe Hill - Heart Shape Box I found boring & only got about 1/3 through NOS4R2 & stopped. Not wasting any more time.

I have can't read anything by Liane Moriarty... I've attempted to read 2 of her books and DNF'd both of them.

I really liked the movie version of Everything Everything!

I just don’t like Neil Gaiman books. I’ve tried two of his books: The Graveyard and Coraline. I just hated both of them.