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i read 5 popular books i said i'd never read…and i wish i hadn’t 🫠

A Clockwork Reader・92 minutes read

The narrator explores disliked books like "Red Queen," criticizing its predictable plot and lack of character development. Other books like "From Blood and Ash" disappoint with poor writing, repetitive content, and uncomfortable themes, leading to a negative stance.

Insights

  • The narrator embarks on a reading experiment to challenge assumptions about disliked books and find surprises, promoting honest opinions over hate.
  • "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard is critiqued for predictable plot twists, lack of character development, cringy dialogue, and flat characters, ultimately receiving a low rating.
  • "From Blood and Ash" is heavily criticized for poor writing, excessive length, predictable plot, uncomfortable themes, and inappropriate teacher-student relationship, becoming the narrator's least favorite book.
  • "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas is reluctantly read, with a focus on gender essentialism, repetitive writing style, and gendered language, though the book is found more enjoyable than expected.

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Recent questions

  • What is the narrator's opinion on the book "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard?

    The narrator finds "Red Queen" to be okay but lacking depth and memorable characters. As the story progresses, the plot becomes more intriguing, but the characters remain flat. Criticisms include predictable plot twists, lack of character development, and screenplay-like writing. The protagonist's actions and decisions are questioned, particularly her involvement with Prince Maxon and judgmental attitude towards other girls. Overall, the book is described as readable but not emotionally evocative, receiving a low rating of 1.5 stars out of 5.

  • How does the narrator feel about the book "From Blood and Ash"?

    The narrator expresses disappointment with "From Blood and Ash," finding it excessively long, lacking a coherent plot, and filled with repetitive information. The writing is criticized for being poor and in need of serious editing, feeling more like a rough draft. Predictable characters and plot developments, uncomfortable themes of sexual violence, and problematic portrayals of freedom and autonomy through sexual empowerment are highlighted. Despite initial skepticism, the narrator rates the book as their least favorite, deeming it a waste of time and brain cells.

  • What is the narrator's reaction to the teacher-student relationship in "Slammed"?

    The narrator criticizes the romanticization of teacher-student relationships in literature, particularly in "Slammed." While acknowledging the writing as decent, cringey dialogue moments and uncomfortable comments are noted. The protagonist's romantic interest, a teacher, fails to take responsibility for their relationship, leading to mixed signals and manipulative behavior. The inappropriate nature of the interactions is confronted by the protagonist's mother, causing the student to contemplate dropping out of high school. The narrator expresses disdain for the normalization of abusive power dynamics in relationships.

  • How does the narrator feel about "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas?

    The narrator reluctantly reads "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, known for gender essentialism in relationships. Critiques include the presence of omega verse, repetitive use of em dashes, and lack of plot development. Discomfort with gendered language and stereotypes, as well as distasteful interactions between characters, is expressed. Despite initial skepticism, the narrator finds the book surprisingly enjoyable, rating it two and a half stars and noting similarities to "Howl's Moving Castle."

  • What are the narrator's thoughts on the book's conclusion in relation to "Howl's Moving Castle"?

    The narrator draws parallels between the book's conclusion and "Howl's Moving Castle," noting similarities in scenes and character dynamics. Recurring references to stars and starlight, as well as a moment where a character's heart or soul is returned to their body, echo elements from the latter. Despite initial skepticism, the narrator concludes that the book was surprisingly enjoyable, rating it two and a half stars and acknowledging its thematic connections to "Howl's Moving Castle."

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Summary

00:00

Exploring Unloved Books: A Reading Experiment

  • The text discusses the lack of plot, character development, and vibes in certain books.
  • The narrator embarks on a reading experiment to explore books previously deemed uninteresting.
  • The purpose is to challenge assumptions about disliked books and potentially find surprises.
  • The narrator clarifies that the intention is not to hate on the books but to provide honest opinions.
  • Spoilers are included in this video, a departure from previous spoiler-free content.
  • The Clockwork Reader reading journal is promoted for tracking reading in a creative way.
  • The first book read is "Red Queen" by Victoria Aveyard, a dystopian fantasy novel.
  • Initial impressions of "Red Queen" are that it is okay but lacks depth and memorable characters.
  • As the narrator progresses through "Red Queen," the plot becomes more intriguing but characters remain flat.
  • The book is critiqued for predictable plot twists, lack of character development, and screenplay-like writing.

11:15

"Book Critique: Mind-Reading Character and Cringy Dialogue"

  • The character in the book can read minds and knows everything about the protagonist's life, questioning their ability to keep secrets.
  • The dialogue in the book is criticized for being cringy and using odd phrases, like "big oaf," in inappropriate moments.
  • A significant scene involving a slap is highlighted for its unexpected comedic tone in a dramatic climax.
  • The romance between characters Cal and Mare lacks buildup and development, with no substantial reason for their attraction.
  • The book is described as deeply fine and okay, not evoking strong emotions but being readable and quick to get through.
  • The protagonist's name, America Singer, is heavily criticized for being unappealing and unrealistic, with the character lacking depth and personality.
  • The writing in the book is deemed poor, jumping between scenes without proper explanation and lacking detail in key aspects like the selection process.
  • The protagonist's actions and decisions are questioned, particularly her involvement with Prince Maxon and her judgmental attitude towards other girls.
  • The book is noted for embodying a "not like other girls" trope from 2012, with the protagonist displaying traits of shyness and seeking attention.
  • The book is criticized for being too direct in its messaging, not allowing readers to interpret or analyze the content independently.

22:37

Critique of Dystopian Novel "The Selection"

  • The protagonist contemplates a hypothetical scenario where he must steal bread to save a starving loved one, leading to emotional introspection.
  • The protagonist, Maxon, is named after a country known for its fighting spirit, a name disliked by the narrator.
  • Criticism is directed towards the character names in the book, including "America Singer" and "Maxon Schreave."
  • The setting includes a country named "Swendway," formerly known as Sweden, with questionable naming choices.
  • The book's lack of plot development and character depth is highlighted, with a focus on the absence of political context.
  • The narrator expresses disappointment in the lack of humor and dramatic impact in the book, expecting more given the premise.
  • Toxic masculinity is criticized in the book, particularly a scene where the male character displays dominance and aggression.
  • The narrator rates the book poorly, giving it 1.5 stars out of 5, citing it as a waste of time and lacking dystopian elements.
  • A recommendation is made for a better alternative, suggesting the show "Snow White with the Red Hair" for a similar concept done well.
  • The narrator reluctantly continues reading another book, "From Blood and Ash," despite initial skepticism and negative expectations.

34:25

Lengthy, repetitive book with poor writing quality.

  • The book in question is excessively long, with the paperback edition spanning 613 pages, which the reviewer finds at least 300 pages too long.
  • The plot of the book is deemed non-existent, with constant info dumping and irrelevant exposition.
  • Repetition is a significant issue in the book, with phrases and information being reiterated excessively throughout the text.
  • The writing is criticized for being poor and in need of serious editing, feeling more like a rough draft.
  • The characters and plot developments are labeled as predictable, with the reviewer accurately predicting future plot twists.
  • The use of pet names, particularly "princess," is highlighted as excessive and irritating.
  • The book is compared to "Yona of the Dawn" due to similarities in character dynamics, but lacks the depth and plot development of the former.
  • The book introduces uncomfortable themes of sexual violence and control, particularly regarding the protagonist's status as a maiden.
  • The portrayal of a veil worn by the protagonist is criticized for its implications of freedom and cultural insensitivity.
  • The reviewer expresses frustration with the positive reception of the book on Goodreads, despite their own negative experience and opinions.

46:30

"From Blood and Ash" critiques sexual empowerment

  • The book uses sexual empowerment as a synonym for freedom and autonomy, with sex scenes representing these themes.
  • The protagonist believes her first kiss, not sex, was the catalyst for plot developments, contradicting the narrative.
  • The story implies losing virginity grants freedom and autonomy, a theme the reader finds flawed and problematic.
  • The protagonist's world is upended when she discovers betrayal but continues flirtatious interactions with the betrayer.
  • The protagonist becomes aroused from drinking the betrayer's blood, leading to unexpected sexual encounters.
  • The protagonist stabs the betrayer, thinking she killed him, only to realize he is immortal, leading to more intimate moments.
  • The reader criticizes the book's portrayal of a teacher-student relationship in "Slammed," finding it inappropriate and unrealistic.
  • The reader acknowledges the writing in "Slammed" as decent but notes cringey dialogue moments and uncomfortable comments.
  • The protagonist's romantic interest, a teacher, fails to take responsibility for their relationship, despite being the adult in the situation.
  • The reader concludes that "From Blood and Ash" is their least favorite book, finding it a waste of time and brain cells.

58:51

Inappropriate Teacher-Student Relationship Sparks Concern

  • Teacher performs slam poetry in class, reminiscent of a cringy high school experience.
  • Mother expresses concern over teacher-student relationship potentially damaging his career.
  • Teacher blamed for mixed signals and manipulative behavior in relationship with student.
  • Mother confronts teacher, highlighting the inappropriate nature of their interactions.
  • Student contemplates dropping out of high school after brief relationship with teacher.
  • Relationship between student and teacher is blurred, with inappropriate moments.
  • Teacher intervenes in a situation, revealing jealousy rather than genuine concern for student.
  • Narrator criticizes romanticization of teacher-student relationships in literature.
  • Narrator expresses disdain for normalization of abusive power dynamics in relationships.
  • Narrator reluctantly reads "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, known for gender essentialism in relationships.

01:10:37

"Omega Verse Critique: Repetition and Gender Stereotypes"

  • The text discusses the presence of omega verse in the book, which the speaker does not enjoy, but notes it hasn't been prominent in the first 150 pages.
  • The writing style of the book is likened to Sarah J. Maas, with a specific critique of repetitive use of em dashes, causing distractions.
  • The speaker finds the constant repetition in the book distracting, feeling it lacks plot development and information.
  • The speaker expresses neutrality towards the characters Pharah and Tamlin, predicting their relationship development without much buildup.
  • A comparison is drawn between characters in the book and those from "Howl's Moving Castle," suggesting a thematic connection.
  • The speaker predicts the answer to a riddle in the book to be "love," based on the context and themes presented.
  • The text delves into the speaker's theory that the book is heavily influenced by "Howl's Moving Castle," pointing out similarities in character dynamics and plot elements.
  • The speaker expresses discomfort with gendered language and stereotypes present in the book, particularly in interactions between characters.
  • A critique is made regarding a character's statement about male-female interactions, deeming it distasteful and unnecessary.
  • The speaker expresses a wish for the removal of gendered language in the book to enhance their enjoyment of the story.

01:21:47

"Surprisingly Enjoyable Book with Familiar Themes"

  • The reader finds the book being discussed more enjoyable than others previously read.
  • The book is described as providing "trashy fun," but the reader expresses discomfort with certain themes like male-female dynamics and predatory language.
  • A character of color is introduced, the High Lord of the Summer Court, who is promptly killed off by another character.
  • The protagonist, Reese, exhibits disturbing behavior by licking away tears, leading to revulsion from the reader.
  • Parallels are drawn between the book and "Howl's Moving Castle," with similarities in character traits and scenes.
  • The reader notes recurring references to stars and starlight, reminiscent of scenes from "Howl's Moving Castle."
  • The book's conclusion involves a scene where a character's heart or soul is returned to their body, echoing a similar moment in "Howl's Moving Castle."
  • Despite initial skepticism, the reader concludes that the book was surprisingly enjoyable, rating it two and a half stars and acknowledging its similarities to "Howl's Moving Castle."
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