Titles to Avoid

Christos777: This is supposed to be a hymn against war, but nowhere in the book is German imperialism directly addressed. The main character, a supposed anti-hero, never challenges the German dream, and the ones truly humiliated are the Russian captives. I want to be fair in my reviews— the only emotionally resonant moment was when the main character visited his hometown during the war. Also, if you insist on reading Remarque, try the second part of the story in the book titled The Way Back.

Christos777: Hemingway is one of my favorite authors—I’ve literally read all of his works. But this one is an exception. Sometimes, the most recommended book by an author turns out to be their worst—the one that actually drives you away. That’s exactly how I feel about The Old Man and the Sea. Pick anything else by Hemingway at random—bullseye!

Christos777: Thinking of reading this classic? I'd suggest reading the first half—it's a hymn to life—and skipping the second, which turns into a narrative of tortured death. I think Orwell got carried away with stories of Chinese torture and lost sight of where his story should have led. The same advice goes for Camus’ The Stranger—just read the first part. No need to blur your day.

Christos777: Not Fitzgerald's best.

Christos777: The plot is dull, the only reason to read it is because it is referred in some of the '100 best' lists.

Christos777: Avoid anything from T. Williams. He tries to impress with cheap emotional scenes.