5 Books Worth the Hype

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I’m one of those people who is very wary of book hype. My instinct is to avoid books everyone seems to be talking about. Because only the rare ones will meet my expectations. But they do exist. And they’re usually amazing. Here are five books that, in my opinion, are completely worth the hype surrounding them:

Exit West by Mohsin Hamid. This book was incredible. I think the audiobook – which is read by the author – was a big part of that. It’s not often I feel I read a book exactly the way the author intended, but hearing Mohsin Hamid tell it was a great way of doing that. I loved that this story was truly about the immigrant experience, but was also a magical, heartbreaking, and hopeful story. I loved reading (or listening to) it.

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I read this book over a year ago, and I’m still thinking about it. Yes, I cried – sobbed – for almost eight-hundred pages, but it was completely worth it. This story was one of the most beautiful things I have ever read. And I think it’s well on it’s way to becoming one of those books thats a part of me.

If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio. If I’m honest, part of the reason this book blew me away was because I didn’t quite know what to expect. But what I got was a truly great story and incredible writing. It it absolutely brilliant, especially for a debut novel. You may have seen it compared to The Secret History. And yes, there are some similarities. But this book is better. Trust me.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. This book is pure magic. It is worth reading for the atmosphere alone – no other book does it better. But the story and the characters are just as good. I’ve already read this book twice, and I know I will come back to it again and again.

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. Never have a read a book with such leisurely pace that sucked me in so quickly. This book starts off slowly, but I was hooked. I couldn’t put it down. And I loved every minute of it. I’m not sure I can even fully explain what it is about this book, but it is truly a great novel.

What books have you read that are worth they hype? Does book hype draw you in, or do you tend to keep your distance? Let me know in the comments!

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39 thoughts on “5 Books Worth the Hype

  1. Ohh yes. Exit West was definitely worth the hype, though I wish it got a little more fame and recognition. It felt like only the people who read literary fiction and magical realism were talking about it – no one else. I’ve heard so much about The Night Circus and A Little Life!

    Liked by 1 person

  2. I know some people dislike A Little Life because they feel that the tragedy is overdone and reads a bit manipulative, like the author is trying to make the reader cry real bad. I haven’t read it and tbh I can’t quite make up my mind if I want to or not 😅

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I can see where that argument is coming from – there is a lot of tragedy. But I didn’t see it as unrealistic, and I think the good things balance it out a bit. It’s easily the saddest book I’ve ever read, though. And I think I was depressed for a few days after reading it. Still worth it.

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  3. I love when authors narrate their own audio books (Neil Gaiman is one of my faves). Also, I completely agree with you about Night Circus— I read it years ago and I still think about it sometimes! It’s such a magical, beautiful book ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Neil Gaiman should just narrate all the audiobooks. I refuse to listen to any of his that aren’t read by him. Although I recently reread The Night Circus as an audiobook and it was fantastic. Jim Dale is excellent.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I know! Fortunately, I was able to get a copy from Book of the Month Club, but why is it so expensive for such a tiny book? I hope the paperback comes out soon so more people can get their hands on this book.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. I completely agree! I’ve only read Beartown, and I definitely didn’t like it as much. But I own two others, so I definitely want to read more. But I don’t think anything can live up to Ove.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. OMG – I tried Beartown – it was so hard for me to DNF it but there was no way I could finish that book – I was sooooo disappointed in myself 😦 Grandmother was great – it became great after the first 1/3 – really enjoyed the complex and layered story telling.

        Liked by 1 person

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