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Books I’d be forced to read in H3LL

For one reason or another, these books are synonymous with my own personal h3ll lmaoo…. That’s not to say they’re bad books, some of them are included because of HOW effective they are in their storytelling.

What books would be torture to read again for you?

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#lemon8bookclub #lemon8challenge #bookwormsoflemon8 #darkromancebooks #horrorbooks

2025/3/11 Edited to

When it comes to books that evoke strong emotions or even frustration, many readers have their own set of titles they loathe yet acknowledge their poignant storytelling. Titles like 'A Court of Mist and Fury' by Sarah J. Maas or 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides might top this list, where the storytelling prowess can leave readers feeling emotionally drained. Books such as 'I'm Thinking of Ending Things' by Iain Reid have sparked divisive reactions, with their psychological depth causing significant discomfort. Similarly, 'Diary of an Oxygen Thief' presents a unique yet painful reading experience that challenges perspectives on relationships. Genres like dark romance and horror often find themselves in this discussion, as they engage with themes that may be unsettling but undeniably impactful. The dichotomy between a book's quality and personal response is essential; sometimes it’s the most beautifully written narratives that leave a lasting bitterness in our minds. So share your thoughts: which books would you never want to revisit, despite their literary merit?

365 comments

Anything from Colleen Hoover. I think her ideas for stories are good, not amazing or anything, but her writing is so plain and simple. Also any of those new romance books that have cartoon covers like Icebreaker from Hannah Grace. Always way too cheesy, unrealistic, and make me gag when the characters are flirting

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i’m convinced that books that glorify SA were written by people who have NEVER experienced SA bc as a survivor of repeated SA - i did not like it. not kinda. not even a little. NOBODY enjoys it. because it’s, yknow, the most violating and dehumanizing experience one can have. romanticizing it is vile, disrespectful and genuinely dangerous.

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