As a former bookshop employee and English literature student, I’ve delved into a vast array of books throughout my life. From Victorian masterpieces to Chaucer, gripping crime novels to fantasy epics, I’m open to exploring most genres. Some of the books that have earned a special place in my heart are classics that rightfully belong on any “best books” list, such as Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Dracula by Bram Stoker, and The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.
However, there are certain books on these lists that, in my opinion, are grossly overrated and failed to live up to their reputation as transformative reads, reports the Express. There are numerous other books I could include in this category, but the following three stood out the most:
1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925
Set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties or the Jazz Age, The Great Gatsby is a short novel that perfectly captures the opulence, wealth and vibrancy of the 1920s.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Nick Carraway, a bond salesman who happens to be the neighbour of the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.
Located in the Long Island village of West Egg, Nick narrates the tale of the obscenely affluent Jay Gatsby, known for his extravagant parties and luxurious lifestyle. After becoming neighbours, the two strike up a friendship, with Gatsby eventually seeking Nick’s assistance to reunite him with Nick’s cousin Daisy Buchanan, a woman he was smitten with in his younger days.
Daisy is married to Tom Buchanan, a wealthy polo enthusiast who is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, the spouse of a garage worker who lives in the “valley of ashes,” a wasteland.
Daisy and Gatsby embark on a romance, which Tom subsequently discovers. He confronts Gatsby and exposes that he accumulated his fortune through illegal alcohol smuggling.
The story concludes tragically when Daisy inadvertently strikes and kills Myrtle whilst operating Gatsby’s vehicle, leading to Gatsby’s own demise.
The storyline possesses all the elements of a thrilling, captivating narrative—romance, conflict, violence, heartbreak and even murder.
There’s no questioning that Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the period is impeccable. Set during the prohibition, when jazz melodies echoed from every corner and hedonism triumphed over reason, anything felt possible when reading this novel.
Nevertheless, beneath the extravagance and boundless riches, none of these personalities proves particularly likeable, perhaps excluding Gatsby alone, though it’s difficult to determine whether you admire him or simply pity him.
Despite the unfolding chaos, I never found myself supporting any of these characters. Their passivity, self-centredness and greed becoming increasingly irritating with every page.
It’s one of the rare instances where I’d argue the film surpasses the novel.
Read instead: Passing by Nella Larsen, 1929
2. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, 1951
Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, often described as a “coming-of-age novel”, was one of those books I read during my teenage years.
The story revolves around 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, who finds himself expelled from yet another prep school. Throughout the narrative, he struggles with the adult world and the loss of his brother, wandering aimlessly around New York City and encountering various individuals and situations.
The book is essentially an internal monologue, presenting Holden’s thoughts and actions as if he were speaking aloud. While this style didn’t particularly bother me, I found myself growing weary of his narrative, yearning for the viewpoints of those he interacts with.
Holden is supposed to be a relatable character, but as a teenager reading the book, I didn’t find that to be the case at all. In fact, I found myself increasingly irritated by his self-centred nature and by the end, I had had enough of him.
Despite consistently appearing on “must-read” lists, this novel is grossly overrated. It’s one of those books that makes you feel as disoriented as the narrator.
The ending is sudden and vague, leaving the reader without any sense of closure.
Read instead: The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, 1963
3. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, 1937
Another book I strongly dislike is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Perhaps my dislike for it stems from studying it at school.
The plot traces the lives of two displaced farm labourers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they seek employment during the Great Depression in California. The duo lead a harsh life, barely making ends meet while dreaming of someday owning their own ranch.
George is a small, intelligent and sharp-witted man, while Lennie is a large, powerful, but mentally challenged individual. George takes on the role of caretaker for Lennie, who is incapable of living independently.
The pair find employment at a ranch in California known as Soledad. During their time there, they encounter various characters including Curley, the conceited son of the boss, and his flirtatious wife.
In a tragic turn of events, Lennie unintentionally kills Curley’s wife and flees. A lynch mob forms with the intention of killing Lennie.
George locates Lennie at their prearranged meeting place and ends Lennie’s life before the mob can reach him.
Of Mice and Men is a heartrending novella deeply embedded in the backdrop of the Great Depression in America. However, it wasn’t the setting that I found off-putting; it was the characters.
To me, every character seemed flat and lacking depth, with the possible exception of George.
Perhaps it’s the book itself, or maybe it’s because it reminds me of my GCSE English Literature classes, but either way, I didn’t find it enjoyable.
Read instead: The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, 1939
For more book recommendations, reviews and news, click here to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, The Bookish Drop, on Substack.