Let it be known that this article is completely based on personal opinions, and is in no means meant to offended anyone. If you disagree, great. If you agree, even better! We all have different points of view, especially when it comes to books, and they are all valid. I would also like to mention that by saying these books are overrated does not mean that I didn't enjoy them or that they are not good. I just believe that there are other books in this world that deserve some recognition, as well. So, without further ado, 10 books and authors that are overhyped or overrated.
1. Any John Green book ever.
I think that a lot of people can agree that every John Green book ever written is overrated. I have read all six of his books, so I feel like I can say that they are all the same. Mysterious girl. Boy falls in love with said mysterious girl, even though she's a complete dick to him. Girl runs away. Boy embarks on crazy eye-opening adventure in search of girl. The end. Where is the originality? Also, when are you writing another book, John Green? Because I am due for a sappy love story.
2. "Twilight" by Stephanie Meyer.
Speaking of sappy love story... Oh, my gosh! Remember "Twilight"? This is one of the first series that got me into reading, and I am not ashamed to say it. Though, you have to admit that it is very overhyped. Four large books packed with what? A sparkly old man in a teenage boys body? Don't even get me started on the movies. I will be forever be team Taylor Lautner.
3. Veronica Roth's "Divergent" series.
Remember when the world went on a dystopian binge? This is when publishing companies thought it would be a great idea to expand one book into three different ones. "Divergent" and "The Hunger Games" go hand in hand, really. You have to ask yourself why these series are so big. Are the characters even likeable? Name one character that doesn't annoy you.
4. "Red Queen."
This series is probably the most recent on this list, as the first book in the series just came out a couple of years ago. I do have to say that this book is one of the most unoriginal stories that I have read. If it came out 10 years ago, it would be a different story. If you have read "Divergent," "The Hunger Games," "The Selection," or basically any dystopian young adult book ever, you can probably pass on this book.
5. "Harry Potter" by J.K Rowling.
I know, I know. I can hear the screams already. I, myself, love this series, and I always will. It will always be one of my favorites based on pure nostalgia and love for the characters. But, it will never be one of my favorites because of the writing. It's unoriginal and not a lot of plot happens for a seven-book series. I will stop there, though, in fear of HP fans coming for me. I will say that I am #teamgryffindor. Always.
6. The "50 Shades of Grey" trilogy.
I will admit that I, myself, am a victim of this series. While it has no plot, character development, or theme other than a possessive male with mother issues, it is addicting. And it is after all, very overrated.
7. "The Maze Runner."
The concept of this book is interesting enough. Then it was made into a thousand book series and it lost me. It could also just be considered fan fiction of "The Hunger Games." Also, the movies aren't anything to brag about either, but that is neither here nor there.
8. Nicholas Sparks.
This is one of the few on this list that really erks me, and I will try not to make it too personal. Nicholas Sparks. Every one of his books has the same plot, like John Green. Main girl character is having life struggles and a strong man swoops her off her feet, mixed in with rodeos, cars races, zoos, etc. When you buy a Nicholas Sparks book, you know what you are getting the last story that you read by him.
9. James Patterson.
10. "The Vampire Academy."
After making this list, I am realizing there is a common theme to every one of these overrating books -- they were all turned into films. Directors, because I know that you are reading this, please focus on the great literature or just stop making books to movie adaptations! Also, authors, start writing original content. That is all.
