BTT: Best "Worst" Book

This week's BTT question was suggested by Janet:


The opposite of last week’s question: “What’s the best ‘worst’ book you’ve ever read — the one you like despite some negative reviews or features?”

Okay, I'm going WAY OUT on a limb here people. I can't think of any books I've read that have had really negative reviews....so....I'm going to go WAY back to when I was, oh, 11 or so and I discovered a book in our downstairs bookshelf. No one ever looked at those books, or so I thought... hmm....

Anyway, I found this book and thought, "Wow, the cover looks very mod and cool. Maybe I should take a look inside." Lord, Have Mercy! That book brought a whole new world into existence. So much so that I had to share it with my girlfriend who lived next door.

What is this book I speak of? What could be that intriguing? Why would I name it as a best "worst" book?

I'm saying it was the best "worst" book I've ever read (actually, only a few sections!) because while it was titilating to say the least, it gave me one particular feeling I never wanted to feel again. That icky, squeeze-my-eyes-tightly-shut-hands-over-ears-la-la-la disgusting feeling. A lesson was learned that day.

What the heck book is it already?

Up, The Hard Way.

I don't know who the author is and I can't find it on Amazon or other bookstore sites. I'm sure it's online somewhere.

I think it was supposed to be a 70's look at the swinging lifestyle. I never read it all the way through, as I mentioned above. In fact, I could have the story all wrong. I do know that I remembered the experience and how my friend and I read a few sections, on a few different occasions, then stuffed it back in the bookshelf never to be looked at again (by my eyes anyway).

Before you go thinking I'm a prude, remember, I was only 11ish at the time. A book like that would undoubtedly not have that exact same effect today.

Forewarned is forearmed, I say. I think.

Booking Through Thursday

There have been a lot of firsts on my blogs this week and I've got another one today. Booking Through Thursday is a meme about what else.....books! A question is asked each Thursday and participants then answer it on their blog or in the comment section of the host site. Here is today's question?

Since “Inspiration” is (or should be) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

First off, my mood plays a huge part in what I decide to read. Quite often I'll want something lighthearted since there is enough to deal with in real life. Who needs more conflict?! Other times I'll long for something meatier; something that will require me to stretch my thoughts, question my beliefs or expose my heart. A good cry is quite cleansing, don't you think?

The author's voice and talent are what will determine whether or not I continue reading past the first few pages of any book. I can't tell you how many books I've started over the last few months only to place them back on my TBR shelves because I just couldn't muster up enough interest in the plot or characters. If I don't care about the characters, what's the point? Truly, I can forgive a semi-weak plot or some inconsistencies if I feel like I could live inside the main character or just want to know what happens to them.

As shallow as it may sound, an excellent book cover and back cover blurb may be what draws me in. I'm amazed at the beautiful art work and design being used for them these days. I guess those marketing folk know what they're doing, right?

Any number of things will inspire me to pick up a book, and how happy am I that someone was inspired to write them?!