Take ten: books that surprised me

I may actually split this up into 5 books that surprised me in a good way and then 5 books that surprised me in a bad way, just because I started on the first angle, and then decided the second one might be more challenging.;)

1. The Hunger Games

I remember the librarian saying this book was all the rage (back before the movie and the trilogy was even totally out) and thinking I would give it a whirl, just because the title made me curious. It was not at all what I was expecting from first glance. I could not put it down! I went on to buy the books, since I didn't want to wait months to read Mockingjay!

2. Mockingjay

This one would have to be one of the ones that surprised me in a bad way. I mean, come on! After all Katniss goes through? I guess it made the point that you can't trick death.

3. The Chronicles of Narnia

Are you surprised I have this on here?;) It was a series that my uncle and aunt sent me over a series of birthdays and Christmases, starting when I was 9 or 10. I just read them because I knew they were my uncle's favorite when he was a kid and he would ask me how I liked them.;) Somewhere along the line, they became my favorite series and one of the few books I have re-read multiple times.

4. A Court of Thorns and Roses

I wanted to like this one because it's a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but I just was surprised by the language and other junk. I just couldn't get passed it.;(

5. Harry Potter

I was late jumping on the Harry Potter bandwagon, since I didn't think it would be a series I would enjoy. So, I was shocked when my boyfriend (now husband) convinced me to pick up the first one and I actually loved it!
(As a side note, I totally need this mug in my life!)


6. Fifty Shades of Grey
I will admit, I didn't even have to pick this one up to be shocked by the poor writing quality and how the abusive relationship is becoming a huge influence on young girls. How can (fill in the blank: feminist, Christians, mothers, etc) people think this is entertaining or a good standard to put before impressionable people?

7. Sense and Sensibility

I was an ambitious 11 year old, picking up this classic! So, my first impression was that it was a bit of a bore, since I felt like I had to look up every other word. I did grow to love the book when I returned to it, so it surprised me.

8. The Silent Planet

I thought I loved everything by C.S. Lewis! Turns out, I was wrong....;)

9. An Inconvenient Beauty

While I love all the other books by Kristi Ann, I was feeling like this one might test that, since it was about a gorgeous woman who I felt like could be annoying. Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the story of Griff and Isabella!

10. Book of a Thousand Days

I was so prepared to love this one, but then it flopped for me.

What books were you surprised with? Is it easier to come up with books you surprisingly loved or hated?

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