12 Overrated Books That Don’t Deserve Their Hype

You’ve probably come across books that everyone talks about like they’re the best thing ever, but when you actually read them, they don’t quite live up to the hype. It’s easy to get caught up in the buzz around popular titles, only to feel a bit let down after finishing them.

This article helps you figure out which books might not be worth all the praise they get, so you can spend your time on reads that really deliver. Understanding which books are overrated can save you disappointment and help you find stories that match your tastes better.

Ulysses by James Joyce

If you pick up Ulysses, be ready for a dense, challenging read. It’s famous for its stream-of-consciousness style, but that can feel like a lot of effort for not much payoff.

Some people say it’s a masterpiece, while others think it’s overrated and unnecessarily complicated. You might find yourself asking if the book’s reputation is bigger than the actual story.

Many readers struggle with its style and pacing. If you’re about 200 pages in and wondering if it’s worth continuing, you’re not alone. Opinions on Ulysses vary widely, with some calling it a classic and others just pure style over substance.
See more about its divisive reputation here.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

If you’ve picked up Gone Girl, you might have noticed it doesn’t feel quite as dark as some of Flynn’s other work. It’s definitely gripping, but some readers find it overrated compared to the hype it received.

You might enjoy the twists and the complex characters, but if you’re expecting something deeply shocking or groundbreaking, it could fall a little flat. The impact it had on popular culture is clear, but your mileage may vary on how much it actually impresses you.

For more views on why it might not live up to the hype, see this discussion on Gone Girl’s reception.

The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

If you pick up The 48 Laws of Power, be ready for a mix of advice that sometimes feels harsh or manipulative. You’ll find strategies based on historical examples, but some consider the book toxic or full of contradictions.

The hype around it might make you expect a magic formula for success. Instead, you’ll get a guide that encourages cautious, calculated moves—which might not fit everyone’s values or situations. Some people secretly love it, while others hate it for its cynical tone.

If you want to know more about its mixed reputation, check out why some say you shouldn’t read The 48 Laws of Power here.

Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

If you’ve heard a lot about Eleanor & Park, you might expect a deeply moving story. But many readers find it a bit bland or underwhelming. The plot mostly focuses on two teenagers navigating first love with some serious issues in the background, like poverty and abuse.

You might appreciate the simplicity of the writing, but some feel the characters lack depth. It’s often compared to other YA novels, yet it doesn’t always live up to the hype. If you’re looking for a heavy, complex story, this might not be it.

Some readers think Rainbow Rowell’s style is straightforward but not very exciting. Your experience might depend on whether you connect with the characters or not. More about mixed opinions can be found in this Goodreads discussion.

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

If you’ve heard a lot about The Fault in Our Stars, you’re not alone. It’s a popular book about two teenagers with cancer who fall in love.

But many readers find it overrated. You might feel the characters come off as unrealistic or the story too sentimental. Some think the writing and plot don’t live up to the hype.

If you’ve been curious, you might want to see why some people call it overrated or even insufferable. Opinions vary a lot online, with some readers really disliking the book’s portrayal of teen life and illness. You can read more thoughts like these on Reddit or Goodreads.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

If you’ve ever felt underwhelmed by The Great Gatsby, you’re not alone. Many readers find its pacing slow and some chapters, especially early on, drag a bit. You might think the hype around it as the “great American novel” is a stretch.

The story has interesting themes, but the way it unfolds can feel uneven or boring at times. It’s a decent book, but not everyone agrees it deserves the huge reputation it has.

If you want to see other opinions on why it’s considered overrated, check out this take on overrated books.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

If you’ve ever picked up The Book Thief, you might know it’s praised for its emotional story and unique narrator. But some readers feel it’s a bit overrated. You may find the writing style confusing or the pace slow in parts.

The book is set during World War II and offers a distinctive perspective, which many love. That said, not everyone connects with the characters or the plot as much as the hype suggests.

If you want to see what the fuss is about, it’s worth a try, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t hit all your expectations. Opinions on The Book Thief vary widely among readers. Some even consider it one of the most overrated books of all time.

Secrets of Isoria by Cristina

If you expected a gripping mystery or deep world-building, Secrets of Isoria might leave you wanting more. The story has its moments, but the pacing can feel uneven.

You might find the characters hard to connect with since their motivations sometimes lack clarity. The plot twists don’t always land as effectively as you’d hope.

Fans of simple fantasy might enjoy it, but if you’re looking for something more complex or unique, this book probably won’t deliver. Some readers think it’s overrated given the hype around it. More details can be found in this TikTok book review.

The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa

If you picked up The Housekeeper and the Professor, you might expect a deeply moving story about math and human connection. The premise is nice, but the execution feels a bit too gentle and slow for some readers.

You get a simple plot about a brilliant math professor with a memory that lasts only 80 minutes and his housekeeper. It’s touching, but often seen as overrated because it doesn’t dive as deep or challenge you much.

Many find it charming but not particularly memorable. It’s the kind of book you might enjoy when you want something light, but it probably won’t change your perspective or stick with you long after you finish reading.

See more views on overrated books like this here.

Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

If you’re coming back to Stephenie Meyer’s world, Midnight Sun retells Twilight from Edward’s perspective. It adds some new insights but doesn’t change the core story much.

You might find the teenage angst and romantic drama a bit much. The book can feel drawn-out, especially if the original didn’t grab you. Some fans appreciated it, but many think it’s overrated and didn’t deserve the hype it got.

If you want to see why opinions are mixed, reading discussions like those on Goodreads about Midnight Sun might help.

Why Some Books Get Overhyped

Books often gain massive attention because of how word spreads and who’s talking about them. The excitement you see isn’t always about the story itself but about the buzz around it and famous names backing it. Understanding these can help you see why some books feel overhyped.

How Buzz Builds Online

Online buzz can turn a book into a sensation quickly. Social media platforms, book blogs, and forums flood with opinions, making you feel like everyone is reading the same book. Hashtags, viral recommendations, and influencer posts all play a part.

But this can be a double-edged sword. The loudest voices might not represent the majority’s true opinion. Sometimes, a strong viral push makes you expect more than the book actually delivers. This is why some books feel overrated when you finally read them.

Role of Celebrity Endorsements

When a celebrity endorses a book, it often rockets to bestseller lists overnight. Their large followings mean many will pick up the book just because of the name attached to it. This can boost sales and buzz but doesn’t guarantee quality.

You might notice that these endorsements focus more on the celebrity’s taste or brand than the book’s content. So, a celebrity’s hype might give a book visibility you wouldn’t otherwise find, but it can also create expectations that the book doesn’t meet. This often leads to disappointment once the hype fades.

How to Spot an Overrated Book

Sometimes a book gets a reputation that’s bigger than what it actually delivers. You’ll want to watch for specific signs that show if a book might not live up to the hype. At the same time, trusting your own preferences is key to deciding if a book is worth your time.

Common Warning Signs

One big red flag is when a book’s praise feels more about its popularity than its content. If it’s always mentioned but people struggle to explain why they liked it, that could be a sign.

Books praised for being “deep” or “complex” but leave you confused or bored often fall into the overrated category. Also, if the characters or plot don’t stick with you after finishing, it might mean the story lacked substance.

Finally, if a book’s themes or writing style feel outdated or clichéd despite all the hype, that’s worth noting. Many overrated books get hyped just because they are “classic” without actually offering something new.

Trusting Your Own Taste

Your personal reaction matters most. If you don’t enjoy the writing style or the story, don’t force yourself to love a book because everyone else does. Reading is subjective, and it’s okay to disagree with popular opinion.

Try to identify what you like or dislike. Is it the pacing, the characters, or the overall message? Knowing this helps you spot similar overhyped books to avoid in the future.

It’s also helpful to sample a few pages or chapters before committing. If the book doesn’t grab your attention early, move on without guilt. Your time is valuable, and not every “must-read” is right for you.

For more on books that didn’t live up to expectations, check out this list of overrated books that didn’t live up to the hype.