So Bad, They’re Good: 15 Books You Can’t Help But Love to Hate
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We’ve all come across books that are so delightfully bad they circle back to being good again. These literary oddities might not win awards, but they’re worth a read just for the sheer entertainment value. Here are 15 terrible books that you should definitely check out, even if it’s just for a good laugh.
“Vampire Breeding Academy” by Lissa Kat
This paranormal romance takes the vampire genre to new heights (or depths) with its over-the-top plot and dramatic love triangles. It’s so campy and absurd you won’t be able to put it down if only to see what wild twist comes next.
“Dinosaur Erotica Series” by Christie Sims
Yes, you read that right. This series combines dinosaurs and romance in a way that defies logic and taste. It’s so bizarre that it’s almost impressive how committed the author is to the concept. Prepare to be bewildered and maybe a little disturbed.
“How to Avoid Huge Ships” by John W. Trimmer
This oddly specific guide offers advice on how to, well avoid huge ships. It’s an unintentionally hilarious read, filled with bizarre scenarios and impractical tips. While it’s not exactly a practical life guide, it’s sure to provide a few chuckles.
“Cooking with Pooh” by Virginia Ellison
No, it’s not a cookbook featuring Winnie the Pooh. It’s a cookbook with a rather unfortunate title placement. While it’s intended for children, the title raises a few eyebrows and gives adults a good giggle. It’s worth a look if only to see the awkward expressions on your friends’ faces.
“The Average American Male” by Chad Kultgen
This book offers a raw and unfiltered look into the mind of a stereotypical American male. It’s filled with crude language, questionable perspectives, and a protagonist you’ll love to hate. While it’s not for everyone, it’s a fascinating (if cringe-inducing) glimpse into a certain mindset.
“Gnomes” by Wil Huygen and Rien Poortvliet
This quirky book takes a deep dive into the lives of garden gnomes, complete with detailed illustrations and an oddly serious tone. While it’s meant to be informative, it veers into the realm of unintentional comedy. It’s worth a read just to witness the dedication to gnome lore.
“How to Good-bye Depression” by Hiroyuki Nishigaki
Despite its promising title, this book offers some of the most baffling and nonsensical advice on dealing with depression. The author’s unique approach includes methods like “practicing having nothing to do” and “talking to cats.” It’s a surreal journey through self-help literature that’s sure to leave you scratching your head.
“Hot Men and Cute Animals” by Audrey Khuner and Carolyn Newman
This book combines exactly what the title suggests: attractive men posing with adorable animals. While it’s not exactly a literary masterpiece, it’s hard to deny its entertainment value. It’s a visual feast that’s sure to bring a smile to your face.
“The Book of Ratings” by Lore Sjöberg
In this book, the author takes on a wide range of topics and rates them with a unique and humorous perspective. From “Chocolate” to “Fridays,” no subject is too small or too big for his quirky ratings. It’s a lighthearted read that offers a fresh take on everyday things.
“How to Avoid Huge Ships and Other Implausibly Titled Books” by Joel Rickett
This book is a hilarious compilation of real book titles that, much like our first entry, raise more questions than they answer. Rickett provides witty commentary on these unintentionally amusing titles, making it a fun read for book lovers with a sense of humor. It’s a light-hearted exploration of the quirks of the publishing world.
“Gadsby” by Ernest Vincent Wright
What sets “Gadsby” apart is that it’s a 50,000-word novel written entirely without using the letter ‘e’. It’s a literary experiment that’s equal parts impressive and amusing. While it may not be the most gripping story, it’s worth a read for the sheer audacity of its constraint.
“Hollywood Wives” by Jackie Collins
This classic “guilty pleasure” novel takes readers on a glamorous, over-the-top journey through the lives of Hollywood’s elite. Filled with scandalous affairs, glitzy parties, and over-the-top drama, it’s a rollercoaster ride of excess. While it’s not exactly highbrow literature, it’s undeniably entertaining.
“The Areas of My Expertise” by John Hodgman
Hodgman’s book is a satirical collection of made-up facts and absurd trivia. Presented in a deadpan style, it’s a delightful exercise in creative absurdity. While you won’t actually learn anything useful, you’ll certainly get a good laugh.
“The Zombie Survival Guide” by Max Brooks
While it’s presented as a serious guide to surviving a zombie apocalypse, the deadpan delivery and meticulous attention to detail make it both entertaining and oddly practical (in a fictional, undead sort of way). It’s a tongue-in-cheek take on a genre that often takes itself too seriously.
“The Book of Bunny Suicides” by Andy Riley
This darkly comedic book features cartoons of bunnies attempting various, often ridiculous, methods of self-destruction. It’s a morbidly funny exploration of the absurd lengths these bunnies will go to meet their end. While it’s certainly not for everyone, it’s a unique and oddly charming read.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. On her sites, Motherhood Life Balance, Neon Moon and Bookworm Era she writes about ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.