• Exploring overrated and underrated popular books

Many books often have a strong impression on us. It can be a book we read when we were kids or a book that’s trending on Booktok which sparks debate, discussions and dilemmas. 

Readers all across the world have been fed content and opinions on books from friends and family and the online community. And many of our readers felt that several of these books were either overrated or underrated. 

“I did feel like some of the popular books that my parents brought me as a child were incredibly overrated,” Amaya De Silva,27, told The Daily Morning Brunch.  “I felt like some books, that are extremely popular, are straight up problematic and only hold children back.” 

 Meanwhile, other readers felt like their favorite books deserved more attention, especially since it had such a positive influence on their lives. 

Following these admissions, we spoke to some of our readers on their thoughts about well known books and whether they deserve the hype. 

Childhood classics 

Many readers often began reading in childhood, often by picking up the books their parents purchased for them. As adults, many of them have several thoughts on these books. 

“I despise any books written by Enid Blyton and I had the misfortune of being given them like any kid growing up in Sri Lanka,” De Silva said. “The language in the books was far too simple which is probably fine for very young readers but I’ve noticed her stories are extremely sexist.” 

De Silva said that while she finds Blyton’s books overrated, there are several other books she recommends to younger readers. 

“Even though J K Rowling is incredibly problematic right now, I think her work has merit,” De Silva said. “I also think The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot and Forever by Judy Blume are incredibly insightful for young people.” 

Meanwhile, other readers had similar thoughts. 

“A lot of us who grew up in the 2010s read John Green as children or teenagers,” Janani Weerakoon, 25, said. “I think it is overrated because I really didn’t like Hazel’s level of emotional detachment. It was toxic. Looking for Alaska and Turtles All the Way Down were underrated though.” 

Popular books 

Many other readers felt that several books, even the most popular ones, deserve more praise due to their themes, style or overall story. 

“Even though Normal People by Sally Rooney is incredibly popular, I do think it deserves more attention,” Ansh Katuwewela,27, said. “It’s incredibly emotional and explores how love and loss can be both conflicting and confusing.” 

Meanwhile, others said that their favourite classic books deserve better recognition. 

“Sense and Sensibility definitely deserves better recognition,” Janisha Weerasekara,27, said. “It’s often overshadowed by Jane Austen’s more popular book, Pride and Prejudice, however the story of love and showing emotion without shame deserves to be told.” 

However, not all readers agreed and called some well loved books overrated. 

“I think all the Harry Potter books are overrated and I also believe that anything Jane Austen writes is overrated, not that I’ve read any of them,” a reader who wishes to be anonymous said. “I personally do not believe any book is underrated.” 

Books by popular authors, especially those who gained popularity through social media like Colleen Hoover and Ana Huang, have also sparked debate among the reading community. 

“I think some of Colleen Hoover’s books like It Ends With Us are genuinely good and have a positive message,” Ehansa Fonseka,18, said. “However, most popular books are honestly a bit too overrated and follow really strict tropes.” 

Others have voiced concerns over award winning books, often describing them as overrated. 

“I think The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida is extremely overrated, even though it won the Booker Prize,” Buddhini Rajawasam,25, said. “And I know many other readers who agree with me.” 

Hopes about future books

While many readers have strong opinions on literature, many have expressed their opinions on what they would like to see in the future. 

“While I think everyone has their own tastes, I believe Sri Lankan literature is underrated and the way it talks about class and identity is very important for people to understand,” Sampath Rajapaksha,31, said. “I hope to see more readers embracing Sri Lankan literature.” 

While Sri Lankan authors like Amanda Jayathissa and Shyam Selvadurai have gained a significant international audience, many readers believe that they deserve better. 

“We have books that put Sri Lanka on the map,” Editor of The Jam Fruit Tree Publications, Jeremy Muller, said. “It’s time we give our local voices a chance.” 

Meanwhile, other readers expressed hope that the publishing industry would move away from tropes and focus on stories. 

“I’m tired of comp titles and tropes like enemies to lovers,” De Silva said. “I hope that we will move to appreciating books for what they are instead of what is popular.” 

As readers continue to discuss and debate, many in the reading space agree that books are not meant to be loved or appreciated by all, which is what makes reading so special.