Some of the books on the list are also films (Image: cyano66 via Getty Images)
Goodreads remains the world’s largest platform for book enthusiasts and recommendations, which means when it releases a ranking, you can generally rely on its authority.
Yet not every title garners glowing praise – indeed, some attract precisely the opposite. Members have assembled their most disliked reads on the platform. In particular, one writer has managed to secure four spots on the list. Let’s take a look the top eight worst books of all time, according to Goodreads users.
Read more: Netflix teases ‘chaotic’ plot twist in film based on beloved books
Read more: ‘Glittering’ period drama adaptation of popular books now on BBC iPlayer
8. Scientology: The Fundamentals of Thought by L. Ron Hubbard
Scientology continues to be a divisive subject, so its appearance on the list is hardly surprising. This book sets out the essence of Scientology, explores its core principles and aims, and offers instruction on using Scientology to improve one’s life. Many reviewers describe feeling confused after reading it, suggesting it failed to make sense.
7. Guilty: Liberal “Victims” and Their Assault on America by Ann Coulter
In a controversial and aggressively presented work, Ann Coulter accuses liberals of constantly playing the victim – when in reality, from her viewpoint, they are the aggressors. In this volume, Coulter dismantles this notion to argue that, when it comes to intimidation, nobody surpasses the Left. The book evidently hasn’t struck a chord with readers, and Coulter continues to be unafraid of expressing her views on modern politics.
6. Miles to Go by Miley Cyrus
This book was written early in Cyrus’ career and reveals details about her childhood in rural Tennessee, which revolved around family, friends, school, cheerleading, and the daily duties of farm life. After Hannah Montana aired, Miley would rocket to worldwide stardom almost overnight, transforming into a television and music phenomenon. It chiefly concentrates on how she navigated sudden celebrity but is undeniably exceptionally outdated now.
5. Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James
This is the book that seized everyone’s imagination. Infamous for its weak writing and explicit scenes, Fifty Shades of Grey follows literature student Anastasia Steele’s experience when she interviews young entrepreneur Christian Grey. The innocent, unworldly Ana is stunned to find herself drawn to this man and, despite his enigmatic manner, discovers herself yearning to understand him more deeply. Some have likened this book to the Twilight Saga, albeit with bondage paraphernalia added into the mix.
Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L James was fifth on the list (Image: AFP, AFP via Getty Images)
4. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
The third instalment of the Twilight series, Eclipse, secures fourth place for worst novel of all time. While Seattle experiences a spate of mysterious killings and a vengeful vampire seeks retribution, Bella finds herself plunged into danger once again. She must choose between her affection for Edward and her bond with Jacob – but will she select vampire or werewolf? Goodreads users remarked that they found the character progression wanting and the novel extraordinarily challenging to complete.
3. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
The second book in Meyer’s saga, New Moon, follows Bella as she discovers that loving a vampire proves even more perilous than she ever anticipated. Edward has previously saved Bella from another malevolent vampire’s grasp, yet now, as their precarious relationship endangers everything they hold dear, they come to understand their difficulties may only be beginning… with readers expressing complaints strikingly similar to those regarding Eclipse.
2. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Following Bella’s decision about her romantic future, a shocking series of extraordinary events begins to unfold, bringing potentially catastrophic and unimaginable consequences. While it functions as the finale to the Twilight saga, it’s clear these novels haven’t stood the test of time particularly well. The book attracted criticism for its excessive length and rather predictable finale.
1. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
Indeed – the opening instalment of the saga received the poorest rating from Goodreads users. The novel acquaints readers with Bella, Edward and the world of vampires, functioning essentially as a coming-of-age story interlaced with supernatural themes. Despite featuring prominently on Goodreads’ list of the worst books ever written, the Twilight film franchise went on to become a massive commercial success at the box office, subsequently propelling the careers of many of its cast members.
