Want to Join the Dacula Patch Book Club?

Let me just say this upfront -- this book club is entirely self-serving. I have had a terrible run of luck at the library of late. Let me explain.

I am often pressed for time when I go to the library, so I simply walk up and down the aisles grabbing books with interesting titles or covers. If the inside flap looks promising, I’ll check it out. Lately, this judge-a-book-by-its-cover technique has not been working so well (turns out the old adage is correct). In fact, some of the books have been so bad that I would be doing other patrons a favor if I just chucked the book in the trash rather than returning it to the library (note to any Gwinnett Library employees -- I have not chucked any of your books in the trash).

My last set of book selections certainly wasn’t my worst -- it was my second worst. First of all, I made the mistake of choosing two Dean Koontz books. I should know by now that only a handful of his books are truly worth reading. The rest are mildly entertaining diversions at best, complete drivel at worst. (I do like the “Odd Thomas” books though and “Lightning.”)

As for my other choices:

“Black Cathedral” by L.H. Maynard and M.P.N. Sims – Verdict: Awful. I thought this would be a nice spooky story. Instead, what I ended up with is one of the most ridiculous books I have ever read. I kept hoping it would get better. I should have quit reading after the first chapter.

“Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel” by Samantha Grace – Verdict: Barely tolerable. I do like to read a romance novel occasionally. Their absolutely reliable predictability keeps me from having to think too much. I do however have a greater appreciation for those authors who can at least make me somewhat believe the story (as much as anyone can believe ridiculously handsome, wealthy and charming men are in ample supply). A solid attempt at historical accuracy is also a bonus.

“Unafraid” by Michael Griffo – Verdict: Total fail. Six pages. That is all I could stand.

“Monument 14” by Emmy Laybourne – Verdict: Pointless. Literally. This book had potential, but then just absolutely failed to meet it. Was there a plot? I’m not even sure. The ending? Well, let’s just say it ended and be thankful that I didn’t waste any more time reading it than what I did.

“Sword and Blood” by Sarah Marques – Verdict: Absurd. What is it about “The Three Musketeers” that compels screenwriters and authors to cook up the most preposterous tales? Is it so hard to just let the Musketeers be Musketeers? Aren’t their antics heroic enough without turning them into vampire hunters? Yes, you read that right. Vampires. I am beginning to think the publishing world should enact an immediate and indefinite moratorium on any books having anything to do with vampires. The whole genre has jumped the shark.

So, now that you see what I have been reading, you understand why I am ready to seek out some recommendations.

If you’d like to join the Dacula Patch book club, it is simple. Just add a comment and let me know what you have been reading lately -- good and bad. If you have more to say about a book than what our comment length will allow, post your review as a blog instead. I want to avoid any more awful choices, so your advice and recommendations are appreciated!