Books That Friends and Family Recommended . . . Unfortunately.

I always get a little nervous when someone close to me starts raving about a book. I know it won't be long before (s)he hands me a copy and tells me to read it. And 9 times out of 10, I'll hate it so much I can't get past the first chapter and instead of being honest enough to admit that, I'll start making mealy-mouthed excuses when the book's adherent asks me if I'm done yet and if it's changed my life as much as it's changed theirs. I'll admit, part of my negative response to these books is my contrarian nature which leads me to find fault in anything that someone tells me I should love. But sometimes, the books are just crap.