But then you're reading this book, and cringing at regular intervals, and thinking, am I reading the same book here? Have the pages of my copy been swapped out with another, really crappy book? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!*
Is there a part of my brain missing which is required for me to like universally-liked things, like the Harry Potter series**, and bacon?*** Does this count as groupthink?
Is there some Emperor's New Clothes going on here? Will no-one admit to disliking something that a lot of other people like, for fear that they are just not intellectual enough to get it? Is it really possible I am the only one who doesn't get it?
I think the tendency to believe that your subjective opinion is the absolute objective truth is a natural human thing. But there seem to be a lot of people who will take major issue with anyone expressing a contradictory opinion, and regard it as just blatantly untrue. Especially on the internet. Especially about someone not recognising the genius of a book they love.
You should tell me what you think. Surely you dislike books that seem to be universally loved, too?
*I hope you got that reference. I'm just going to put this here (it's totally relevant):
**This post is not specifically about the Harry Potter series. Please don't hate me for not loving the Harry Potter series.****
***I'm not a fangirl generally. I wrote about this two years ago, and unfortunately it hasn't changed. Being a terrifying intense fan of something seems fun. I feel like I'm missing out. On the upside I don't think I'll ever be a stalker.
****I wrote about some classics I read here, and I was really disappointed that I didn't really get a couple of them. I can't be a fan of everything, sure, but I enjoy understanding why other people like what they like. Maybe I'll appreciate Catcher in the Rye in ten years time.
