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This book enthusiast was curious to know what should not be proudly displayed on anyone’s bookshelf

Person with glasses in front of bookshelves, text reads about judging people based on books they own.

Image credits:baileyreadsgood

From the Bible, to the classics, and some modern best-sellers, people didn’t hold back…

Comment about judging people based on owning the book “The Bible,” with engagement metrics visible.

A black Holy Bible cover with gold lettering; a book some judge people for possessing.

Image credits:amazon

Comment by theycallme_leg about judging people with only classic books, calling it a red flag.

Penguin Books cover of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde.

Comment on books judging people with “Anything Colleen Hoover” text and likes count.

Cover of “It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover, featuring pink flowers, related to books people judge.

Comment discussing judgment based on owning purely self-help books, highlighting social perceptions.

Cover of “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey.

Comment on ACOTAR book, expressing judgment on those who recommend it.

“Cover of A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas, associated with judging readers.”

Comment on TikTok saying, “Throne of Glass is an immediate no,” referencing a book that users judge.

Cover of “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas with a silhouette by a glowing doorway.

Comment on “48 Laws of Power” book, questioning the need for manipulation for power.

Comment about judging people who own the book “48 Laws of Power.

The 48 Laws of Power book by Robert Greene, known for sparking judgment among readers.

Haunting Adeline & God of Malice mentioned in a comment about books judged by people.

Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton, dark cover with skull, butterflies, and roses, symbolizes a book that sparks judgment.

Comment by Steph expressing judgment about owning the books “Caraval” and “Haunting Adeline,” with an eye roll emoji.

Caraval book cover by Stephanie Garber with red swirls and starburst background.

Comment by Widy Rhodes about judging people based on the book “Credence.

Cover of “Credence” by Penelope Douglas, a book people judge owners by, with forest imagery and mist.

Comment lists books like Zodiac Academy and Gothikana that make people judge book owners.

Cover of “Zodiac Academy” with astrological symbols and twin figures centered.

Text from user “Cicada” about judging someone for owning 32 copies of “A Court of Mist and Fury.

Book cover of “A Court of Mist and Fury” by Sarah J. Maas, featuring a stylized bird design.

Comment discussing judgments about book choices, specifically “Glow of the Everflame,” on a social media post.

Glow of the Everflame book cover, fiery silhouette with a castle, evokes judgment in some readers.

Comment about judging people for owning Harry Potter, including nostalgic attachments.

Cover of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone featuring main characters and a castle.

Comment about judging people by the books on their shelf, specifically Robert Greene’s books.

Book cover of “The 33 Strategies of War” by Robert Greene featuring a bold red title.

Comment about “Six of Crows,” expressing judgment based on book ownership and implying positive traits.

Cover of ‘Six of Crows’ by Leigh Bardugo, featuring a crow with wings extended.

“Anything Colleen Hoover”: here’s why people are divided over theIt Ends With Usauthor

One of the names that came up a few times was Colleen Hoover. In case you’re unfamiliar, Hoover is an American author who has written several books, mainly romance novels. Perhaps her most famous one isIt Ends With Us. The best-seller was recently been adapted into aHollywoodmovie, which, if you’ve been following theBlake LivelyvsJustin Baldonidrama, you’ll know has racked up its own fair share of controversy.

Some felt the book’s bright and cheerful cover was inappropriate for its heavy and triggering theme. Hoover came under fire again in 2023 when she announcedthe release of a coloring book based on the main female character of It Ends With Us.

As Glamourreported, many “criticized this as an out of touch and inappropriate way to sell merch, and the backlash was so vocal that Hoover and her publisher decided to cancel its publication.”

The author quickly pulled the coloring book andaddressedthe controversy in a post on Instagram. “I hear you guys and I agree with you,” wrote Hoover.“No excuses. No finger-pointing. I have contacted the publisher to let them know I would prefer we don’t move forward with it. Thank you for the respectful discourse and accountability. Nothing but love.”

Hoover’s publishers later weighed in.“We developed this book to be uplifting and empowering, mirroring Lily Bloom’s story; we appreciate the feedback and discourse and have the greatest respect for Colleen Hoover’s fans. Thank you for the honest conversation and passion for the world Colleen has created in her books and the characters within,” read Atria Books’ post on X at the time.

Despite the controversy,It Ends With Ushas been hugely successful, having soldmore than 10 million copies worldwide in print, ebook and audio form since its first release in 2016.

Many people felt no one should be judged for what books they read

Social media comment discussing books and judgment, expressing a viewpoint against judging people by their book choices.

Comment dismissing book judgments with laughing emoji, highlighting perspectives on judging people by their books.

Comment discussing judging people based on book choices, expressing indifference to opinions on reading preferences.

Comment by jemireads stating preferences for book choices, with 160 likes.

Comment discussing judgment over book choices, advocating for reading freedom.

Social media comments discussing judgment based on book choices.

Comment on judging people based on book choices, with a red flag emoji.

Online comment criticizing pretentious reactions to one specific book.

Comment discussing personal preference against judging people by their books.

Comment on book judgment: “This comment section is a book buy list,” with laughing emoji, 8 likes.

Comment discussing unreadable YA books and owning bad books with a shocked emoji.

Comment by Allie, saying she doesn’t judge people for books they like, related to book judging discussion.

Comment about romfantasy worlds with emojis, related to books that influence judgment.

Comment about judging people based on books, from user debating second-hand book reasons.

Comment on judging people by their books, mentions bookshelf as a personal collection reflecting past choices.

Some readers were thrilled that the question had been asked

Social media comments discussing judgment based on book ownership.

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