Dropped $40 on a used book at a vintage shop, total dud

Found this old sci-fi novel at a thrift store downtown. Cover looked cool, description promised a twist. Got it home, started reading. First 50 pages were just a guy describing his breakfast. Literally, eggs and toast for three chapters. I kept waiting for something to happen. Never did. The twist was he forgot his umbrella. Waste of money and time. My book club laughed at me when I told them. Has anyone else fallen for a pretty cover that led nowhere?

2 comments

2 Comments

victor_jones991mo agoMost Upvoted

Hey did you check if that book has a book club discussion guide or fan wiki? I got burned on a few vintage books too but then I started skimming the first couple pages at the store before buying. For sci-fi, I look for the copyright date now - anything pre-1980s can be a total gamble with pacing. Last month I found a beat up copy of "The Left Hand of Darkness" at a garage sale for $2 and it was amazing, so sometimes the ugly covers hide the good stuff lol. Maybe try flipping to chapter 5 next time before committing your cash.

joel_butler1mo ago

Oh come on, it's a book not a life investment, just read the thing.