Or that new release everyone raved about – the one that left you cold?

Or it might be that “classic” you feel like you are supposed to have read – the one that caused you to nod off every time you opened it.

The staff at Shoalhaven City Library are normally busy promoting the joys of books and reading, but every now and then they need to vent, and they are inviting you to join them.

In one glorious evening of literary discussion, book lovers will get to be book haters as the library hosts “I Hate This Book”.

A panel of local book worms, which will include former librarian Lyn Hawkins and council’s Director of Corporate and Community Services, Craig Milburn, will tell you about their most terrible tomes before inviting you to share.

Moderator for the evening will be visiting comedian and author Xavier Toby who will no doubt reveal his most reviled read as well.

The library’s events manager Robin Sharpe said the idea sprang from the huge success of a previous night, called “My Favourite Book”.

“Libraries carry such a huge range of books, and often people feel pressured into reading things they think they should like,” she said.

“As anyone who is in a book club knows, reactions to the same book can be poles apart.  This night is a fun opportunity for people to let fly about the books they hated and why.”

Librarians spend much of their time helping people choose books, with staff at Nowra saying controversial titles include the Da Vinci Code (Dan Brown), the Satanic Verses (Salman Rushdie) and the more recent 50 Shades of Grey (E.L. James). 

“I Hate This Book” will be held at the Nowra Library on Thursday, May 22 from 7pm – all welcome with supper provided.

For bookings, contact Robin on 4429 3710 or Sharpe@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au