THE WORST BOOKS OF 2023

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

I agree with all but one of these. I gave The Drift ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐!! Go ahead and pin me. I loved it! ✌️😎

[@haileyhughes]

you go girl!!!

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

@@haileyhughes 🤣

[@mckinzey100]

You are hilarious 😂 keep making videos girly!!!

[@Lila-pw5sr]

I genuinely don’t understand why it's so controversial to say you hated a piece of media. And a negative review isn’t bullying. If you sent the author a threatening email, sure that's bullying but simply saying you think a book sucks is not.

[@idavyregoodbarrel717]

That disclaimer was a cinematic masterpiece 💚🖤

[@YW2324]

I know right 👍🏻😅❤

[@Maryalyce_69]

I love your vids girl you should be the biggest booktuber bc you are honest and you don’t go “so like I’m so sorry that I did not like these books.” No you go “I hated this book in every way shape or form.” And I love that

[@haileyhughes]

aw thank you 💕 i don’t ever apologize for having emotions and opinions!! that’s what makes reading (& life) so great haha, we’re all free to feel what we feel unapologetically 🥰

[@Maryalyce_69]

@@haileyhughes omg I did not expect you to respond! This is completely unrelated but on your channel you have mentioned that you don’t like fantasy but I have a recommendation it’s my fav book of all time and I’m like pretty sure it’s a folktale? But it had gore it has fighting it has mystery and for some context im a thriller girl im not interested in books like the one im about to say but the fact that is my fav book says something it is water-ship down and i love it is just stunning and i think you would love it!!

[@lisakusel6102]

OMFG that disclaimer was epic! I agreed with so much of what you said, particularly Just Another Missing Person--I LOVED Wrong Place, Wrong Time as well and was uber disappointed with the new one.

[@haileyhughes]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@zuzanakorma6180]

Absolutely❤ your disclaimer 😂 . You go girl! Also the writing retreat was garbage, my worst book of the year 😂

[@haileyhughes]

will never understand how anyone enjoyed that book 😭😭

[@tony_starch]

I hate this idea that to be a real extreme horror fan, you have to enjoy every extreme horror book. Sometimes, some (or maybe a lot lol) of them suck and that’s fine! Also I find it hilarious how so many extreme horror fans/authors brag about how tough and deranged they are, and then freak out when their favorite book is disliked by a random person.

[@tony_starch]

Also, I genuinely hate Aron Beauregard’s books. I tried to read Playground this year and the writing style is so atrocious, along with the terrible character development, that I dropped it. I’ve heard the synopses of his other books and I know they are equally terrible

[@meggsntoast]

No fan of any genre is going to like EVERY SINGLE BOOK that falls in that genre. It’s a very immature way of thinking imo

[@kaitlyng.473]

I dislike how people rate extreme horror high simply because it’s extreme (and maybe they’re new to the genre, I’m not sure) and they completely ignore the terrible writing, lack of character development, sloppy plots, etc.

[@ChekovWessels]

I love your channel because I have always been hesitant about reading thrillers and you are helping me figure out which to avoid and which are good. I do NOT want to waste my time on a bad twist or - the most frustrating - using mental health as a cheap gimmick 🙄Thanks for helping a thriller newbie out!

[@haileyhughes]

oh i’m so glad 🥰 i’m the same way!! limited reading time should not be wasted on tone deaf garbage 😌🚮

[@trishee7625]

Tell us how you really feel about Freida McFadden! Totally agree! Great, honest video.

[@jenniferfiske0825]

I love the disclaimer, laughed so hard! 😂 Your shirt is amazing! I always value your opinion, thanks for more great content!

[@vidushirastogi3798]

i love how ur so honest and slay girliee and i also love ur mean rants keep going 🙃

[@haileyhughes]

hehe thank you 🤪🩷

[@kristinestaples7607]

Loving the 'dont fuck with me' attitude so much, its so me. I couldn't relate more. There is one book I loved on here but who cares, right? We don't have to like the same books. I absolutely love watching these worst books videos.

[@kittyshiv]

stay honest girl, everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thanks for vid 🥰

[@haileyhughes]

authenticity is the most important thing to me 😌 thank you for watching!! 🩷

[@stellacashman8614]

They say rules are written in blood and the fact that you have to SPECIFICALLY mention extreme horror authors whenever you have a negative review about one of their books now is proof of why that saying exists. 😭

[@kristenchumley1421]

The Writing Retreat was by far my worst book of the year. I've never gotten the ick so hard reading a book and I'm glad it's not just me who found this book not only awful but problematic. I also want to thank you because I have The Rewind on my shelf from BOTM and I was going to pick it up this week but I think I'm just going to donate it and not waste my precious time. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

[@haileyhughes]

the botm picks were not giving in 2023 unfortunately 😭😭 happy holidays to you too!! 🫶🏼

[@andrev5992]

I think the promising start really makes the rest fall very short. It felt very much like it wasn’t plotted - the author pantsed their way through.

[@lizc2187]

I just lost it at the Matt-oblivious women comment 💀 so true 😂

[@kellyrsmith923]

“Are you Dr. Seuss?” Pls I’m crying 🤣

[@andudontstopyo]

Your disclaimers at the beginning of this video were so DOPE! I think that was my cue to subscribe. Amazing video!!💕🤗💕

[@mathildes8583]

I was gonna say that Hide wouldn't be in my worst books at all, but I won't pretend its in my best books either tbh. It didn't ruin my life that's it

[@BlairBoggletrot]

Yesssss. Give me the attitude 🤌🏻 I live for these worst books videos every year 👏🏻📚

[@RociosLibrary]

Omg I HATED the Writing Retreat and so many booktubers loved it. Thank you for this. I hated it so much. It was so annoying.

[@jordan44116]

I love your content!!! ❤ The Writing Retreat was my worst book of the year.

[@erinlchapman61925]

It's titled the worst books of the year the fact that a disclaimer is needed cracks me up. I love a good rant bc I don't want to spend my hard earned money on a shitty book and they can be hilarious. But I love a good rave too so I can't wait to hear your best books!❤

[@amandalavery6282]

Hey there!!! I take ur recs very seriously, thank goodness! I have not and will not waste money on the books u listed in this vlog. I am soooo appreciative to u for ur rants and honesty! it's refreshing!! I HATE when I'm reading a book and there are mistakes in the writing spelling etc. THANK U!!!!

[@amandalavery6282]

Love ur disclaimers!!!

[@TamTam9-15]

I am loving the Grinch/ Scrooge vibes of this video on this Christmas Eve😂 and yes the Housemaid was a total rip off of TLMP how that is legal is mind blowing. If I see Freida I’m side eyeing her hard!

[@haileyhughes]

me too girl!! how does she keep getting away with this 😭😭

[@dumbblondebooks]

Hailey this video had me ROLLING😂 And yes, you are perfect!! This is the level of iconic I aspire to be in 2024. Oh yeah and The Writing Retreat was trash❤️

[@norwegian_booknerd]

Yeees, The writing retreat was so bad! 😂 The characters were so annoying and it genuinely made me angry! 1 star 🗑

[@anishinaabae]

i don't know how long ago you read triana's other works that you enjoyed, but if it was over a year ago then i would highly recommend going back and re-reading them to see how you feel about his writing style now. the criticisms you have about 'they all died screaming' are the same i have about some of his other books, mainly 'full brutal' (which i hated as i feel he's not very good at writing female characters, particularly teen girls) and gone to see the river man (i enjoyed the atmosphere he created, but that's about it)! it was one of the *only* times i felt let down by your recommendations, as i'm usually live laugh loving through all of them. triana just leaves me either bored or rolling my eyes, which is not really the sort of reaction you want to extreme horror!

[@sophianichol1009]

I DNF hide because I got so confused by which character she was talking about 😭😂 also I tried to read one Aaron beauregard book and couldn't not because of the disturbing factor but the writing style 😭

[@melissaaalbertsberg4344]

"You're a human, you have free will" LOVE IT! You're doing great! also, your Christmas decorations are to DIE for! They are so pretty ^_^

[@charliescozycorner]

I hate that you had to put that disclaimer at the beginning, people WHY WHY. I personally do love a little ranty rant on books because you know what sometimes books suck. Divine rivals can suck it for example 😂 I LOVE THAT SHIRT!!! ☺️🤍

[@haileyhughes]

hahaha yesss!! speak your truth queen 😤🩷🩷🩷

[@jjennyj77]

Just finished the writing retreat bc so many put it in their top ten and I AGREE WITH YOU!!! It was so boring and the characters annoyed me so much lol

[@pokibutterfli]

Love you Hailey!!! We are literally book twins, and even when we do rarely disagree, I still love your reviews!!! People who can’t understand that we can all have differing opinions just really need to grow up and get their shit together!

[@CrimsonVestale]

Girl, that comment about Matt Shaw's comment section SENT me. 😂

[@Taylorwintz]

I love your rant videos even if i dont agree with your opinions. Everyone is entitled their opinion and we should respect it. Love you Hailey.

[@0okuzukirio0]

I like hearing people ranting about why they dislike a book, cause (1) I can tell whether i should read that book, (2) cause less and less people dare to rant about this cause toxic fans are a real threat nowadays, (3) it's fun LOL

[@allaboutcars19]

You are amazing! Hate you have to put that disclaimer cause someone took your review the wrong way.

[@melinabbbbb]

Yesssss for the disclaimer and printed T ❤😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤

[@RiniTealeaf]

I love this video! My worst book 2023 (well it's actually from 2022 because I didn't read bad books 2023 :D ) is Merfolk by Jeremy Bates. It was awful and boring and I really should have thrown it to the bin after first two chapters but no, I kept thinking that maybe it gets better, since his books are always so highly rated. I do not understand how that is possible. I don't often write book reviews because brainfog makes writing quite hard sometimes but for that I felt like I was on fire 😆

[@TheChockychops]

I didn't give The Drift five stars, but I did give it four 😂 What can i say, I enjoyed my time with it 🤷‍♀️

[@haileyhughes]

DRIFT STAN!!!!! go off 🤣🤣👏👏 i’m happy you enjoyed it though

[@AishahMc]

This may have been my favorite video of the year!

[@MB-hc9tk]

Omg 👀 I didn’t know about freida McFadden and now I have to look this up and I actually enjoyed that book because the pacing was good and the plot was kinda cool 😑 uggggh. How aggravating, thanks for drawing my attention to this because I may need to change my Goodreads rating 😒

[@ChelseyK919]

The writing retreat was my worst book of the year. 1 star.

[@andrewwelker2038]

Best content I’ve watched all month!

[@prplrhinomilk]

5/5 for this disclaimer 😂

[@cygnetofthesea8074]

I mean, her disclaimer is 100% valid and I really hope people listen to it but at the same time, I know there are some masochists out there so if they do chose to watch, I hope like hell they vent their feelings in their journals and not publicly in a way that is low-key threatening - we all know what that's about. That being said, I'm super super grateful to have come across this video bc I literally had The Housemaid in my online shopping cart, ready to check out before my ADHD kicked in and I started watching YT videos. Had no idea about the backstory of that book so it's been promptly removed and I'll be off searching for more info on the situation.

[@tenebraintus]

This disclaimer, guurl💅love

[@mattthepageturner9128]

yeah don't read Playground

[@haileyhughes]

safe to say i will never go near it 😌🚮

[@whatruthreads]

Been looking forward to this for so long. Also, disclaimer queen has arrived 😱👑

[@_bookber]

this video is hilarious 🤣🤣 i live for your rant reviews and how you are so unapologetically you despite everything you had to go through this year. wishing you a fab new year and 2024 🎉

[@queenkim8631]

5:31 IM CACKLING 😂😂 I love hearing rants....not every book is going to be a 5/5😴

[@WhySkillet]

I was just looking at the island in the store and thought about getting it before I saw it was by Natasha Preston, I can not deal with those endings. Good to know i made the right choice

[@duashakir273]

Great video😂❤

[@susanspisak65]

Thanks for sharing this content !!

[@haileyhughes]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I'm here for "the mean" 🤣🤣💛🤗

[@paulphillips-xn8dw]

OMG, I just finished "Just Another Missing Person" right before watching this video! It was sooooo boring. The main character just couldn't shut up about her husband and it drove me nuts. No wonder she can't solve any cases if 99% of the time she's going, "My husband cheated on me but I miss him, wah, wah, wah!" The big twist was straight out of "The Silent Patient".

[@TheAbigailDee]

No but The Writing Retreat was my worst book of the year. I LOATHED it. I don't GET the love of it. If you have the book on hand, anyone, count the amount of times a character "cries" instead of said. On like every other page, "Taylor cried" shows up. And it's usually Taylor. But why's everyone crying out so much??? Even just when they meet each other, "Taylor cried" instead of just saying. Plus the Nazi love story BUT.... And as I've said many times, I'm a hater. Even things I like, I love hearing the hate. I thought Hide was so over the top fun and I loved the weird lil demon fellas. But I'm out here waiting to hear why you didn't like it cause its FUN! Happy Holidays Hailey!!

[@Breeski1]

Oh i enjoyed Hide! I didn't mind the lack of character development. I thought the found journal entries kind of annoying though lol

[@satije]

“Are you dr Seuss?” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@scrollsofdragons362]

I am all alone in liking The Drift it seems haha. Not five stars but I gave it 4.5 stars. I was entertained and loved the direction it took. I gotta feeling I may like Hide, seems to be in the same vein as The Drift. Not me taking a worst books vid as a recommendation .

[@kevinmarques7716]

Honestly I really like The Drift AND Hide so you're not alone at all lol

[@lesliepowell-mccarty7067]

I gave it 5 stars!

[@michelleclauson2944]

Tell’em Hailey! ❤

[@JackHarbon]

No, but can we talk about how nonsensical the last 30% of Yellow is? Like WHERE did cannibal baby soup come from? Hello????

[@dawniebrooke1158]

Already watched this... but came back to watch the disclaimer again... f'n amazing!! You bring out my SOUL ❤❤❤

[@carliii8]

I fully agree with you on most all of the ones I read from this list 😭

[@haileyhughes]

omgggg wait i feel so valid 😭😭🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@hospitalfood6621]

I think I’m the only person here that sort of enjoyed The Writing Retreat. It wasn’t the best and it was sorta silly, but it was a fun run….3.5.

[@ReadingWithEve]

Honestly it should be normalised to trash books you didn't like. After all, it's your opinion, whether or not someone still reads it is their choice and art is all subjective anyway. Bring back nuance😅 great video

[@hannajameson4395]

Great list and entertaining video. Have a safe and happy holiday everyone.

[@haileyhughes]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 happy holidays to you!!

[@YW2324]

Midlife Magical Madness is a book im enjoying. Its cozy fantasy but at the same time its probably going to be scary at some points☝️.

[@YW2324]

The premise of the writing retreat sounds very interesting 🤔. I have to be honest. If it was written well lol 🤣. I haven't read it yet though

[@kelg02]

Whoah, Hailey, where’d the big disclaimer come from? Was there some controversy? It’s all good, give your reviews ❤️

[@haileyhughes]

i fear you missed a few episodes lmfao

[@kelg02]

Ok, oh man. I’m sorry if you were given a hard time. I’ll go check out the ones I missed :)

[@haileyhughes]

@@kelg02 there’s not much about it on my channel, i think i made a youtube short about it 🩷🩷🩷

[@kelg02]

Ok, I’ll check it out. Thanks for letting me know :)

[@kelg02]

Btw. LOVING your hair!

[@rainyfincher4293]

So glad we agree on The Retreat. 2 enthusiastic 👎👎

[@kits5960]

The TEA is hereeee ☕ I am just here to hear someone else rant about The Writing Retreat 😂 But decided to comment for support... don't listen to the hater becauseeee as you said: YOU ARE PERFECT the way you are! 🥹💕

[@Cassandrareads]

The housemaid was not my favorite like other people

[@thenomadicteacher6946]

😂 You came in with claws out, and I’m here for it. Preach on.

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

omg 5⭐ Disclaimer 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@SiriuslyArt]

I haven’t read Yellow but Modern Hysteria is really good!!!

[@kellyjohnston2977]

Wreck the Halls was my most disappointing book of the year which I DNF'd after 200 pages , followed by my 1 ⭐ review of Moist Gusset

[@a.b.2405]

These videos are my favorite! *evil laugh 😆

[@jenniferhauge8789]

This video is going to save me a lot of money. ❤

[@RociosLibrary]

The disclaimer 😅

[@samanthapapadopoulos203]

Loooove the disclaimer

[@Readandbreathpnw]

I was sooo hyped for Just Another Missing Person. And boy oh boy was it a let down 1 star ⭐️ for me.

[@didu2689]

Tbh, I would leave more bad reviews but why spread negativity? But then again, why not express my own effing opinion? Argh so complicated but in the end it’s our life, we should all do what we feel like

[@haileyhughes]

i don't see bad reviews as "spreading negativity". i see it as being authentic and hopefully doing some good by saving others from wasted time with bad books. additionally, my positive reviews wouldn't be very trustworthy or impactful if i never posted this type of content alongside it. finally… look at these comments... we're all laughing and having fun here! no negativity in sight

[@juliekhewitt]

YUUUUP Drift stan here, 5 stars for me!!!

[@jeanninethompson6243]

😂 love it

[@haileyhughes]

🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

1:19 we all know who this is for 😆😆

[@alwaysreading]

My fave hailey is ranting hailey 😂❤

[@traceykelemen2869]

I’m probably not your usual demographic but you’re awesome 😅

[@cammyscofield9030]

If you’re getting pissy over this video I have two words for you: GROW UP. This video is everything and if Hailey says a book is bad, I can assure you… it’s terrible. Love you and your content girly💕

[@haileyhughes]

my girl cammy 🩷🩷🩷 people just can’t take women with opinions!! lol

[@diannamarks8232]

I loved The Last Mrs. Parrish! Thanks for the recommendation!

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I'm sorry to laugh at your pain, but this video is pure comedy 🔥🍵🤣

[@AwkwardBookworm]

I’ve had mothered on my TBR since it came out 😬

[@kristenchumley1421]

I downloaded that as an Amazon First Read earlier this year and have yet to read it because Hailey and I usually have similar taste so I trust that maybe I shouldn't bother...

[@travJ420]

The chest is definitely perfect JESUS 😍

[@melinabbbbb]

The pick me girl 😂😂😂😂😂 u are so funny💯

[@pinkskies21]

i love the sass in this video!!!

[@heatheroakes8987]

Your disclaimer was chefs kiss 😂😂😂

[@travJ420]

If you don't like Talia don't ever read Richard laymon 🤣🤣🤣🤣 you would literally despise Richard laymon lol look up his reviews and you'll see why. He's one of the best splatterpunk authors ever hahahahahahaha

[@haileyhughes]

@@travJ420 richard laymon hypersexualizes female characters as well, he’s a typical run of the mill misogynistic horror author… it’s nothing new at this point. men are consistently disappointing and hardly ever surprising

[@travJ420]

@@haileyhughes let's not forget about Miranda sings for an example of how bad women can be lol it's a two way street just saying lol yes laymon said rump like 20 times in one book hahahaha

[@haileyhughes]

@@travJ420 just because some women are bad does not mean misogyny doesn’t exist hahahaha

[@travJ420]

@@haileyhughes when did I say misogyny doesn't exist lol

[@travJ420]

@@haileyhughes I actually even said it was a two way street. That means both sides are in the wrong. Sorry didn't try to mansplain!

[@tonicajenkins3273]

Right off the bat, the disclaimer had me dying🤣. The Rewind and The Writing Retreat were straight garbage. 🙄🙄. I did actually really liked The Drift but I can understand why people don't care for it.

[@4Zeus20]

This was funny. Much respect to you.

[@haileyhughes]

glad ya got a kick out of it hahah 🫶🏼

[@melissajackson4173]

Have you heard the term or phrase . Reading is subjective. What I’m really scared about is your and actual therapist. My dad was a doctor and he met people with so much different tragedies. Listening to you I hope you blend into your job. Your intonation is cringy

[@ibleedbooks]

girl what

[@kristenchumley1421]

Before you come at someone, you might want to check your grammar. Also, did you even watch the video? There was a very clear disclaimer in the intro to this video to exit side left if you are easily triggered by negative content.

[@charliescozycorner]

Okay so clearly you’ve never taken the time to get to know Hailey, she’s just as sassy individual and a lot of what she says is satire. Of course she has rage with what she went through this year. I’d also like to point out that a therapist is a human, with layers like an onion, not some kind of magical god. Also you don’t need to watch her videos If she bothers you so much

[@haileyhughes]

@@charliescozycorner thank you charlie 🫶🏼🫶🏼

[@haileyhughes]

yes reading is subjective, exactly why i made this video- to share my subjective opinions💀💀 i think it’s much more cringe to hold mental health professionals to an unrealistic standard and expect them to be on the clock 24/7…. than to release some cathartic rage as an over the top, dramatic & satirical character on the internet. remember you see what i want you to see. you have no idea who i am as a person 🤷‍♀️