When I was in high school we had to read The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne. I remember the overall premise of the book and I remember hating it – but beyond that, the memory is fuzzy.

I’ve been hating on that book for almost fifteen years now, citing many reasons, most centering around the fact that, in my opinion, Hawthorne was much better at writing short stories than novels. The man can really go on a descriptive tangent at great length, you know? I’ve often said he could write an entire chapter about a brick wall if given the chance – luckily he never was given said chance!

I’ve had some people agree and others disagree with my thoughts on Hawthorne. Some say the book is excellent and I should give it another try. Given the sheer number of things I’ve changed my mind about since being a fifteen year old girl (turns on Hondas are not inherently evil, some asparagus is not disgusting and Leonardo DiCaprio is not the worst actor ever) I figure there is a chance these people are right. I might, in fact, like the book if I gave it another chance. Or I might hate it all over again.

Maybe some books are an acquired taste, like lobster or tofu – and you have to taste / read them multiple times before truly understanding them and deciding if they are good or not.

What do you think?

Are there any books that you hated as a teen but liked or loved as an adult?

Do you think that your taste in books changes as you get older just like kids and food?

Do you like asparagus?