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14 “Came for the Title, Stayed for the Plot” Books

Here are some books that captivated a reader based on title alone, but turned out to contain some excellent stories as well.

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Creating book titles—and movie titles and album names, etc.—is a risky business, because it’s one of the first impressions your prospective viewer will judge you by. I’m not going to watch “Bad Teacher” or tune in for “Mom,” but I will gladly buy an album named “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness,” and run to the theater for “The Beguiled.” (Although, I will throw a bone to “Don’t Trust the B in Apt. 23,” because I miss that show something fierce.) I will fully admit that I’m pretty judgy and make snap decisions when it comes to book titles…and life in general, but that’s a convo for me and my therapist. These are 14 books I’ve read recently that I originally picked up or downloaded simply because I thought the title was awesome. And these all turned out to be actually quality books. I love when things work out.  

Atheists Who Kneel and Pray by Tarryn Fisher

This may be my favorite book title EVER. I’ve never hit the Purchase button on Amazon so fast.  

The Vegetarian by Han Kang

My mind went to the deepest, darkest places, and I was not disappointed.  

A Guide for Murdered Children by Sarah Sparrow

“What a horrible concept,” she thought as she requested it on Edelweiss without hesitation.  

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

I mean, spoiler alert…  

Zero Repeat Forever by G.S. Prendergast

“What a Beautiful Title,” I repeat forever.  

There’s Someone Inside Your House by Stephanie Perkins

*cue Psycho violins*  

The Odds of Loving Grover Cleveland by Rebekah Crane

Not saying that Prez Cleve wasn’t a hottie, but what are the odds?  

Rebel Seoul by Axie Oh

When I inevitably embrace my inner vigilante, this will be my superhero name.  

Kill the Boy Band by Goldy Moldavsky

I am a 27-year-old, unashamed One Direction superfan and this title made me want to cry.  

And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich

I’m just picturing what if the Giving Tree started creeping around and I’m intrigued.  

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Sounds unnecessarily bloody, I already love it.  

Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

I don’t watch Game of Thrones, but this sounds like an excellent reality show premise…  

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

*prays this is an origin story for Pyro from the X-Men*  

Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

So many story possibilities, so little time.