Friday Forum: When Good Authors Go Bad?

One of the only things I hate about being a reader is the deep disappointment that comes from picking up a new book by an author I have loved and discovering that their latest offering is not up to snuff. Or worse, that it’s a total snoozefest, or, worst of all, that it’s so bad that I’m a little embarrassed on their behalf. John Irving’s Until I Find You fell squarely into the “worst of all” category for me, and though I’ve made up with him since (his forthcoming novel In One Person, scheduled for May release, is terrific), it was a very close call. So close, in fact, that I could hear Liz Lemon’s voice in my head saying, “dealbreaker!”

In the years since my almost-breakup with Mr. Irving (I know it was a tough time for him, too), I’ve done more than my fair share of venting, so now it’s your turn. Who are the authors on your “When they are good, they are very good indeed, but when they are bad they are horrid” list?