5 of the Worst Book Tropes (and 5 of the Best!)

Top 5 worst book tropes

1. Worst: Miscommunication 

The whole dramatic irony bit wasn’t even funny the first time. I don’t care that they get engaged at the end, they’ve barely even spoken to each other! 

2. Worst: Love triangle

SORRY. There are exceptions, but this one just bothers me. You can’t tell me it’s fun watching the main character pick the wrong person for the fifth time. Plus, somehow these love interests are perfect, but also obviously have the self-respect of a teaspoon if they’re sitting around waiting for one person. Like at what point do you just scream at the pages ‘I could treat you better!!!

3. Worst: Pick me characters 

I think this one is a bit subjective, but for me, it’s not necessarily how the character acts, but how they’re written. Like yes this main character is insanely smart, attractive, talented at everything, and never makes mistakes, you believe that right?

4. Worst: They’re not just friends

I actually don’t know the designated name of this trope but, essentially it’s when a novel forces two characters (typically a boy and a girl) who are in close proximity to be romantic at the end of the story despite them never showing any interest beforehand. Like oh, you two solved a mystery in your small town together and don’t hate each other’s guts, now confess your undying love. Obviously, this doesn’t hold up when the characters have chemistry, but often it just feels incomplete. 

5. Worst: Pov alternating

I love sitting around waiting for the ‘good’ part to happen, said no one ever. One perspective is always interesting and the other is just existing. I think this has a lot of potential, it’s just that one person normally has a very strong narrative while the other is just 50 pages of dramatic irony.

Top 5 best book tropes

1. Best: Enemies to Lovers 

You love it, I love it we’ve all had THAT moment. You know, the one where the enemies finally become lovers, and you're just sitting in your room trying not to scream. Bonus points if they’re academic rivals. 

2. Best: Found Family

I would die for this trope. End of story. It’s like if warm hugs and Pinterest could somehow become a book trope it would be this. 

3. Best: Grumpy x Sunshine 

Okay, I know this can wander into manic pixie dream girl/boy territory, but you can’t say you didn’t love their dynamic. Especially when used as a compliment to an interesting plot.

4. Best: The golden trio 

You think you hate it, but then you get hyped whenever edits of these three pop up on your feed. Let’s talk, you’ve got the Golden Trio, the Silver Trio, the half-blood trio, the Maze Runner trio. Need I go on? 

5. Best: Major character death 

I mean, what else did you read Harry Potter for? The plot? In all seriousness, I think this has a lot of merit when done the right way. Especially since it can feel like there isn't anything at stake when no one dies... Plus it makes for great fan edits.