A dirty book is rarely dusty...

This is just something I have wondered about for a while. Everything nowadays has a rating. A little warning ahead of time to tell you what to maybe expect. Movies, TV, even video games have a rating. However, books have yet to participate in this trend. Now I understand that the section where you find your books at the store is probably a pretty good indicator of what may be written inside. You aren't going to find any Harlequin Romance novels in the kids' section. But when you become an adult, its not as easy to tell.

A few years ago I started reading Wicked. I was so excited and, to be honest, expected a Disney-esque storyline like what I have been told the musical is all about. But to my surprise, I was reading about mythological porn! Not something I was ready for. I kept on reading and eventually passed the graphic descriptions of certain...things...but I just couldn't finish the book. I just didn't find it interesting enough to keep my attention. But it remains in storage when maybe, one day, I will pick it up again.

The next book I sort of wish came with a rating is Water for Elephants. I haven't yet finished it but so far it has been a fantastic book. I really like the story and it has been an easy read. However, again there are just some graphic areas that I was expecting. I'm not saying that it's something that should or shouldn't be in the book but, sometimes just a little heads up would be nice. I've become so accustomed to having an idea of what's in store when I go to movies or watch TV shows so why should books be any different? Just give me a little bit of an idea of what I'm getting myself into.

Do you have any books that "surprised" you in this way? Also, if any of you have any suggestions for books that I need to read let me know! I need one for after I finish Water for Elephants.

p.s. The title of my blog is from an unknown author. I found it fitting...