I think they covered that angle in a recent episode of the Simpsons where Marge wrote a book, they called up authors and asked them if they would say something to the effect of "this is a great book" and when they repeated it back questioningly, then added a WTF, and a heck no they were tol that by repeating the phrase they would and could be quoted with saying "this is a great book." Seems the most plausible explanation for good authors recommending crap.

My number one choice: The Da Vinci Code

I fail to understand how so many people have become captivated by this badly written "boy's own" adventure. Just take some random words, add conspiricy theorys, and stir.

(Dis)honourable mention
Any of the Wheel of Time books, except perhaps the first. Hasn't Jordon ever heard of editing?

I think they covered that angle in a recent episode of the Simpsons where Marge wrote a book, they called up authors and asked them if they would say something to the effect of "this is a great book" and when they repeated it back questioningly, then added a WTF, and a heck no they were tol that by repeating the phrase they would and could be quoted with saying "this is a great book." Seems the most plausible explanation for good authors recommending crap. </font>[/QUOTE]LOL Morge. That sounds as good of an answer as any.

Clancy "If you're hunting for a book this red October, Marge Simpson's book is a clear and present danger to your free time. No I will not say that. What? That doesn't count!"

That aired today in syndication :D

The Da Vince Code is probably so gripping because the events are actually possible, in our own grasp. Catch my drift?

Don't laugh at me for even thinking of reading this book, cause I needed a lot of reading material for a 21 hour trip: I read Shadowdale, and it damn near killed me.

I thought it might be interesting, since I wanted to know about what happened in the time of troubles and all (since BG2 had such a good storyline), but instead I was treated to a gripping tale of a fighter, theif, cleric, and mage (who were frequently called just that. 8-bit DnD, anyone?).

What really struck me was how dumb and whiney the gods were. Mystra got herself killed cause she whined too much, Helm seems a tad bumbling, all the gods are complaining about their temples (when they should have known they were about to taste holy hell at the hands of Ao), and Bane was just plain stupid.

Oh, and Cyric mysteriously switches between a sword, a handaxe, and twin daggers.

Dont read it.

On Shadowdale, I read the last one in teh series (Waterdeep?) and I refused for a very long time to even think about reading another Forgotten Realms novel.

A bit disapointing because I usually like Troy Denning's work (he wrote it under a pen name)