I hate getting books for Christmas in general because I'm such a mood reader, and I've plastered a fake smile on my face many a time and repeated internally 'Its the thought that counts.' as I unwrap a book I will not read.
But the worst one by far, given to me by my own Mother , who I know loves me, when I was fourteen years old! was >!Men are from Mars Women are from Venus.!< I am sitting there horrified thinking what is she trying to tell me? As my sisters are flat on the floor laughing to the point of puking. We eventually came to the conclusion she just saw an attractive cover on a bestseller table and grabbed it. Love to know your terrible gift stories.
The entire Left Behind series, year by year.
Have you read Fred Clark's blog "Slactivist"? He takes apart Left Behind with wit and verve and deep insight, since he grew up in the same culture. It's truly brilliant stuff.
I had not, but googled it. Dude JUST started re-running it. I read the analysis of the first paragraph, and it’s hilariously eviscerating. And calling out things that totally went over my head. I found the religious context creepy (even growing up in that environment) so just read it as a cheesy sci-fi. Didn’t hate it, but have never once recommended it to anyone!
Jumping you ahead to some of his best writing is perhaps the wrong thing to do, but I shall anyway: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/slacktivist/2010/09/28/tf-reaching-for-the-cookie-sack/