Bestseller or Bust? Books That Let Us Down Hard.

Max Bennett and Lisa Vega rip the covers off the publishing world’s dirty little secret: not every bestseller deserves the hype. From overhyped thrillers to self-help nonsense, they dive into the books that promised greatness but delivered mediocrity—or worse, sheer boredom. Are publishers just marketing wizards selling us overpriced doorstops, or are readers simply afraid to admit when a “masterpiece” is a dud? Expect sharp analysis, dark humor, and brutally honest opinions as we break down the most overrated books of the decade and why they don’t live up to the buzz. Note: This project explores the new creative potential unlocked by generative AI, showcasing how a single person, in just two hours, can curate (not create, but curate) a polished podcast series. I recognize the critiques around AI-generated content and the potential for digital clutter but invite you to take a listen on your next walk or drive and see what you think. Audio is AI-generated by Google's NotebookLM. Images by Dalle-3 and Magic Studio.