Let’s talk about THAT book, the one that made you want to be a better writer, the one you love with your whole soul.

For me, that book is IMAGINARY GIRLS by Nova Ren Suma.

It’s a haunting, dreamlike novel about two sisters, Chloe and Ruby. They’re bound for sister-love, mystery, and a whole lot of eerie tension. The story kicks off when Chloe discovers a dead body while swimming across a reservoir. What unfolds after that is unsettling, surreal, and unforgettable.

Maybe it’s because I have a sister, but I was hooked on page one. I still remember what I was doing when I first heard about Rena Suma’s novel at the Barnes & Noble in Princeton, during an author reading. Someone in the audience asked, “Read anything good lately?” Without hesitation, the author said, “IMAGINARY GIRLS.”  I bought it on the spot instead of the author’s book. No regrets.

To me and many other readers, Ren Suma’s writing is evocative, hypnotic, and beautifully strange. It’s amazing! But here’s the thing… not everyone agrees.

While some readers call it “unforgettable,” others refer to it as “A waste of time.” One Amazon reviewer simply wrote, “Meah.” A Goodreads reviewer wrote, “loathed it?”

So, what gives? Why do some books divide readers?

 Welcome to the world of polarizing novels. And you know what? That’s not a bad thing. That might be the best thing.

1. Polarizing novels get people talking. As PT Barnum said, “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Even if half the comments are spicy, people are still saying your name, and that builds visibility, curiosity, and ultimately sales.
2. PNs are memorable. Readers don’t remember NICE books. They remember the ones they argue about at dinner parties. The ones that made them feel something…love, hate, awe, or discomfort.
3. They stir emotion. If your book makes someone cry, rage, or toss it across the room in frustration, guess what? You moved them. Mission accomplished.
4. They make readers think. Whether it’s a morally messy character (WUTHERING HEIGHTS), a head-scratching ending (MY SISTER’S KEEPER), taboo themes (FIFTY SHADES OF GREY), or bold stylistic choices (BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY), polarizing books challenge readers. Isn’t that what literature is for?”

So, if your book is polarizing, lean into that. Stop trying to write something everyone will like. If you’re story sparks a heated debate or earns a one-star review, you’re probably doing something right. Because the truth is, not every book is for everyone. Being polarizing might be your book’s biggest strength.

Have you written or read any polarizing books lately? Are you, like me, constantly trying to appease all the members of your writing group with your rewrites and wondering if that’s a good thing? I’d love to hear your thoughts!