I finally read this after years of resistance because my coworkers love to make fun of it. But reading with the intention of being a hater really backfired on me, because in spite (or because) of its outlandish, soap opera luridness, I really enjoyed it. I’ve read articles by Gillian Flynn and Megan Abbott about Flowers and its influence on their writing, and I’ve become fascinated by VC Andrews and her life. At this point, I’m planning to read the rest of the series and probably all the books Andrews completed before her death (and subsequent possession of the body of Andrew Neiderman?), and I’m more interested in digging into her cultural impact and her place in the Gothic tradition than in making fun of her and calling her trash. Because there’s plenty to get a surprised giggle out of in Flowers, but I think taking it seriously is a lot more fun.