As an avid reader, there are certain words or topics that instantly make me pass on a book. While everyone has their own preferences when it comes to reading, here are my top ten words or topics that make me put a book back on the shelf without a second thought:

1. Romance: While I do enjoy a love story every now and then, I’m not a fan of books that are solely focused on romance. If the synopsis mentions a love triangle or a sappy romance plot, I tend to steer clear.

2. Self-help: I find self-help books to be preachy and repetitive. I prefer books that entertain me or make me think rather than tell me how to live my life.

3. Religion: I have nothing against religion, but I prefer not to read books that are heavily focused on religious themes. I find that these books often come across as too preachy for my liking.

4. Politics: Politics can be a polarizing topic, and I prefer to keep it out of my reading material. I find that political books tend to be biased and one-sided, which can be off-putting.

5. Paranormal: I’m not a fan of books that involve vampires, werewolves, or other paranormal creatures. I prefer books that are grounded in reality and explore real-world issues.

6. Erotica: I’m not prudish, but I find explicit sexual content to be a turn-off in books. I prefer books that focus on character development and storytelling rather than graphic sex scenes.

7. Violence: While I can handle some violence in books, I tend to stay away from books that are excessively gory or violent. I prefer books that have a more nuanced approach to conflict and resolution.

8. Young Adult: I’ve outgrown the young adult genre and tend to avoid books that are targeted towards teenagers. I prefer books that are more complex and mature in their themes and storytelling.

9. Fantasy: I find that many fantasy books can be overly complex and difficult to follow. I prefer books that are more straightforward and grounded in reality.

10. Chick-lit: I find chick-lit books to be predictable and lacking in depth. I prefer books that offer more substance and challenge me as a reader.

In conclusion, these are the top ten words or topics that make me pass on a book. While these are my personal preferences, I believe that everyone has their own criteria for what they enjoy reading. Ultimately, the most important thing is to find books that speak to you and keep you engaged as a reader.