Thursday, June 19, 2008

Booking Through Thursday


Think about your favorite authors, your favorite books . . . what is it about them that makes you love them above all the other authors you’ve read? The stories? The characters? The way they appear to relish the taste of words on the tongue? The way they’re unafraid to show the nitty-gritty of life? How they sweep you off to a new, distant place? What is it about those books and authors that makes them resonate with you in ways that other, perfectly good books and authors do not?


Wow, tough question.

Overall I need strong, likable characters and a story that pushes me along and keeps me reading. A vivid setting helps but it's not necessary; I wouldn't stay with any book if I didn't like the author or narrator's voice, no matter what else was going on, and I rarely read travel books or books where setting is the primary appeal. I like novels about women, written by people who respect them the way I do. I like twists and turns and surprises, as long as they're believable and fitting. I'm drawn to more literary-type books- award winners and such- but I've had some wonderful experiences with light fiction too. I like to see that the author has tried to push some kind of boundary- who wants another boring domestic drama, or formulaic love story, or convention-bound genre fiction. Do something different, surprise me, enchant me- make me pay attention!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Certain award winning books do nothing for me. And then certain unknown authors are great to read. It really depends!

Here is my BTT post

SmilingSally said...

I am the opposite: I plow on until the bitter end of a bad book; it's the stubborn streak in me. What a waste of time, huh?

Anonymous said...

Great post - you echo my own thoughts on the subject. I love character driven stories, particularly if strong women are involved.

Your last sentence is great writing advice...thanks!

LisaMM said...

I love your last sentence- do something different, surprise me, enchant me, make me pay attention! I want THAT on a t-shirt!!!