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If you were reading a book, what would make it good? Detail, conversations, action, WHAT?!??!?!

2007-02-26 07:59:47 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities Books & Authors

17 answers

For me, it's having characters that I can connect with and care about. Even if a book has the most amazingly creative action, if none of the characters matter to me then I get bored and wind up thinking "So what?"

Detail and conversations are important because they are places where you can really make your story come alive. They allow the reader to see and hear the story, and become consumed in it.

2007-02-26 08:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by Obi_San 6 · 0 0

I have a very pragmatic approach to what makes a good book (stealing an idea from C. S. Lewis): A good book is one I would read again.

Now, what makes for a book that people want to read it again? That's the harder question. But there has at the very least to be some *depth* -- a richness there that each time people will find something new, some new insight, some new joy, some new discovery of wonder.

The details, action and dialogue can go into creating this depth, but in my mind it's the story itself that is key.

2007-02-26 21:26:18 · answer #2 · answered by Donald 2 · 0 0

A good book for me is a book that grabs you at the beginning and never lets go until the end! My favorite kinds are autobiographies. I like reading how a popular person got into some hardships and was able to get out of it in his own words. There is no better thing than that! Detail and action are the factors to look for in books.

2007-02-26 16:09:39 · answer #3 · answered by Nate 5 · 0 0

Okay, you need to be able to keep the reader's attention throughout a chapter, then BANG! at the end of the chapter, hit them with something unexpected that isn't resolved or continued until the next chapter. I.e. someone gets kidnaped or thrown in jail or someone dies

Also, be creative. You don't have to keep things like they already are. i.e. girl meets boy, best friend likes girl, girl breaks up with boys and best friend and girl fall in love w/each other. or some other common plot. Do something out of the ordinary. But remember, if you do something out of the ordinary it usually doesn't seem right to the reader, so you have to make sure there is a catch or something that will satisfy the reader. Or if you are planning to basically follow the norm, then change it o so slightly like in the middle. Usually, following the above ex., the girl/boy doesn't like the boy/girl instead likes someone else, but then chage their minds. Well do something new. Instead of a best friend, make it a total foe. Or maybe make them get in a fight to where they aren't speaking.

Add many many adjectives, it really makes the story come alive. for example, instead of 'She pushed her hair behind her shoulder and turned in silence.' put 'She flickered her fiery red hair behind her shoulder with a pale, slender hand, and turned her back on her friend in cold, hard silence.'

Another thing that helps is conversation. It makes the person feel more like they are in the middle of the story instead of reading it.

Romance, even if it is not the main part of the story, but rather strewn throught the story, keeps readers on their toes. For example, hint that the characters like each other and then tell what happens at the end.

And unless you want to keep it somewhat real, do a story similar to Wrinkle in Time, that's a very VERY well known book. The main characters battle everday life, but at the same time go to other worlds with mystical creatures and save the world, fight evil, or save a loved one. Fantasy definitly works!

And when you are talking about characters, don't just describe their outward appearance; string tiny stories throughout the books that exhibit their character, explain their characteristics, dig deep into their thoughts, emotions, or even think back to their past. This way readers will develop a bond with the character.

Also make sure the story flows, and you use good wording. Wear out your thesaurus!!! LOL. Make an impression on your readers, make an imprint on their life. Or, at least make them remember the book once their done. You know how after you listen to a song or watch a movie you feel inspired to be like that movie? Well, make sure you leave a good impression on people, because this book could impact their life! If the character does something wrong, don't let them get away unpunished, or else the reader may copy that character and think "Oh, I can get away with anything, cool!"
Hope I helped!

2007-02-26 16:19:46 · answer #4 · answered by nancythemysterysolver123 4 · 0 1

I like a good plot with twists and action.....also i love characters that you just wish you knew in real life.

I think all good books always have a little romance though. If romance is the main plot it's kinda weird and boring, but if it's a side plot and it distracts the main character from some of her main goals at times it makes the book interesting and you just want them to kiss already so she can freakin' focus on saving the world or her family or whatever.

2007-02-26 16:11:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

Lots of things. Believable characters, well-defined settings, good plots. A good mix of action and conversation. Just enough description so readers can get a good idea of where the characters are at. Think of every book you've read and what you liked or didn't like about it.

2007-02-26 16:08:44 · answer #6 · answered by tkron31 6 · 1 0

Well it has to be a genre in which you find of interest like mystery or fiction or romance. I like to read all the details (which include conversations and actions) of a book

2007-02-26 16:06:14 · answer #7 · answered by katlvr125 7 · 0 0

Its all about the flow of the righting....reading a book has to be like floating down a stream on a raft, no energy required, just sit back and enjoy the ride. hope that makes sense.

2007-02-26 16:08:03 · answer #8 · answered by EGOman 5 · 0 0

The things that make a book enjoyable to me are good character development, a moving, continual story line, and unpredictable surprises.

Plus it just needs to be well written all around.

2007-02-26 16:07:42 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

If you ask my opinion i think it needs to have a little bit of everything. Romance suspense horror comedy heck even the little boring parts. The best book that is listed under those things is Perefect by Judith Mcnaught (it doesnt have horror) you should check it out.

2007-02-26 16:12:52 · answer #10 · answered by who 2 · 0 0

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