I like ones with lots of action, cliff-hanging suspense, and which don't skimp on the description. And most importantly, it has to be a good story, the kind that makes people scratch their heads and wonder why it hadn't been written sooner. Of course, a few lessons and well-placed observations on life wouldn't hurt, not to mention a light helping of romance as well.
Your thoughts?
2007-06-29 05:07:08 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
Well, I'm pretty tired of the "clever novel."
Writers who come up with unusual and somehow plausible circumstances - a girl with giant thumbs, a bear on a unicycle, girls running about saying, "arp, arp, arp." It feels like they all took the same writing course in prep school.
The pace of the novel is important - I've been reading James Patterson lately who writes simple two page chapters, this is a tool to keep the book moving along.
I think POV is very important: Scout telling the story in To Kill a Mockingbird or the little boy in Bless Me, Ultima -- there is a broader story being told but it's the point of view of the character that gives it power and emotion (in these cases, youth).
Finally, I want the ending to last for a while. I like my books to tie up the loose ends, a hint of how the character moves on past the Big Event and a feeling that it's complete.
2007-06-29 05:33:45 · answer #1 · answered by wrathofkublakhan 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IMHO, a good novel is one that has an interesting plot and characters that seem real, with a writing style that pulls you in, doesn't bore you, and is well edited. Romance, humor, and cool new concepts are always fun, as are suspense, action, and insight into the characters' minds. Pretty similar to your opinion, I would think.
Why do you ask? Are you thinking about writing yourself? If so, good luck!
2007-06-29 05:18:53 · answer #2 · answered by treehuggingveganhippy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What draws me into a good novel is great well defined characters that have personality.
- an example of an author that does this for me is Stephen King. I have heard over and over again thru the years that he is not a "literary" writer. This may be somewhat true but I find his characters real, believable and charming, or evil, to the bone. Two of my favorite are Stu Redman from The Stand and Charlie from Fire Starter.
2007-06-29 05:11:49 · answer #3 · answered by Ralph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I disliike action but historical fiction with a touch of romance are my fav novels. Basiclly anything that I can't put down is good.
2007-06-29 05:15:07 · answer #4 · answered by live_laugh_love_4ev 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have the same taste...books like Scorpia, Tim LaHaye's novels, Artemis Fowl, Garth Nix's novels,...I read so many...Devil's Arithmetic, Aurevoir Maman, North, Pullman's novels...
2007-06-29 05:12:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of action, good humor, no boring parts, not really confusing, and an excellent ending.
2007-06-29 05:41:02 · answer #6 · answered by joshuabigler 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋