What elements do you look for in a good book??

Question

As the reader what are you specifically looking for when reading and selecting a book?

Answer 1

I'm a very calm person and I have to and like to be around people who have a sense of humor.

I also have a great need to gather around me, people with a positive attitude.

I have to read feel good endings and I want a book to take me to a time and place that I have never been before.

I'm most attracted to Historical Romances.

I will always read a book that has been recommended to me as long as it meets my criteria.

A little mystery is okay but not the scary type mystery.

I'm 72 years old. I retired in 1996 and began making a book list of the books that I read.

Most of the books I read are checked out for me, by daughter who is a librarian at our local library.

I read 2 or 3 books a week, so that is why I keep a list, otherwise I would be checking out books that I have previously read.

My ancestors are from England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland so I like stories that take place in those countries.

I find an author and read everything they write and go on to the next works of another author.

I also prefer English actors like, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson etc.

American actors are good but not too many are great.

I have probably answered your question, telling you more than you really wanted to know, but I do challenge you to keep a book list of the books you have read.

My granddaughters love to look at my list. I have a check by the ones that I recomend for young girls.

They love to talk with me about the books that we read.

It is so good to see them reading rather than spending time doing things that are not going to enhance their life and learning.

Thanks for a very good question.

Answer 2

Selecting: usually, I look at award winners or the best-rated in Amazon. I also look for classics using this site http://www.interleaves.org/~rteeter/grtother.html#great .

I evaluate fiction strictly on how much I enjoyed the book. You know you've got a good one when you stay up later than you should to read. You know you've got a bad one when you fall asleep before your normal bedtime. "Deep meaning" and cigars that literary critics try to convince people are not cigars do not interest me in the least.

Other books I evaluate on authenticity (which is why I usually dislike historical novels). Bibles I evaluate on a completely different agenda - which is too involved to get into here. If you're interested, look here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/

I hope this helps.

Jim, http://www.life-after-harry-potter.com

Answer 3

an interesting plot. something that captures u and made u open the book and read it. and gripping first chapter. there are several good books that have weak first chapter, so even though the storyline is interesting, u won't get past the first few pages.

Answer 4

the writer has to be able to plant a vived picture of the surroundings and characters in the reader's minds via good thorough descriptions. i also look for my favorite genre's like humor, adventure, romance, etc.

Answer 5

i like a good plot with an ending that you dont expect, but doesnt end with you saying, really? (my sisters keeper ending was aweful in my opinion for example.) also some love elements, even if it isnt a love story. a good moral is nice. also a good name. that is what draws people in.

Answer 6

Interest-holding plot, 3 dimensional, unusual characters, original settings, worthy themes.

Answer 7

hmmmm a lot
1. has to be interesting
2. good plot
3. interesting characters
4. catch my interest
5. not short (really ends quick) or a REALLY long book that drags on and on
6. cant be ...boring!

and more I cant think of :/

Answer 8

subject,plot character development. T4