How Do You Know When You've Read a Good Book?

Question

The saying goes, "You know you've read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as though you lost a friend."

How do YOU know when you've read a good book?

Answer 1

I think it is when after the last page is read you sit back and sigh and nod to yourself that that was a great book. Then pick it up and reread it to see if you missed anything on the first go around.

Answer 2

When I start reading it slower and slower, not wanting it to end.

When I'm finished, I wish I hadn't read it so I could read it again. I usually do. Sometimes I'll wait 5 or 6 years and give it another go.

When the ending is so completely satisfying that you feel that the story is, indeed, over.

I'm the only one of my friends who think that the ending of the Dark Tower books by Steven King was perfect.... the only way it could possibly have ended.... I was shocked and stunned at the ending. It took almost 20 years for those books to be completed and I waited impatiently between books. Perfect books, perfect ending. WOW, only King could come up with it.....

Answer 3

I'd have to say that the saying you quoted has to be true.

When I reach the end of a good book, I hate to see it end, because I've gotten to know and understand and respect the characters and how they got to where they ended up. Some writers are better than others at conveying this, and I tend to read more of the books those authors have written.

Answer 4

If it is really good, I just must talk about it.

I’m an avid reader along with my daughters and granddaughter’s.

We pass books around from one to the other.

I have read so many good books but thee book, that has had the biggest impact on me was Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

The day I finished that book I had a strong need to talk to someone, who had read it.

I called my daughter’s and they were out of town.

I couldn’t stand it, so I tried to talk and tell my husband about it but it wasn’t the same because he didn’t read it.

I still like to talk about that book and hash it over with my kids.

It has been reprinted 8 times and banned in some schools because of the language.

Salinger said Holden Caulfield’s life was some what like his own while growing up.

Good question. Thanks. I'm thinking that I want to read it again.

Answer 5

That saying is true. I know I've read a good book when I'm enjoyed it so much I want others to read it. It's like I think they are really missing something if they don't and also when I want to 'own' the book.

Answer 6

I know I've read a good book when it keeps popping into my mind. I'm picky about what I consider "good" and really good books don't come along very often. If I find a good book, I always give it to someone I know instead of donating it to the library or Goodwill.

Answer 7

When the book comes to an end, but I keep thinking and wanting more from it......My imagination starts to wander and then I think the book needs to go on, I need more information on the book---the characters, the story line, whatever it is I find myself wanting More of it..........

You said it, "as though I've lost a friend" kinda sad...........

Answer 8

When you can't put it down, you make excuses for ignoring things you should be doing and you actually don't want the book to come to an end. At the very least, there should be a sequel that you can pick up right away.

Answer 9

If I really enjoyed the book, then it was good.

And actually, I think that quote you have there really nails it. Whenever I finish a book that I really like, it is kind of sad because now I don't have any more of it to read.

Answer 10

I get depressed when a truly good book ends! I know that the next one I select will not equal the one I have just finished. But I can always hope!