What Makes a Book Great, IMO
Inspired by an article I read, the other day, about the criteria used to match books to readers, I’ve been giving some thought to what makes a book “appealing” to me.
Having gone through my Top 10 Lists, I wrote down what I loved about each book on those lists, and then looked for patterns. And, what I came up with wasn’t all that surprising.
Here –for your enjoyment!– is what makes a book “great”… at least, according to me. If a book has any of the following elements (more than one would make it even better!), I’m probably gonna love it. 
- romantic suspense
- able to draw me in so completely that I forget about the ‘real world’ while I’m reading (a.k.a: escapism)
- action, or a fast pace
- inspires me to change, or to take action
- forbidden love
- romantic reunions (lost loves found)
- is dialogue-driven, not overly descriptive
- stirs up hope within me
- gives me a fresh outlook, or new perspective, on an old story or idea
- has simple, easy-to-implement ideas, suggestions, or plans
- speaks to my passions (books, writing…)
- pulls at various emotions (can make me laugh-out-loud, cry, etc…)
- doesn’t require a ton of “brain-power”, but isn’t too light & fluffy, either (it should stretch me at least a little)
- contains ciphers, codes, or puzzles
- doesn’t “preach” at me
- contains no legalism or hypocrisy
- speaks to real-world issues, and doesn’t pad the truth
- no odd formats — writing is in straight-forward paragraphs, and not all over the page
- empowers women
- isn’t a book of short stories, essays, or poetry
- contains NOTHING about war, politics, or history
- preferrably no gay/lesbian issues or characters (though, I have read books where some of the characters are gay, but they don’t act on it other than to hold hands)
- down-to-earth, friendly writing style
- minimal (or, even NO) errors in spelling, grammar, etc. (I know…hard to find in this day & age!)
Of course, this probably isn’t the full list of what could appeal to me. There are probably more elements. But, these are the ones that stand out most strongly to me, right now.
How about you? Do you know what makes you love a book, or hate it?
I always look for a hook. I agree on the fast pace. Plot should not be shallow. Among other things. =)
I hate too much fantasy.
1. Characters have to be someone I care about. That doesn’t mean just like me or perfect, but likable and their actions have to be plausible.
2. Plot has to be reasonable, not things “just happening” by coincidence to fall into place.
3. Given the above, I’ll read almost any kind of book: fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, romance.
I’m a sucker for a happy ending and “heroes” (as opposed to anti-heroes), even if they come in light shades of gray.
If the plot has a twist at the end that I never saw coming, I automatically love the book!