A truly excellent book leaves an impression on your memory. Maybe
you don't remember the character's names or the entire plot line, but you
remember that it was a good book. There are several aspects that
make a book "good," I think. I know I have my personal preferences,
and not all people may agree with me.
The first detail of a good book is the
quality of the writing. The author has to successfully pull you in and keep you
there. I find that if the style of writing is somewhat unique, reasonably descriptive,
and concise it’s easier to read. A good book should not be too challenging. It shouldn't
boast about itself, if you know what I mean. It can be written well without
being pretentious.
Something I always try to find in a book is emotion, as well. If a
book makes me cry, I will usually pin it as a good book. But that may be a
personal preference, because I enjoy drama and tragedy, perhaps more than some
people. But I believe if the writing is powerful enough to move a person to
tears, then the book is a good one.
Of course there are some books one person may love and another
person may hate. Calling a book “good” is purely opinionated, and not a
universal thought. It’s all based on personal preferences. While I may happily
spend my entire day reading Crosby, Stills &Nash: The Biography,
other people may say, “wow, that looks really boring!” I beg to differ. If you’re
not interested in the subject you’re reading about, you won’t think it’s a good
book.
Of course, probably the most important aspect of a good book is a
well developed plot line. If the plot is not interesting, and doesn't relate to
the reader (yes, I said it, “the reader”) then it can’t be considered good. For
me to consider a book good, it has to reach out to me in some way, on a
personal level. I think we’re all a bit selfish in that sense.
But, really, a good book is based on your opinion; therefore no
one can truly judge what’s good or bad.
Oh, i completely agree. I think that overall, there are those books that are very popular and those that only a few people really like, and sometimes both of these reputations are undeserved. I find that when beliefs or opinions we have but cannot express or exist subconsciously are expressed through the writings of others, we feel a much deeper, more intimate connection with the writing.
ReplyDeleteHahaha.... you said "the reader...." :-)
ReplyDeleteteehee =P The reader has returned! This is really well written Amy and I absolutely agree. If a book makes me cry I also consider it a good book. When I open the book and there are tear stains I can remember the exact moment I read that passage. =D
ReplyDelete