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Reading Room:  What's more important in a book  |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 08:18:44 AM
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1. the writing style
2. the plot
3. a great ending
4. the setting/time period
5. the characters
6. the length
7. other ____________________________
Just wondering what everyone looks for - me, intriguing characters are awfully important, but the writing style can win me over or lose me real quick.
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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dutchy
True Blue Farmgirl
4427 Posts
4427 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 08:57:36 AM
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1 The language used!! I SO dislike any swear/vulgar language, or language that puts down religion, things like that.
2. Style of writing, it has to "catch" me from tha start
3. The plot :)
4. Characters
5. Length doesn't bother me one bit, LOVE heavy volumes lol.
6. Time period, not too important. I like the books in the fronties time period, but also modern ones.
7. The ending. A happy ending is nice but not required :)
Hugs from Marian/Dutchy, a farmgirl from the Netherlands :)
My personal blog:
http://just-me-a-dutch-girl.blogspot.com/
Almost daily updates on me and mine :)
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farmmilkmama
True Blue Farmgirl
2027 Posts
Amy
Central MN
USA
2027 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 10:31:06 AM
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I'm a writer, so I think the writing style is what hooks me. I have sometimes read books/stories with a plot I would not have normally found interesting but have gotten sucked in because of the way the writer spoke. So that would be number one for me!
--* FarmMilkMama *--
Farmgirl Sister #1086
Be yourself.
Everyone else is already taken.
-Oscar Wilde
www.wakeupstartlearning.blogspot.com
www.farmfoodmama.blogspot.com |
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Marcy
True Blue Farmgirl
2701 Posts
Marcy
Tiverton
Rhode Island
USA
2701 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 10:45:05 AM
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I love to write and I love to read. I actually finished writing a few novels and have read hundreds of books over the years. For me, it's the characters and style first, the setting second and the plot third. I am currently working on a novel right now that centers around a pair of star crossed lovers. One ghost, one human. I'm having great fun with this and you know, I've been thinking, this one I just might send out and keep my fingers crossed that something happens with it.
Farmgirl #170
Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give...Eleanor Roosevelt
http://marcysworldofcreativity.blogspot.com/
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Edited by - Marcy on Mar 24 2010 10:46:42 AM |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 3:13:35 PM
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I, too, love to read (sometimes 2 or 3 books at a time!)and by far writing style is my number one requirement for a good book. Setting and time period are my second requirement for a nove--I love historical fiction. I have to LOVE the characters (they must seem real) and plot is important too--I like a good story. I also like a great ending but it's not a requirement (I don't like an ambiguous one). Lenghth doesn't matter. What I don't like is reading about modern dysfunctional families or books that use vulgar language.I read alot of non-fiction, which is why it's easy to read a novel, a biography or a non-fiction at the same time. I can't read too many novels simultaneously--too confusing. I also like to listen to a book on CD in the car. I enjoy having someone read to me! And I like recommendations from other people which is why I participate in this forum. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 8:25:45 PM
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Plot, characters, and style--and I would add themes as well. When I read "The Grapes of Wrath" it was intriguing the way John Steinbeck use the image of a turtle (which carries its home on its back) early in the novel to depict the Okies who had to travel to California with very few belongings. I also think the setting can make or break a great novel--can you imagine "Wuthering Heights" set in, say, Florida? Neither can I. But I think the greatest gift an author can give his/her readers is a storyline that always keeps them guessing. If you've ever read "Life of Pi" it keeps you wondering till the very end. Loved that book. And it has to have a satisfying ending. I love to read
Cindy
"Dog is my co-pilot"
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
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maggie14
True Blue Farmgirl
6784 Posts
Hannah
Washington
USA
6784 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 9:01:34 PM
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Amy, what kind of books do you like to write???
Hugs,
Channah
Farmgirl sister #1219
Friendship is not something that can be bought, it is earned. |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Mar 24 2010 : 9:23:32 PM
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1. the writing style, if I can be drawn in by the 3-4 chapter, I usely just put it down.
2. the characters, it has to feel real to me.
3. the ending, I like happy endings, or enough suspense to really have me caught up until the end.
4. the language, I feel the story can be told just as well, usually better without all the valgar language
I don't care what lenght it is has long as it is holding my interest. I love books by Debbie McComber
Brenda
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony" Mahatma Gandhi |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 09:52:38 AM
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The writing style and characters for sure. I love Steinbeck because you can just picture the characters so well. I love it when in the first chapter I already can picture the people and place really well. I love Fannie Flagg for her use of her "voice of the south".
I love to read!
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
Edited by - Aunt Jenny on Mar 25 2010 09:53:37 AM |
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Amie C.
True Blue Farmgirl
2099 Posts
Finger Lakes Region
NY
2099 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 10:12:39 AM
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| I find it hard to break it down into elements. To me, a really good book has a life of its own, a kind of essence distilled from all those ingredients of plot, characters, setting, and style. If I notice the mechanics of the book, that's usually a bad thing. |
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Marybeth
True Blue Farmgirl
6418 Posts
Mary Beth
Stanwood
Wa 98292
USA
6418 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 10:38:01 AM
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I look at odd things when I am looking for a good read. I like small print and that has nothing to do with the story but if it is large print or odd sized or italizied or just strange to me I cannot read it. Right now I am into mystery type books. James Patterson or Robert Parker type of novels with the same character in precarious positions. Something fast OR I like dynasty type books--families. Belva Plain type--Evergreen. Anyway I will stop for now. LOL MB
http://www.smallcityscenes.blogspot.com
www.strawberryhillsfarm.blogspot.com
www.day4plus.blogspot.com www.holyhouses-day4plus.blogspot.com
"Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we are here we might as well dance!" |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
Posted - Mar 25 2010 : 1:07:21 PM
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I think the writing style and the story is what keeps me interested. Characters are very important too. I always like to find one in the book that I can relate to. It makes it more interesting to me.
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Apr 03 2010 : 7:31:10 PM
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I do enjoy each character! So, the characters capture me first.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 3:53:49 PM
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Everyone seems to agree that characters are one of the most important elements. What do you think makes a good main character?
I like interesting characters who can be related to with flaws and good points. However, I think the best ones have something quirky about them. Nick Polchak of Tim Downs Bugman series is a slightly extreme example but he is so quirky funny!
What kinds of characters are your favorites?
Judy
Farm sister #932
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 6:08:05 PM
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Judy, I hate perfect characters! I like characters with flaws. Another huge thing is the writing style. If a book is written horribly, I won't like it. It has to have that flair that gets you hooked on a book.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 09:39:53 AM
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Know what you mean, Megan. BTW who is your all-time favorite character?
Judy
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 12:18:04 PM
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I've only ever read the Classic Starts version, but Meg in Little Women. She's almost perfect, but has her flaws. I just love how she completely embodies being the older sister.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 5:32:25 PM
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Love that book, too. My favorite Meg "scene" is where she makes the jam and it doesn't turn out. She is so upset because she wants to be the perfect wife. John chooses that day to bring home his friend and Meg is crying over the jam.
Judy
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Apr 05 2010 : 6:43:09 PM
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My favorite character is Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. She's so observant and free from any cynicism.
cindy |
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patchworkpeace
True Blue Farmgirl
478 Posts
Judy
Jackson
Michigan
USA
478 Posts |
Posted - Apr 06 2010 : 11:59:02 AM
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I agree, Scout is a good one. Harper Lee does a nice job of showing her grow up in the book, too. From hero-worshiping her brother to being able to sit in the parlor with the ladies and not hating it too much.
Success is measured not by the position one reaches but by the obstacles one has to overcome to reach it. Booker T. Washington |
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Reading Room: What's more important in a book |
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What's more important in a book
