If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?
Or, um, is it just me?
When picking a book to read, what most attracts me first is the story. Like any curious person, I want to find out where the stories would bring me to, and then I would like to know what would happen to the characters in these stories. In my opinion, a good story consists of having a good plot and engaging characters.
So what about you? I would love to hear your thoughts.
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I agree.
I agree, if we're talking about fiction. Something has to make us pick up the book and keep us there!
I read different books for different reasons.
I read travelogues a lot. Obviously not for the stories!
:D
Booking through stories
I agree... I'm not reading a book with a trite story. However, the more BTT posts I read, I'd say good characters are just as important, otherwise you won't care what happens next.
Yes you need it all...as in life, it's the balance that makes it good.
Smilingsal, Janet, Debbie, Koolaidmom - Glad we share the same sentiments. :)
Chris, Gautami - Yep, I guess that has to depend what type of books I read. ;)
Yep, as much as I love exquisite writing and well-developed characters, my overall feeling about a book will rely heavily on the story itself.
I pretty much agree. Although the character don't all have to be that good for me.
I agree, for fiction, a good story is the main driving force. But I have liked some characters even when the story was so-so.
I like to be lost in a good story. Well-developed and believable characters and plot go hand in hand. Granted that, I also enjoy reading books with multiple layers of meaning, depending on my mood. :)
I agree with you.
Debi, Barbara, Charli - Although the writing is equally important, but I feel having a good story is a must for a good read. :)
Shannon - I agree with you. There are times that the stories are good but unfortunately some characters aren't unlikeable enough for me to care about them.
Matt - Those are exactly my thoughts! And I read depending on my mood too. ;)
Hi Melody, for me I like something that's descriptive with emotive powers. It goes without saying, the story must be good, as well as the character development.
When I read non-fictions, it's a different kettle of fish all together. I enjoy reading business books that are written in a conversational style, packed with great content that prompts me to further explore certain areas I want to dig deeper. I love it when my reading kind of 'expand'...
Alice - I agree with you about the emotive powers. I rarely read non-fictions nowadays... and one reason is because my fictional pile is overwhelming! LOL.
Yes--that's it exactly!
A good story definitely gets me turning the page, but what makes a story great is how it makes me feel - and that comes down to character development, themes, ideas, great writing style ... the stuff that stays with me.
Wendy - Glad we share the same thoughts. :)
Paula - You said it! :D