This weeks discussion is:
What makes a great novel for you?
So many things make a great novel for me. Here is my list:
- Realistic characters that you get emotional invested in.
- Unique, interesting and gripping plot. A book that keeps me up all night wondering what is going to happen next.
- Writing that is effortless to read. It should just flow so you feel like you are there with the characters rather than being told a story.
- Most importantly a book that when I finished I can't stop thinking about. I love books that get me thinking about the message in the story. That get me wondering what I would have done in the main characters position. Would I have chosen the same path. Book that when you are finished you just want to talk to everyone about.
What makes a great novel for you?
Thanks again to Melissa for hosting this meme.
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11 comments:
Great points, Nic!
A great novel for me combines excellent characterization, great writing and a story that will remain with me long after I have finished the book. I think books by Tana French, Kate Morton, Margaret Atwood and Sarah Waters have all of these.
I totally agree, Nic! I want a story that keeps me thinking long after I'm done. Honestly, I know it's cliche, but Harry Potter is like that for me. If you read beyond the surface, the story is of friendship, love and family, and it stays with me all the time :)
So true Nic! I especially love the effortless writing point, aside from great characters, I love the ones where you forget you're reading at all and your just swept up in the story because it flows so beautifully from page to page. Still need to read Jellicoe Road, it's on my list so hopefully I get to it soon:)
I agree with everything you have said, if you haven't read The Declaration yet by Gemma Malley I suggest you do. It is everything that you just discribed. It will deffiantly have you hooked.
i've never heard of GooD oil but I need to check it out because your other three suggestions are just amazing. awesome post nic :)
Yes! I totally agree with your bolded sentence! Some books just stay with me days and days after I've finished them. Sometimes it's the characters, sometimes it's the plot, but those books are almost always great.
"Writing that is effortless to read." That's it! For me, that is what gets me every time. I think writing like that definitely aid in keeping the story revolving in your mind, even after you have finished the book.
Now, because I love recommendations from you, I'm gonna go check out what Good Oil is about. Thanks Nic.
We both talked about similar things. I want a novel I can't stop thinking about too. The way to achieve this is through incredible characters and great plots. I haven't read The Iron Fey series yet but I'm planning to soon.
I totally agree with everything you said. I forgot about effortless writing so that you forget you are reading and a book that makes you think about it long after its over. There aren't a lot of those out there for me, but I have bad short term memory.
And I have purchased Jellicoe Road twice now and just can't get into it. What is wrong with me? I've given it away in a giveaway both times.
Heather
There's nothing like reading a book that you just can't forget about you've read it. I too really like characters that you can emotionally connect to. Great list!
Similar to pretty much what you listed, I guess we have the same opinions on this topic. I havne't read Jellicoe Road but have heard great things about it.
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