I didn't see my choice listed, so I'm following the directions and commenting. My favorite stories have subtlety and depth; they're a fresh, surprising take on an old story, or something new altogether; they're thought-provoking. They leave me feeling more knowledgeable or with better understanding than I did before I read them, and they resonate with me for a long time after I've put them down. Not sure how you'd put all that in the list above, but that's what most of my favorite books have in common.
Got it, Yvonne, and you're right, I have no idea how I would have listed all that. :) Maybe "takeaway message?" I'm with you 100% though. I think I enjoy a book most when I learn something new, or when I'm challenged by it. It's such a hard quality to put a finger on. It doesn't always have to be plot-related, it can be character generated. . . I'm not explaining myself well but I'm sure someone will come along and put it into words for me.
Of the choices in the poll I picked happy ending because that is crucial for me. I can't stand having read an entire book and then getting to a disappointing ending (and one of the most disappointing for me is an "open-ended" finale, where you are left to decide what happens). As to the characters, I guess I like mysterious best, but you can't really tell any of these traits very well before you read the book, so that's not as important to me as knowing this author will tie up the loose ends and give me a good ending. That doesn't have to be happily ever after, but justice must be served, and goals must be met.
Thanks for stopping in Susan and Carmen. You too, Yvonne! I really appreciate your votes and your comments. I do have a question though. . . As you see one of my choices is sad ending. Are there individuals who prefer and ending that isn't necessarily sad, but realistic? I sometimes think realistic endings--where things aren't all nicely tied up--are better than happy endings.
I almost voted for funny, and I see no one has. I should have, but I figured quirky would work. :) Actually, I'm not necessarily sure that's the right answer for me. There's an illusive "story" that grabs me. The heroines are often different, so that's not the decisive factor. But then, we all know I'm 1 fry short of a Happy Meal.
I wanted to vote for several of them, but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to do that. So I voted for a strong heroine/hero. I really like the strong hero better. But then I want a happy ending, too. And I also like quirky characters. Sometimes I like to read about mysterious heros.
Oh, I'm hopeless!! I suppose I just like to read. Sandra Robbins
I didn't see my choice listed, so I'm following the directions and commenting. My favorite stories have subtlety and depth; they're a fresh, surprising take on an old story, or something new altogether; they're thought-provoking. They leave me feeling more knowledgeable or with better understanding than I did before I read them, and they resonate with me for a long time after I've put them down.
ReplyDeleteNot sure how you'd put all that in the list above, but that's what most of my favorite books have in common.
Got it, Yvonne, and you're right, I have no idea how I would have listed all that. :) Maybe "takeaway message?" I'm with you 100% though. I think I enjoy a book most when I learn something new, or when I'm challenged by it. It's such a hard quality to put a finger on. It doesn't always have to be plot-related, it can be character generated. . . I'm not explaining myself well but I'm sure someone will come along and put it into words for me.
ReplyDeleteYvonne pretty much hits the nail on the head. I also expect spiritual truths explored and ways to apply them..
ReplyDeleteOf the choices in the poll I picked happy ending because that is crucial for me. I can't stand having read an entire book and then getting to a disappointing ending (and one of the most disappointing for me is an "open-ended" finale, where you are left to decide what happens). As to the characters, I guess I like mysterious best, but you can't really tell any of these traits very well before you read the book, so that's not as important to me as knowing this author will tie up the loose ends and give me a good ending. That doesn't have to be happily ever after, but justice must be served, and goals must be met.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping in Susan and Carmen. You too, Yvonne! I really appreciate your votes and your comments. I do have a question though. . . As you see one of my choices is sad ending. Are there individuals who prefer and ending that isn't necessarily sad, but realistic? I sometimes think realistic endings--where things aren't all nicely tied up--are better than happy endings.
ReplyDelete*ducking the rotten tomatoes*
I almost voted for funny, and I see no one has. I should have, but I figured quirky would work. :) Actually, I'm not necessarily sure that's the right answer for me. There's an illusive "story" that grabs me. The heroines are often different, so that's not the decisive factor. But then, we all know I'm 1 fry short of a Happy Meal.
ReplyDeleteI wanted to vote for several of them, but I wasn't sure if I was supposed to do that. So I voted for a strong heroine/hero. I really like the strong hero better. But then I want a happy ending, too. And I also like quirky characters. Sometimes I like to read about mysterious heros.
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm hopeless!! I suppose I just like to read.
Sandra Robbins
Oh yeah...we LOVE our strong heroes...and speaking of that, did anyone watch Dancing With the Stars last night? HINES IS MY HERO! LOL!
ReplyDeleteBack to your regularly scheduled polling...