"The virtue of books is to be readable."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
What makes a book readable? I don't think I've ever picked up a book that wasn't readable, but some of them are very putdownable. Some are harder to read than others. What makes a book easy to read? Here are a few of my random thoughts on the matter:
Engaging story
Invisible writing
Intriguing characters
Beautiful use of language
Pacing that moves along at a fast clip
Invisible writing
Intriguing characters
Beautiful use of language
Pacing that moves along at a fast clip
What do you think makes a book readable? Please add to my list.
When I fall in love with the characters.
ReplyDeleteUnanswered questions or one Burning Question is key for me. If there isn't something I'm dying to know, I often can't keep reading.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point
DeleteI agree with Miranda - once I fall in love with characters, or just A character, I will follow them anywhere.
ReplyDeleteYou character groupie, you. ^_^
DeleteClarity. If I can't tell what's going on and this is due to bad writing (as opposed to clever mystery-building), I will put a book aside.
ReplyDeleteAccessibility of language can improve the readability, although sometimes deciphering the text is part of what makes a book absorbing (think A CLOCKWORK ORANGE).
Clarity v. Confusion. ^_^
DeleteClever language is a huge bonus for me.
Oh, clarity is HUGE.
ReplyDeleteI will add an engaging beginning, with a relatable character in a specific setting.
Yes. First pages must rock!
DeleteI agree with all of those. I put down too many books because of the writing (although I do get more selective the more I write), and a few simply because *nothing* is happening. Which is always really sad, especially when a book has a unique concept and intriguing characters. I only have so much time to read, so I try to make sure what I do read is worth it.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, I think a lot of it comes down to personal taste.
Nothing only works for Seinfeld, eh?
DeleteGood list! Only thing I would add is: a compelling/interesting mystery or hook.
ReplyDeleteOr many mysteries. One resolves, another pops up. ^_^
DeleteI'm with Miranda, too. I need to LOVE the character(s). After that, man, the book can lead me through fire for all I care.
ReplyDeleteGreat list! Characters are the most important piece for me, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog. Hugs to you!