Think about your favorite authors, your favorite books . . . what is it about them that makes you love them above all the other authors you’ve read? The stories? The characters? The way they appear to relish the taste of words on the tongue? The way they’re unafraid to show the nitty-gritty of life? How they sweep you off to a new, distant place? What is it about those books and authors that makes them resonate with you in ways that other, perfectly good books and authors do not?
In a recent blog I said, "It's difficult for me to enjoy a book with run-ons and sentence fragments. A good read must have believable characters, the plot should flow, and finally, the ending should satisfy with a sound conclusion. In addition, I want to read material without R-rated language or scenes." We all use the same alphabet, with the same twenty-six letters, yet some can put those letters together in a way that makes memories.
Classic authors have something to say that makes it worth my time to read. However, I confess that I fill my days reading contemporary authors.
When I was younger, I enjoyed a good plot, and I still do. John Grisham has a talent for telling a story. I've read most of his writings.
In addition to a story line, I prefer authors who have the ability to write strong characters, such that when I finish reading, I know them, and I want to visit with them again. Liz Curtis Higgs has written a trilogy that is awesome.
Angela Hunt is an author who soars. She fills all of the above criteria. More than that: just when you think you've figured out the direction of the book, you turn the page to yet another twist in the plot.
What do you look for when you're choosing something to read?
