Brenda at Daily Mayo posed this week's question for Book Blogger Hop:
What is your favorite part about reading a book? Figuring out the plot ahead of time, the feeling of the actual book itself, experiencing the plot unfold, getting to know the characters—or something else entirely?
It's all about the story. Yes, and it's the characters. They are the primary content of the story. The suspense wouldn't exist unless a character is affected. I can't think of a single book which has no characters. Since I read a lot of speculative fiction, the characters don't have to be human. I've even read one series that included a sentient planet.
And since I love becoming familiar with the characters and watching how they change as the action advances the story, I like long books. A reasonable substitute for long books is a series—the more volumes the better. I can tell you that I sometimes feel a bit cheated when I discover that the author has dropped the characters after a single book or a trilogy. I like these people. I want to know what happens next. A lengthy series of long books is absolute heavenly to me. (Can you spot my appreciation of Diana Gabaldon here?)
So, thanks to Brenda for posing this question. I'm linking up with other book bloggers at Book Blogger Hop which is hosted by Billy at Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer. Come see what others have to say and join us if you wish.
Years ago I was all about the plot, but now I really enjoy realistic and imaginative character development. I have grown quite attached to many characters since then, so I completely understand how you feel.
ReplyDeleteMonique @ Mo_Books
You know, I was going to say "plot", but when I started writing, I realized it was mostly the characters. Though if the author doesn't come up with a good plot for the characters, it all falls apart.
DeleteI like your answer! I have so many books to read right now that I tend to avoid long books but I do love a multi-volume series.
ReplyDeleteI try to avoid talking about my book backlog. There are at least 500 unread books (printed-on-paper books) in my house. And I don't know how many purchased eBooks. I don't include all the freebies and classics in this count.
DeleteI read by whatever happens to interest me at any given time. Long or short doesn't really come into the decision criteria of which book to read next. That said, I freely admit that long books are attractive.
Very nice answer...love it.
ReplyDeleteI need good characters too. They are the "meat" of the book. The plot is important too, but the characters are the most important to me.
ENJOY your weekend.
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver's Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
I see on your blog you pointed out that you're not one to try and figure out the plot -- neither am I. Even though I read a lot of mysteries, I don't try to match wits with the author and guess who-done-it.
DeleteDifficult to match wits with some authors. :)
DeleteHope you had a good weekend.
I totally agree with you :)
ReplyDeleteBookBloggerHop@EverythingNyze
Thanks for stopping by. I dropped by your site and you're right about fantasy (and for me science fiction) giving the author the opportunity to skillfully construct the world in which her story will play out.
DeleteI also thoroughly enjoy character development and growth and I seem to agree with all your points; great post!
ReplyDeleteSparrow's Book Blogger Hop
Hello Sparrow. I see that you like YA and even middle-grade books. I've designated 2015 as "The Year of the Tween/Teen" here at Reading in Texas. I'll be checking out various blogs that focus on these ages to get recommendations for books to read.
Delete