Each of us readers has something we look for in a book - an element that will make or break it for us. Other elements may not be perfect, but as long as the thing we love best is excellent, we can still warrant five out of five stars. Of course, we all love a well-rounded story, but which of these elements is most important to you?
Plot - The overall story arc. A good plot is well-paced throughout, keeps us flipping pages in anticipation, has an exciting climax (teehee), and a definite conclusion. A poorly written or convoluted plot can leave us bored, confused, and dissatisfied at the end. 
Setting - The element which transports us into the story world. A strongly written setting can mold the tone of the book: dark and dreary, light and airy, dry and stark. Lack of setting details can create a drab, easily forgettable story.
Characters - The element which gives us that personal link to the story. Vivid characters will have chemistry and tension between them, making us care about them and their journey. An unrealistic or unlikeable main character can keep readers from relating to the story, as will weak relationships between the MC and secondary characters.
Writing Style - The element of voice in the piece. How an author chooses to convey a story - the style in which they write dialogue, thoughts, narrative wording, etc, can draw us in or push us away. What makes good style is, perhaps, the most arguable of the elements. Style is heavily based on personal preference, taking us back to the old Literary vs. Commercial debate.
It's hard to choose just one of these, because I often think it's some combination. I can't read a book that isn't written in a style I connect with, but if the character or story really hooks me, then I might be able to ignore the style.
ReplyDeleteCharacters I guess, because you're making me choose! I say this because if I am not attached to them, I don't really care what happens to them if I don't think they are "real".
ReplyDeleteFor me, it has to be characters. HAS to be. I don't care how awesome a storyline or setting is, if I'm not connecting with the characters I won't make it halfway through the book.
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's a combination of writing style and characters. Because I HAVE to fall in love with the characters in order to be able to relate to/enjoy the book... but I think that totally has to do with the author's writing style and how they present their charries.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with Marisa- A mix of writing style and characters because they kind of go hand in hand together.
ReplyDeleteFor me it's plot. If the plot isn't strong, without loopholes, or just slow, it's a definite deterrent.
ReplyDeleteYour teehee made me laugh.
ReplyDeleteCharacters for me. Huge character reader.
For me it's a combination of plot, characters and writing. If the plot isn't interesting to me I won't even buy it. It the characters and writing are dull, chances are I won't finish the book (I have a couple I've bought and haven't been able to finish because they were such a snooze). Setting is an added bonus for me.
ReplyDeleteAlways characters. I can forgive a convoluted or unrealistic plot if the characters are engaging and interesting. Style is important too though. Nothing worse than reading something with great characters and a fantastic plot when the style is clunky or dull.
ReplyDeleteThank you guys for all of your responses! I agree that it's a combination - I also have an appreciate for each of these elements. But like a lot of you, I'm a character reader. I can forgive a lot of flaws if I'm in love with the characters.
ReplyDeleteKelley V, I"m so immature! There are just certain words that make me giggle in any context.
Story comes last for me.
ReplyDeleteIt's all voice and characters. I mean, if the story sucks, I won't love it, so it does take all three, but number one for me is voice.
There's no way to take that out and keep me reading. I'd rather read a book about a normal day in the life of a random teenager, than a killer story with no voice, and characters I don't love.
Also - I think with voice comes good characters - not always, and I have a few books I've read with great voice and then one of the characters decided to do something that was WAY too convenient to the plot. And I am now officially rambling.
LOVE good characters. You even inspired my Monday post!
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