NationStates Jolt Archive

Just out of curiosity, what do you think are the criteria that make a book a good book? What does it take?

And then, what does it take for a book to become an outstanding work of lierature in your eyes?
I'm curious because in the few threads I've seen so far about favourite books and books that you would recommend, I noticed that I myself would have recommended/named about 2/3rd of the titles that came up, whereas I would have easily labeled the remaining 1/3rd as trash. There rarely was a book mentioned that I was indifferent about, so I was wondering what your standards are, how do you measure literature?

Not something I have ever really thought about, I read just about anything I can (or used to anyway), and generally when I start a book I like to finish it

But probably the most important factor is if it is an interesting story. Second, it needs to be "believable" (something that's value depends on the type of book). Third, would probably be if it reads well (NB: This does not mean really simplistic, nor too difficult).

Somewhere between them (no idea where though) is that it makes me think.

Bleh, I'm tired and slightly tipsy. Don't listen to me :(

Good literature has a good beat and you can dance to it. :D

Just out of curiosity, what do you think are the criteria that make a book a good book? What does it take?

And then, what does it take for a book to become an outstanding work of lierature in your eyes?
I'm curious because in the few threads I've seen so far about favourite books and books that you would recommend, I noticed that I myself would have recommended/named about 2/3rd of the titles that came up, whereas I would have easily labeled the remaining 1/3rd as trash. There rarely was a book mentioned that I was indifferent about, so I was wondering what your standards are, how do you measure literature?
In my opinion, an outstanding piece of literature captures my attention, keeps it, and takes me to another place/time/situation/event. It's no wonder that my favorite genres are all fiction!

I'll have to second Anarchic Conception and Zotona's sentiment. But my favored genres are generally limited more to fantasy, so believability isn't high on my requirements list.

Although I do like some other books too...

The story at its roots has to be compelling. Also, I HATE it when the author proverbally beats you over the head with his point (*cough*tolstoy*cough*)

I like my literature to have a reasonably high vocabulary, interesting sentence structure doesn’t hurt either. I love stories that have complex characters (either conflicted, an odd trait or with an interesting past). I prefer that the main characters' actions have a direct effect on the world as a whole. I highly enjoy good vs. evil stories.

The Lord of the Rings pretty much meats all of this criteria, thus it is my favorite book.

The absolutely critical factor for a good book is the same as that for a good film, the ability to identify with one, or more, of the characters. They have to capture your sympathy in some way.
Then after that come factors such as plot coherence, originality, rhythm etc. But the best plot line with a pulsating rhythm in an original setting will do nothing if the characters don't grab you.

It has to be an interesting story. Pointless if it is technically excellent but boring. I had to read a book this year that was like that, I could see how it was technically good, but I hated reading it.