Looking at my selections written by two of my favorite authors, I would say that my appeal factors weigh heavily toward characterization. I need to like the characters in the books I read, and I need to care about what happens to them.
The story line for me needs to include relationships, often some paranormal, and definitely a happy or at least uplifting ending.
Thrillers are not my style since I clearly prefer leisurely pacing with time is spent on description, setting, and character development
Conversation, full descriptions and flowing language are important. The main characters are always intelligent and conversations well written. Dialect is given emphasis as is historical vernacular.
The setting is usually somewhere "safe". Seacoast, rural, small town, or even comfortable city life.
Attention to Detail is essential. I like a setting so well described, that I can visualize where the story takes place. The language is lyrical...
The Tone of my favorites is usually tending towards a happy or uplifting ending. Terror, danger, violence are not my choice readings. But the tone is anticipatory rather than tense. My preference is atmospheric, somewhat Gothic, but not too scary. I always want to keep reading to see what happens because I care about the characters.
Learning/Experiencing: I want to visit the setting. Its described so beautifully...I also want to live in the character's house! I don't want the story to end. I want to meet and know the characters.The historical aspect is so fully researched that I want to want to learn more.
Hi Janet,
ReplyDeleteI am going to recommend for you the two books I just posted on my blog...we have such similar taste in appeal factors! Mrs. Queen Takes the Train by William Kuhn takes place in England and Scotland, with a delightful cast of characters, who embark on their own adventure in an attempt to catch the Queen gone rogue! The dialogue is splendid, we feel as if we know these people. Learning about life in the castle is fascinating. The book is driven by a feeling of "what will happen next," without being a thriller or a mystery.
You also might love Buddy: How a Rooster Made Me a Family Man by Brian McGrory. It, too, is character and plot driven. You will be delighted to know that many of the characters are animals, including one very special dog. There is also a special rooster, who comes to be Brian's Yoda :-) Brian is a columnist with the Boston Globe who finds true love in mid-life. The writing is enchanting, at turns funny, poignant, and sometimes heartbreaking. I actually listened to this, I checked the audio out from OW when I attended the ribbon cutting, based on Irene's recommendation. Delightful!