Good Writing

A good piece of writing to me is something that captures my attention. I have read "good" pieces of literature that I find so, so, so boring. Though to the rest of the world thinks a book is a piece of art, it won't be in my library.

When I read, I look for well rounded characters. If the characters aren't dynamic or interesting enough, then the book is lost to me. I like to be able to fall in love with characters when I read, and when I can't do that, my interest wanes.

Also, if the author cannot coherently explain him/herself (i.e., the book is just too damn hard to read), the book is lost to me in that case, too. Basically, I just like to know what's going on.

The works that inspire me are works that have distinct narrative voices, works that tell a story in a comprehensible fashion, and works that have characters in whom I can become emotionally invested. It always helps when there's a scene or two to which I can relate (it makes the whole "emotional investment" aspect of reading that much stronger), but that's not always necessary.

Few books have made me cry, but those are the books that I treasure.

Cristina