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What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Wed Jan 02, 2019 8:00 pm
by bookideas
Hi all,

I'm an avid reader (mostly classical Russian fiction) as well as an aspiring entrepreneur. I'm currently researching what matters most to people who read often to potentially create a really good solution to enrich your experience.

I'd really value your opinions and have put together a very short survey that will take about 5 minutes to complete. You can also opt-in for a more in-depth discussion about your reading habits if you'd like.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FSLFVJ3

Enjoy your reading adventures!

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Sun Sep 01, 2019 4:13 am
by princesscookie19
Short chapters,characters that are close to each other(family),A secret in the last few chapters :wink: alot of detail in a horror...ya :yes:

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 6:38 am
by IBstudentMoksu
Realistic character development that readers can observe a little bit in every chapter, not too long chapters, different types of characteristics w/ different views & interests.
I mainly read non-fiction, but if I were to make an exception I would look for these things in a fiction book (+ interesting plot)

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Mon Feb 10, 2020 1:57 pm
by princesscookie19
Probably How fast the book turns out to be in less than 3-5chapters if I don't get the main idea within 3-5chapters I struggle on till the book is finished :wink:

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Sat Feb 22, 2020 7:45 am
by AnneAustin7854
Hello everyone. For me, the storyline has to be realistic, the characters need to be believable. I don't mind short or long chapters, as long as the characters are interesting then I'll read it.
There should also be a big twist or reveal near the end of the book. :)

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Sun Feb 23, 2020 6:38 pm
by Cattleman
this probably won't help you, but for me - it has to hold my interest. I know this is simplistic, but as a compulsive reader for over 70 years, that is my answer. Let me think on this and maybe I can come up with a more detailed and definitive answer.

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 6:06 am
by AnneAustin7854
There's nothing wrong in what you've said, Cattleman. It is true. There's nothing worse than trying to read a book which isn't interesting. I usually give it 50-100 pages. If it doesn't hold my interest by then, then I give up on it. :-D

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Wed Mar 11, 2020 12:54 pm
by princesscookie19
Well it has to have a good story line, :shock: things like facts is important ,Information on different topics, :)

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2020 8:27 am
by Cattleman
I promised to return after giving this one some thought, and here I am. :) Some background: I am in my 70s and have been reading since I was about five years old. How many books have I read? :hmm: Good question. Hundreds, perhaps thousands. I am a compulsive reader (I can't NOT read) :wink: So here are some factors that make me consider someting a good book that will hold my interest (or not). :yes: :yawn: :no:

Short chapters. Too many nights I have stayed up way too late trying to finish a chapter that just goes on and on, and for no apparent reason. :no:

Believable characters. They are true to life, not cardboard cutouts; neither all good or all bad. the hero/heroine does not have to always help old ladies across the street, and the villain/villainess does not have to strangle kittens. Complex, but not TOO complex, if you catch my drift.

A plot with some, but not too many, twists. Simplicity is better than complex. And PLEaSE, no deus ex machina. :no:

Don't make your language too complicated. Don't make your reader run to the dictionary every few lines. :no: And limit your use of foreign words. For example, to paraphrase Isaac Asimov, "If you are referring to boots, call them boots, not gnoches. If your character gets into his car or truck, call it that, not a wonotor." (This applies primarily to science fiction.) :yes:

There are my recommendations. Godo writing.

Re: What matters most to you when reading a good book?

Posted: Wed Mar 18, 2020 1:44 pm
by AnneAustin7854
Short chapters tend to be the modern way of novel writing. When I was growing up, most authors wrote long chapters. This is probably where I get the habit from. My chapters in the novels I write are always too long. I'm going to try and write shorter chapters, but I don't think I'll be able to manage it. :)