Booking Through Thursday: Stories
If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?
Or, um, is it just me?
Interesting question.
Honestly, I've read a lot of books that haven't had much in the way of plot, but were still excellent books. For those who have read any of my reviews, you'll know that for me, character is possibly the most important part of a story. I love well-developed, interesting characters. I've read books with strong plots, but been disappointed because the author didn't take the time to flesh out the characters as well as he or she could have. I'm more likely to be forgiving of plot holes than I am of insufficient characters.
That's not to say that I don't like novels with sharp plot twists. For example, Fingersmith
by Sarah Waters was one of my favorite books so far this year, and it had some fantastic plot twists. Of course, there were also incredibly well-done characters... are you sensing a theme here?
So the final answer is: for me, it's more about the characters. They are why I keep reading.
In unrelated news, don't forget to check out the Barnes and Noble gift card giveaway I'm hosting. There's a little over a week left.