Just another Hype or Like Friday! This meme and Goodreads group were created by myself, Jill @ Rant and Rave Books, and Britt @ Geronimo Reads. To join our group and find out more information about what it’s all about, please go to our Goodreads page HERE.
The May BOTM is Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer, #1) by Laini Taylor.
RULES:
- Answer the weekly discussion topic.
- Optional: Discuss your chosen hyped book of the week.
- Optional: Talk about your progress on the BOTM.
TOPIC OF THE WEEK: May 19th – Three Important Ingredients… What are the three main things that you look for in a book?
Three Important Ingredients
This week’s topic is more of a discussion post and one that I’m pretty excitement about. I find it so interesting how everyone views books differently and what things we look for when we read or pick out a novel. I, myself, am an entertainment reader, which basically means that I just like to read and if a book entertains me then that’s the most important thing. This tends to lead to high ratings and such, as I’m a tad easy to impress and I typically don’t notice as much issues in the writing/story as others do. But to each his own, right?!
1. An Engrossing Plotline
For me, this is the most important piece. If the story cannot completely draw my attention in, then it’s not going to be rated very highly for me. I need to feel totally invested in the story or it’s just not worth it to me. This is why I don’t read hardly any contemporary novels, as their plots just don’t really interest me. Now, this is obviously a totally subjective opinion, because I know so many people love them. But for me, I want a good story that puts my imagination to good use.
Examples include:
2. Characters with Personality
I love characters that are full of personality. I want them to feel so alive to me that I thoroughly care about what happens to them, whether it’s a happy or bad ending. If a character can make me continue with a story just for them, then that can sometimes make up for a lackluster novel. Sometimes it isn’t even the main character who I connect with, but maybe a different character in the story (*throws some ultimate side glances at The Grisha Trilogy*). But no matter how it happens, if I can find at least one character to connect with, that’s a good sign.
Examples include:
3. A Strong Ending
Nothing pisses me off more than being totally obsessed with a novel or series, only to reach the ending/final book and want to burn it in the fiery flames of Hell. But if a book or series can grow, evolve and then end with fireworks, I’m in love. There’s no more satisfying feeling than being able to close a book with a smile on your face. I love that feeling! I think a strong ending can really make or break a book/series for me.
Examples include:
What 3 ingredients do you look for in a book? Are any of mine important to you? Have you enjoyed any books that might not have followed your typical ingredients? Leave a link to your Hype or Like Friday in the comments below!
Wonderfilled Reads 
I agree with all of these ingredients and they would be the top picks for me- though I can occasionally replace plot for romance in a contemporary. I also really love the examples you chose- especially Red Rising, Darker Shade of Magic, Throne of Glass and Carry On- these are perfect!!
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I think a lot of people do that for contemporaries! I enjoy romance in my stories but contemporaries tend to stick with using the miscommunication trope for their conflict and I find that so annoying 🙊 lol.. But those examples are definitely some of my favorites too! I really noticed that ingredient in them while I read them 😊
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hehe yes true!! A lot of the plots are the same/non-existent in contemporaries for sure. I try to switch off that part of my brain so I can enjoy them all for the feels 😉 Yes I agree!! 😀
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Oh definitely, all the feels! 😁
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I have to agree with all of these. If a book doesn’t have at least one of these factors, chances are, I won’t like it
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Right?! 😊
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I definitely agree with these three as well! Although the most important one would probably be a strong plot/worldbuilding and interesting characters… And an enjoyable writing style also a must.
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Oh yes, an enjoyable writing style is always welcome!! 😊
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I agree with all of these! Especially having a strong ending. I definitely think the ending of a book or a series can make it or break to for me too. If the ending is too open, for example, then I’m beyond disappointed. I always have to have a solid ending or it just doesn’t feel like an ending, you know? I mean I like being left with some questions but not too many. Anyway! Great post!! 😊
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Yessss, I’m the same way!! Endings are sooo important for me. I don’t like it when they’re too messy or perfect. I’m just really picky I guess, haha!
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I agree with all of these ingredients too! But especially that about endings! A book should solidly end even if there is another book in the series. It can be a touch open ended but satisfy us for this reading and especially wow us at the end end… My post is up too if you are interested… (I loved this topic BTW!! You came back with a vengeance after the break…)
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Thank you! Endings are just super important to me. I don’t like them to feel like the author stopped caring about the series or that they didn’t really have a solid plan on how they wanted to finish it.
Thank you so much!! I really wanted to try some fun topics and throw in some good discussion posts as well. 😊
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