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After devouring "The Last Olympian" the day it came out (LOVED it!), I spent the last week blasting through Suzanne Collins' brilliant series of "Gregor the Overlander" books. I know, I'm late to the party. The hardcover version of the first book in the series came out in 2003. What can I say...better late than never?
In case you weren't aware, I LOVE middle grade fantasy. I'll read just about anything with words (including cereal boxes and milk cartons) but I get quite passionate about MG books. When I went to my son's class yesterday to read with some of the kids, his friend Zack came out with book one, "Gregor the Overlander." I squealed. Literally. "Omigosh, you're going to LOVE that book!" I gushed, I congratulated him on his brilliant reading choice. I might have overwhelmed him a bit. But I've known Zack since he was 3. He's used to me :^)
So what makes me fall so deeply in love with a book?
As a reader, I can't always verbalize what makes a story resonate for me. But as I delve more into the craft of writing, I'm learning to analyze, to step outside the story and look at the construct, how the writer leads me to truly love these characters without ever feeling manipulated.
For me it comes down to characters. I want to care about the people I'm reading about. I want them to be like me, but better than me. I want them to have the quick comeback that it takes me half an hour to realize I should have said. I want them to always do the honorable thing, even when in real life, the right choice might have been a little gray.
Yeah, it might be a tall order. I know as a writer the words don't always flow the way I want them to. Sometimes it takes days, weeks, of puzzling a scene out in my head before I can dash off a thousand words. But as a reader, I expect no less. When I plunk down my hard-earned cash (especially for a hard cover!) I want to be blown away. I want to be transported away from the ordinary and left thinking about those characters long after I've read the last page.
What makes a book memorable for you?
16 Comments on Truly, Madly, Deeply, last added: 5/17/2009
It used to always be like you--characters, and that's what really hooks me. Okay, that and prose. Lately, though, if the pace or plot is too slow, the characters and voice aren't enough.
Becky - I totally agree. If the pace or plot don't hold up, I'm not going to love the book as much. (That was the case for me with the second half of "Graceling"). So I guess maybe it's the combination of of character, plot and pace that makes a novel fabulous. But for me, character would still come out on top.
I totally agree with you on characters. I literally can not read a book if I don't enjoy the main character. I don't have to love them or even like them, but they have to be engaging. Otherwise, what's the point?
I pitch the Gregor the Overlander books to anyone who will listen. I think that they are fabulous.
As for what hooks me, I wrote a post about that once, my 6 P's of book appreciation: plot, premise, people, prose, place (a strong sense of place), and pictures. Those are roughly in order for me (with pictures only applicable in some cases). I'll read for well-constructed plot and intriguing premise alone (and will rarely sit still for something that doesn't have those), but strong characters, lyrical prose, and/or a strong sense of place are the things that take the book to the next level, and make it memorable for me.
Oh, I want to read these! Adding to list... Characters make all the difference. Especially in series. If I don't care that much in book 1, chances are I won't bother with book 2.
Characters, the author's voice, pacing - all important elements for me. Plot? Somewhat, but not quite as much as the others. I can read a quirky book filled with oddballs that has almost no plot - if it's funny. But it does have to go somewhere.
I haven't read these books. I'll have to put them on my TBR list!
I love a book that is smart but witty, clever and fresh. It's best when these traits come out in bot the plot and characterization, but I can be satisfied if even just one of them is done well.
Personally, I like things that are fast-paced, with plenty of action rather than a bunch of talking heads sitting around and debating the meaning of life. But I want compelling characters and a little bit of intellectual challenge too, not just brain candy.
OH! Now I'm having a complicated day of green tinges. Reading about The Last Olympian on Hipwritermama's blog, then coming to you, reading of it here, and thinking I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
I totally agree with you about the characters but I also have to love the voice. If the voice doesn't suck me in right away, I'm likely to stop reading.
Hello, all my friends out there in the land of Blog. It is I once again, the most infamous Sith to work in the Charlotte Library System. It has come to my attention that some of the "powers that be" on this "Boys Rule, Boys Read" have been attacking me with no cause or reason to be doing so. So they leave me no alternative than to (drum roll please)...............Strike Back!!!!!!! First I will respond to the so called "Master Jedi Zack." I will take up your challenge and read the the first "Gregor The Overlander" book. Not only that but I will post my not so humble opinion of what I thought of it.
The Jedi Council questioning Zack's Recklessness??????
Now as painful as this is to me, I must address a disturbing trend from The Great and Powerful Carlman. It seems that without any provocation on my part he has questioned my honor. He has sunk so low as to call me a chicken; does this ring any bells:
I also have my suspicions that The Carlman thinks quite a bit of himself. Did you know in his last blog he called himself awesome once, great twice, powerful twice and said his own name "The Carlman" at least six times. What's up with that? Since I have been pushed into this corner to defend myself, I must show an incident I'm sure The Great, Powerful and AwesomeCarlman would prefer I not share with the public. Well here it is:
Well, I'm willing to call a truce to a battle this sweet and innocent Sith never started if you guys are? If not I'll just keep taunting you!!!!!!!
Just The Facts Biographies: Jimi Hendrix by Rebecca Poole -First off I must confess that before I even picked up this biography I considered Jimi Hendrix the most talented person to everplay the electric guitar. I have been a big fan of his since I was 12 (I'm somewhat older than that now). This biography does an excellent job of telling the story of how Jimi Hendrix grew up from a small boy with an exceptional, natural talent to play the guitar to the ultimate axe player second to none! It tells, along with his life story, how he never gave up pursuing his dream of being a recognized rock 'n' roll musician despite how he was ignored and even rejected by almost everyone in the music industry. It also shows what a kind and gentle poet he was at heart. His story is a tragedy in one way, in that he left us way before his time, but it is also a celebration of his great achievements and life. From his highest points to his not so great parts in life, this biography does a wonderful job of letting the reader peak into the life that was Jimi Hendrix's.
Jimirockin out our National Anthem at Woodstock!!!!!!!
Spider-Man Family: Itsy-Bitsy Battles by various - This graphic novel rocks hard, just like Jimi's playing the guitar. Let's see, besides be chock full of the ultra cool Spider-Man, he is also joined by The Fantastic Four, Kazar, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Ice Man, Marvel Girl, and The Incredible Hulk. The GN has five fantastic stories that puts these heroes up against such villains as The Looter (a total nut job), Stegron (part human/part dinosaur), Arsenal (a machine of destruction created by Tony Stark's dad), and Dr. Octopus among others. There is lots of adventure, good will and comedy to make this GN the bomb. So do yourself a favor and check this one out as soon as possible!!!!!!
Well until next time, peace out all,
Bill
1 Comments on Purple Haze All In My Brain/Some Sith Revenge, last added: 12/1/2008
Hello--long time reader, first time commenter, thanks for taking my call. I am a baby librarian (in a public school-first year) and found a very cool site I wanted to pass along (if you haven't already seen it). ReadKiddoRead.com is a site designed by Jame Patterson because he is the parent of a boy who is (was) a reluctant reader. There is a page with interviews (Rick Riordan and Jeff Kinney) and LOTS of booklists. I thought it was right up your alley!
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It used to always be like you--characters, and that's what really hooks me. Okay, that and prose. Lately, though, if the pace or plot is too slow, the characters and voice aren't enough.
Becky - I totally agree. If the pace or plot don't hold up, I'm not going to love the book as much. (That was the case for me with the second half of "Graceling"). So I guess maybe it's the combination of of character, plot and pace that makes a novel fabulous. But for me, character would still come out on top.
Character comes first for me too. Although when someone has a way with words, I swoon and drool.
Speaking of plunking down cash for a hardcover, I'm about to do just that for the Last Olympian. Wonder if my daughter will let me read it first...
Oh, it's worth the price!
I had to read it when my son was sleeping or at school (I wouldn't let him take it with him!)
I totally agree with you on characters. I literally can not read a book if I don't enjoy the main character. I don't have to love them or even like them, but they have to be engaging. Otherwise, what's the point?
I pitch the Gregor the Overlander books to anyone who will listen. I think that they are fabulous.
As for what hooks me, I wrote a post about that once, my 6 P's of book appreciation: plot, premise, people, prose, place (a strong sense of place), and pictures. Those are roughly in order for me (with pictures only applicable in some cases). I'll read for well-constructed plot and intriguing premise alone (and will rarely sit still for something that doesn't have those), but strong characters, lyrical prose, and/or a strong sense of place are the things that take the book to the next level, and make it memorable for me.
I agree that you have to care about what happens to the characters. Good plot of course helps, but I want to know the characters' voice.
Oh, I want to read these! Adding to list...
Characters make all the difference. Especially in series. If I don't care that much in book 1, chances are I won't bother with book 2.
Characters, the author's voice, pacing - all important elements for me. Plot? Somewhat, but not quite as much as the others. I can read a quirky book filled with oddballs that has almost no plot - if it's funny. But it does have to go somewhere.
Lisa & Laura - Engaging characters! I couldn't have said it better myself :^)
Jen - Gregor is the best! I like the 6 Ps, very catchy...
Kelly - The agents and editors always talk about voice. You nailed that right on the head.
PJ - You will love Gregor. Those books are right up your alley. And yes, for a series to work, you have to have an engaging character :^)
Sarah - Good point!
I haven't read these books. I'll have to put them on my TBR list!
I love a book that is smart but witty, clever and fresh. It's best when these traits come out in bot the plot and characterization, but I can be satisfied if even just one of them is done well.
fun post!
I'm with you. The Gregor books are AWESOME.
Personally, I like things that are fast-paced, with plenty of action rather than a bunch of talking heads sitting around and debating the meaning of life. But I want compelling characters and a little bit of intellectual challenge too, not just brain candy.
Yep, I'm demanding. :)
For me it comes down to characters. I want to care about the people I'm reading about. I want them to be like me, but better than me.
Me too!
Christy - I can't recommend Gregor highly enough. They are great!
Carrie - You may be demanding, but I think that's exactly why the Gregor books are so good.
Meredith - You know all about writing compelling characters. It's so nice to see you back!
OH! Now I'm having a complicated day of green tinges. Reading about The Last Olympian on Hipwritermama's blog, then coming to you, reading of it here, and thinking I NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
I totally agree with you about the characters but I also have to love the voice. If the voice doesn't suck me in right away, I'm likely to stop reading.