A Great Book

Reading is so subjective, it's hard to say what elements make a book a great one. For me, a good book is one that keeps me turning the pages, one that makes me emotionally invested in the characters, and one that makes me have to know what's going to happen next. More times than I can count, I've read way too late into the night because I need to know how things are going to turn out. And let me tell you, 5:00am comes awfully early when you don't turn the light off until after midnight. LOL.

I took an informal poll and asked my sisters and mother, who love to read as much as I do, what their criteria is for a great book. Here are their answers:

• Sister #1 said she considers a book great if she can suspend disbelief and completely believe in the characters and the world in which the story takes place. (She reads a lot of Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, and Horror.)

• Sister #2 said her criteria for a good book is one that takes her on an emotional journey, where she can completely empathize with the main character(s). (She reads various sub-genres of Romance.)

• Sister #3 had a hard time articulating what makes a good book for her. She said it would be one that made her hate to put it down, one that has great writing, and makes her hate to say goodbye to the characters when the book ends. (She reads a lot of Mainstream, Women's Fiction, and Romance.)

• Sister #4 also said that the story has to be believable. A good storyline and one that has good pacing and isn't choppy in the telling of the story is important too. (She reads everything and anything that peaks her interest.)

• My mother said the story has to hold her attention, have good pacing and isn't bogged down with too many details that make me think,"all right, already." (She reads a lot of Suspense, Thrillers, Mysteries, and Romance.)

What's your criteria for a great book?