Blog #2 - Books...are they dying? - Karla Erdman, writer

Blog #2 - Books...are they dying?

2/18/2015

30 Comments

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What merits a good book? What components do you look for in a novel? Why?

30 Comments

Ryan

2/18/2015 09:09:45 am

I define a good book as something that teaches you something while keeping you interested. I look for something exciting but realistic in a book. I do this because it lets me imagine while still being reasonable.

Kaitlyn

2/25/2015 08:19:22 am

Personally, I feel that a good book has aspects of immersion and can challenge you to a certain degree. Sometimes I like my literature to be relatable and engaging, it always depends on the author and their writing style, as well as what I'm craving in a novel. I love all of those aspects especially because I enjoy thriller, horror, and mystery novels (what I most commonly read at least). I have a fairly outspread pallet for literature, but those are the factors that I strive for. I have great fondness and appreciation for the second-hand adrenaline and the anticipation that comes from the painstakingly slow page turns. That's simply my opinion on what justifies my literary tastes, and what I feel can play into a good book.

Mikayla

2/25/2015 08:28:07 am

I believe that a good book is something that can keep you interested while teaching you different lessons and ideas. It should be something that you will enjoy so you don't get distracted and miss what you are supposed to grasp from the novel. The components I look for in a novel are relatable characters and an entertaining plot. I enjoy being able to relate to a book so I can feel some level of compassion towards the characters in the novel. I also like for it to be entertaining in my opinion because if it is, I can ensure I will not get sidetracked.

Ruzylle

2/25/2015 08:54:52 am

I believe that a good book can make someone want to read it more and more. Also, a good book makes someone want to predict what is going to happen next. Finally, a good book can make someone sad once they read the whole book. The components that I look for in a novel are enjoyable plot, suspense, comedy, and characters that you can relate to. I look for these components because I personally think that's what keeps me wanting to read more.

Courtney

2/25/2015 10:55:04 am

A good book keeps ones attention and makes them want to keep reading. The book causes the reader to visualize what is happening in their mind, and causing them to predict what is going to happen next. The book makes the reader not want to put it down, and keeps them reading. The book is sometimes about a topic that the reader can relate to, and learn from. When I am looking for a new book to read the point of view is very important to me. Though I don't always write in first person, that is the point of view that keeps me engaged. I like to feel like I am part of the book. Some books have kept me so engaged that I read them in one siting! My favorite topics are relating to my hobbies or about ghost stories, even though I hate scary movies. Books, when I read them are one of my escapes from reality.

Chris Eichlin

2/25/2015 01:15:51 pm

I agree, the point of view can also play a role in my interest in a book. If the book is in 1st person point of view, you can relate to the story better, therefore keeping your attention in the story.

Sahitya

2/25/2015 12:18:31 pm

The idea of a good book varies by person but overall, it is a book that keeps one reading until the end without losing interest. Furthermore, it teaches something new or gives a sense of escape. Components I look for in a novel include a captivating character or characters and a lesson learned in the end. The best feature of books is watching how a character develops, which makes a captivating character vital. Also, learning new morals leaves me with a sense of enlightenment. All in all, books are labeled differently by every reader.

Sarah Beth

2/26/2015 08:45:45 am

Having characters with complex personalities and watching them develop throughout the story is my favorite part of every novel. I think they give insight into humanity and, like you said, teach morals.

Troy

3/5/2015 03:23:57 am

I have to agree with you. Everyone has different tastes but all good books will keep people reading until the end.

Troy

2/25/2015 12:32:06 pm

I believe that the things that merit a good book is if it can hold your attention. Another merit is if you can sit down and relax by reading it and not be bored until you finish. The things i look for in a novel are action, adventure, and maybe a little bit of romance. The reason I look for that in a book is because all these things can hold my attention and can get me to actually start to read the book that is why i look for those components in a book.

Chris

2/25/2015 01:11:15 pm

I believe that whatever holds your interest and makes you not want to put it down constitutes a good book. Books that you can relate to can also contribute a good book. Personally, that's how I classify a good book from a book that I can't really get into. A book that I relate to whether if it's about music or any other of interests can hold my attention a lot.

2/26/2015 01:47:10 pm

I agree with Chris, everybody has their own opinion. If a book keeps you interested and you are able to relate to it, it can be considered as a good book.

Brianna

2/26/2015 07:53:37 am

I define a good book as something that make you want to read more and not put down. A good book keep you guess what is going to happen next and you want to keep reading to find out what will happen next. I look for books at can happen in real life or something that relates to my life because it makes me want to keep on reading the book

Sarah Beth

2/26/2015 08:41:45 am

A good book is one that is well written and engaging, with characters that have multiple depths to their personality. The author should be able to convey emotion through words and relate, in some way, with the reader. When choosing a book, I look for a plot that will carry throughout the book without becoming boring or redundant. Another thing I look at is the author's writing style. I like when an author's personality comes through the work and makes the reader feel a sort of connection to them. My favorite types of books are mystery novels and narratives, particularly ones that explore the human condition. I find these to be enthralling because they give insight into the complexity of the human mind.

Hannah

2/26/2015 09:32:04 am

Elements that are needed in order to make a, "good book," would be some sort of life lesson, as well as a building plot tol keep the reader interested. When you a read a book, not only do you want to be engaged in what is happening whether it be something adventurous, tragic, frightening, etc, but it is also satisfying when you, the reader, also get something out of reading the book. Whether it be learning how to do something, a life lesson, or anything that could be useful, interesting, or relatable to you. That is the components that a good book should have.

Michaelyn

3/1/2015 04:56:02 am

I agree with Hannah. You want to be engaged in the book you're reading and you want it to be satisfying for you. It also is always a plus when you learn a lesson from the book or can relate to it.

Connor

2/26/2015 09:36:57 am

I believe that a good book has an entertaining plot and relatable characters. These aspects of a book can keep me reading it for hours. If a book doesn't have these, I lose interest, and don't pick up the things that are important in the novel. Relatable characters can help to understand the novel more. An entertaining plot and relatable characters keep me engaged in the novel. A good book also has some mystery to it. It keeps you guessing what comes next, which also helps you to understand the novel more.

Alyssa

2/26/2015 12:06:20 pm

I agree that a good book should have some sort of mystery component to it so that it makes you think about the novel even after you have finished reading it. You will always remember that book and always have that mystery to go back to and think about. It is something you keep you thinking.

Grant

2/26/2015 11:38:32 am

Books should be a way to section yourself off from the world. If someone likes a good read, thats how they think, not myself. For myself, a good read is a book that will draw me in and want to read about the material. If a book would interest me, I would immediately sit and start reading. Some major components to a good book is the ability to keep the reader engaged and focused on the book and only the book. The author should be able to keep a reader focused to the point that the reader doesn't realize what is going on around them. The book should make time go faster, rather then drag.

Lucy

2/26/2015 11:55:50 am

A good book is a book that someone enjoys to read. It doesn't have to be a specific type with specific characters. As long as the reader enjoys it, it's a good book to them. The same book can be good to one person and bad to another. It all depends on what type of books people enjoy. For me personally, in a novel, I look for a mystery that keeps me wondering throughout the whole story. It has to have an interesting story with an in-depth plot and many well-developed characters. Lastly, in order for it to be a good book for me, it has to have a definite ending. I don't enjoy when books leave me on a cliff-hanger or "you get to decide what ending you want". Others might think a good book is the complete opposite of what I said, but to me personally, this is how I like it.

Hannah

2/26/2015 01:40:09 pm

I agree with this, that all opinions are different and every reader may find different books more enjoyable that others. Obviously an in-depth plot and well-developed characters help, but the book's greatness depends on the reader's view.

Alyssa

2/26/2015 12:02:40 pm

I think the components of a good book vary from person to person however a few things seem to be mutual. The book should keep you engaged and keep your mind focused on it and the plot itself without boring you. You should want to keep reading every time you stop. I feel as though it should bring up some questions as you read that can be answered as the book goes on. It should make you think about the topic and how it applies in the real world and not just the fictional (or nonfictional) life in the book. You should try and relate to some of the characters and imagine yourself in the plot occasionally. Not only are there components to a good book but there are also components to being a good reader and trying to "get something out" of the book. It should teach you a lesson or show you morals. It should make you think..

Cain

2/26/2015 12:38:40 pm

A good book to me is one you will not stop reading. A book you will not put down ,because you simply want more. Anything that appeals to my interests, I will read. I enjoy mysteries that keep you pondering for what is going to happen next.

2/26/2015 01:45:21 pm

A good book to me is one that keeps me hooked and keeps me curious about what will happen next. I look for a bit of adventure and comedy in my books. These components are important to me because these are traits that will keep me hooked.

JASON

2/26/2015 02:35:45 pm

To me a good novel has to have action or something suspenseful. Most books to me are dull and boring because there is nothing in them that really draws me in. I like action books because I really prefer to watch movies so an action book is would kind of be like a movie to me.

Joe

2/26/2015 10:16:14 pm

A good book to me has a good plot. Also usually the books that I end up enjoying are the ones that I can personally relate to my life. A good book may also have a good hook in the beginning that would make me interested to read it. And lastly, a book that has a plot with realistic situations and real struggles and solutions that one may go through in their own life.

Atticus

2/26/2015 11:24:45 pm

A good book is one in which has a great use of writing techniques, in which the author uses various ideas such as imagery, metaphors, personification, etc. I do not define a book by how explicit it might be, but more so on how the author is capable of expressing the story to the reader. I think this way because I like to be enraptured by a story. I like to feel as if I can relate to the characters and the theme in a certain way, or at least have a great idea of who the character is in terms of their characterization. The same can be said for how the author expresses the environment of the story, such as whether the setting is within a building, house, meadow, etc., and how they portray that. Ultimately, it's the feeling one can take from the story as well as the theme that makes the story, not whether it uses profanity, sexual content, violence, or other such ideas that could lead to censorship.

Stephen

2/27/2015 05:28:39 am

To me a good book is a novel with a lot of action and a good plot. Books that I usually enjoy reading are ones that make me interested in the book.

Michaelyn

3/1/2015 04:52:24 am

When I think about what a good book is, my mind usually wanders to love stories. Yes, not all love stories are good books. And yes, not all good books are love stories. But if I had to choose a book to read, I would immediately move towards the romantic/fantasy section. To me a good book is something that draws you in or makes you want to keep reading. It keeps you on your toes and leaves you thinking about it even after you've put it down. I also think a good book needs a good author. Someone who can use a variety of good words and knows how to formulate their story in a manner that does not bore the reader.

Kiara

3/2/2015 10:47:20 pm

In a good book, there should be a theme that reflects some aspect of life if it wants to send a good message. A book's content should expand the reader's vocabulary and lead the reader to learn about new concepts about the world around them

Blog #2 - Books...are they dying?

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Blog #2 - Books...are they dying?

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English 10Honors

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English 10
Honors