What makes a novel out-of-this-world
Though the characteristics of good books are impossible to fully discover, attributes such as realistic characters, developed and intriguing plots, and a greater message to learn enhance the reading experience. Good or even great books do not always possess these characteristics but they do consistently make stories better.
There are an infinite number of reasons why people read books whether it be to expand an individual’s knowledge or simply for the pleasure of losing themselves within the pages. It is absolutely impossible to create a rubric in which books can be rated either good or bad due to the unique view the reader brings to the table.
[S]ome books possess specific characteristics that enhance the overall reading experience and make that book more desirable.
— Staff Writer Dana Gould
A book that may be absolutely magical to one person may be mediocre or less than desirable to another. Though there is no direct way to identify and label a book good or bad, some books possess specific characteristics that enhance the overall reading experience and make that book more desirable.
One of the most important parts of a novel is how the reader views and connects with the characters in it. There is a common misconception that readers love characters because they are relatable.
Characters aren’t necessarily great because readers see these fictional people as mirrored images of themselves but because they are realistic. It’s nearly impossible to find unrealistic characters that draw attention or huge connections from the readers.
In order for people to connect with and learn from characters, individuals must be able to imagine that person actually existing. Characters in books are especially wonderful when the reader knows someone that possesses those same qualities or when those qualities are believable.
If [characters] are as believable in this universe as they are in their own the reader is in for a truly amazing experience.
— Staff Writer Dana Gould
To fully experience a novel for all of its potential, characters from unrealistic worlds should be believable when placed in this one. Whether characters travel through time and space or live in a galaxy far, far away, if they are as believable in this universe as they are in their own the reader is in for a truly amazing experience.
Aside from beautifully-drafted characters, it is important for books to contain a plot readers can lose themselves in. Though each book’s plot proves distinct and different from any other, that specific plot must be well-developed and intriguing enough to pull the reader in.
A well-developed plot prevents holes in logic and contradictions from forming. In books without well-developed and organized plots, the entire book usually begins to fall apart as either the ending is anti-climactic or the book dissolves into a mass of chaos and confusion.
Keeping the plot organized and controlled prevents later confusion and means the reader will continue reading.
No matter how organized and controlled a plot may be, the reader must also feel some sort of interest in the novel itself. There can be a book that is perfect in the sense of organization but as long as it lacks intrigue no one would read it.
A novel must contain something that makes the reader want to keep reading. A plot without excitement is seen as boring and a waste of time to read. Whether the book itself be a mystery, science fiction, romance, or fantasy, the overall story-line must be exciting enough to spark interest in the reader.
Readers often open up books for the sole purpose of entertainment and getting lost within someone else’s life and struggles. While many readers may not pick up a novel with the intent of learning something new about themselves or the world, great books often do.
[L]essons found in the best of books also serve as warnings of what not to do in the future whether it be individually or as an entire society.
— Staff Writer Dana Gould
There is nothing better than reading a book that teaches an individual about the society he or she lives in, the future, or him or herself.
Aside from simply teaching people something new about life, these lessons found in the best of books also serve as warnings of what not to do in the future whether it be individually or as an entire society.
These, sometimes hidden, messages allow people to learn about themselves and other subjects in a way nothing else is able to. It is through books and the lessons they teach that people can learn and strive to be the best possible versions of themselves.
There is no rubric or formula to making a book good. No specific plot arrangement. No definite setting or character. Not even a particular message or overall meaning. Each book is completely its own and cannot be rated good or bad wholeheartedly. Each book is unique and individual, and must be rated by each individual perspective that reads it.
