Let’s talk bookish: What, in your opinion, makes a great book?

It’s Friday, I am currently in Paris and it’s time for my favorite tag hosted by Rukky , today I’ll be listing the aspects that make up a great book for me!

#1 A gripping plot

For me, a gripping plot is a number one priority. The character, the writing and the atmosphere can be perfect, but if the plot isn’t gripping, then the book isn’t great. And gripping doesn’t mean action only: it can be emotional, educational, funny or suspenseful. It could be a book about the average life of a woman – but if it’s relatable and emotional – it can surely be gripping.

My favorite gripping plots: Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo; Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare and Silver by Kerstin Gier

#2 Lovable characters

Characters are so unbelievable important, not only for the sake of creating a great book, but also in the life of the reader. I can bond with characters, can be sad for the rest of the day because of them, can cry and be anxious and nervous – they have an impact on the reader’s life and that’s exactly why they are so very important.

Lovable characters don’t necessarily mean good-hearted characters. You can love a villain – he just has to be complex, deep, understandable and twisted. Simple characters are the worst possible thing – wherever there’s diversity, complexity, development and change, you are most certain to have good, lovable characters.

My favorite lovable characters: The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall; Harry Potter by JK Rowling, Cinder by Marissa Meyer

#3 Emotional writing

Writing, however not as important as the plot in my opinion, does gravely shape the book. Writing is what makes you cry and laugh, what makes you feel and experience the book rather than just reading it.

Emotional doesn’t mean poetic, it means a writing style that touches you whether that be by incorporating pictures, metaphors and similes or by simply stating the fact.

My favorite emotional writing: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard; Circe by Madeline Miller; If We Were Villains by ML Rio

#4 The plot, characters and the writing that make up the atmosphere

When I write a review, the atmosphere is always what I talk last about. And that’s not because it’s the least important, it’s because the plot, the characters and the writing create a certain atmosphere.

My favorite atmosphere: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black; Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco; My Lady Jane by Cynthia Handy, Jodi Meadows and Brodi Ashton

That’s it for today, bonjour tout le monde and have a great weekend!