Book Blogger Hop #1
This is a weekly meme hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books
This week's question is:
"What keeps you reading beyond the first few pages of a book, and what makes you want to stop reading a book and put it back on the shelf?"
I guess there's no set rule for keeping me engaged in a story. There's probably three main reading experiences that I encounter:
1) Love it from the very first page
2) It's a little slow to start and then becomes enjoyable
3) Slow to start and never really eventuates in rapid page turning
Sometimes a slow build is necessary for character development and to give a foundation to a story, but to get me past page 50 the author has to show me it is worth it. I suppose the characters are the main factor for me. I need to be drawn in and understand them for me to really enjoy a book and continue reading it. In saying that there are times when the characters aren't well developed but the plot has me hooked nevertheless.
It's rare that I have been unable to finish a book, I usually give it the benefit of the doubt that it will step up my interest at some stage. Overall, if the plot is mundane, the characters are superficial and I find myself skimming paragraphs in search of something interesting- then those are the things that will stop me from continuing with the read.
What keeps you reading a book?? Feel free to leave your answers in the comments section or to leave your link if you are signed up to the meme.
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A recap for this week's blog posts
Book Review: Fallen by Lauren Kate
Book Review: Frost Moon by Anthony Francis
Meme: In My Mailbox #7
Guest Blog Wednesdays with... Mark O'Bannon "How to tell a Fantastic Story"
A Season Of Transformation: weekly virtual tour wrap up #4
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By the way, I have given my blog yet again another makeover. I am pretty happy with the design now, despite Wordpress's limitations in customizing the page! I think the new look is simple and comforting- I know the autumn leaves are not really representative of the now Australian winter but it has a cosy feel to is anyway.
Let me know what you think
Have a great weekend!
Jayne