Think about your favorite authors, your favorite books . . . what is it about them that makes you love them above all the other authors you’ve read? The stories? The characters? The way they appear to relish the taste of words on the tongue? The way they’re unafraid to show the nitty-gritty of life? How they sweep you off to a new, distant place? What is it about those books and authors that makes them resonate with you in ways that other, perfectly good books and authors do not?
With some exceptions my favorite authors, who I read again and again write about my favorite people. Plot, setting, theme, it all takes second place to characters.
Since I love to read anything from classics to paranormal, it wouldn't seem that there is much in common with my heroines. How could Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice could have anything in common with say, Rachel Morgan in the Kim Harrison series? But when I though about it I found some similarities.
Both have a good sense of humor appropriate for the time and place of the story. Both are underdogs who have to work, again in their own ways, to get ahead in life. Both are good, honest people who are intelligent and resourceful.
These are people I like to read about. And I like the authors who can, in their own way and genre bring them to me.
12 comments:
I agree: a good definition for a favorite author is one you would choose to read again and again. For instance, I've read twenty books by Angela Hunt.
Common? There is nothing common between what I read. I prefer to read different books!
I think I am much more of a plot/character sort of reader. I do like an author who's writing style is very refined--like Jane Austen, but I think I don't always pick up on technique like other readers do. It's something I need to notice more.
Smilingsal - I haven't read any of hers yet. I will have to go take a look!
Gautami - Yes you do! :)
Danielle - I like a refined style also which is why I have been enjoying reading the older books lately. But technique doesn't have much meaning without a good plot and good characters.
For me, style and voice are everything. The rest radiates outward from those two.
j.d. - It's fun to see what makes everyone go back to certain authors.
You've listed everything what I've in mind: Plot, setting, theme...and yes, characters too! :) And of course, the authors' writing styles.
I love Pride and Prejudice, and I think I'm biased since I haven't read all of Jane Austen's books yet! ;) I haven't started Kim Harrison's series yet! Gosh, I need to speed up on my reading. :P
Melody - Oh I don't know, you seem to be reading many fun things! I love to read your reviews and get new ideas.
I do recommend both Austen and Harrison when you get a chance.
I'm part-way through the first Kim Harrison book at the moment. Wouldn't have thought to compare Rachel to Elizabeth Bennet but I can see similarities too. I guess strong/independent/confident heroines will never be out of style. =)
I find this question so difficult to answer. It really varies for me, depending on the book, my mood and what I want to get out of a book. I used to place characters above all else, and for the most part I still do, but there are occasions when something else takes the lead.
Jennifer - It was a weird comparison, I know. I hope you're enjoying the book!
Wendy - It is difficult and there are so many factors. I'm reading a setting/character driven book right now and it is fantastic. It's hard to pin down!
Interesting, mine was a memory lane trip again!
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