Discriminating? Entertainment-seeker? Prefer light to fluff? Humor? Romance only? Historical addiction?
In a nutshell, I'll tell you the kind of reader I am. I want to catch every nuance that the writer intended and maybe some unintended. I want to understand the motives of the characters, relate to them in some capacity, empathize or sympathize with the protagonist(s) at some point, and react with hefty emotion to some or all parts of the story. The ending must satisfy. That doesn't necessitate "happy" with all the loose ends perfectly tied but the ending must address or acknowledge that the imperfections have not been ignored or forgotten.
I try to be discriminating, not to read anything into what isn't there but not to miss all that is. This can result in disappointment because I prefer to look into the deeper parts of characters, their reactions, and their decisions. Two dimensional characters don't bode well for my tastes and eventual reviews. I want to enjoy the story but because I'm a writer, I also want to enjoy the prose. It doesn't have to be gaudy, but I prefer it sensual with meaningful spirituality that doesn't have to be overt, but still delicious and scented, unique to the author.
What kind of reader are you?
Father, thank you for the joys of reading and writing. Thank you for those who do it so well and represent you beautifully in the process. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Most of all as a reader I like to discover books that are deep and wide. They really go in depth on the characters, and the plot is such that the ramifications of the story go beyond the 'it's all about me' of the central characters.
Posted by: BK Jackson | January 31, 2012 at 07:05 AM
Love going through the deep waters of characters. Probably why I write character studies types of novels . . .
Posted by: Nicole | January 31, 2012 at 07:07 AM
While plot is obviously important, if I'm not engaged in the characters, if they're tissue thin, too perfect, and inauthentic, the book won't engage me.
Voice is also very important to me, and that may be where I'm the most picky. But I don't know that I can define what I really enjoy. I "hear" prose like I hear music. If the author's voice rankles, chances are I won't appreciate the book. In my favorite books, the prose has a sophisticated rhythm and musicality to it.
Posted by: Brenda Anderson | January 31, 2012 at 12:04 PM
Spoken like a true singer/musician/writer, Bren. :)
Posted by: Nicole | January 31, 2012 at 03:56 PM