Exceptional Books discussion

My thoughts are the same as Colleen's -- exceptional books have both a good story and exceptional writing. I also think exceptional books show in the ratings by many people, especially on Amazon. We love books for various reasons, but an exceptional book will be loved by many, and people will talk about the story and writing, not just the story. And some books that are popular in general are not exceptional. They're just fun to read in some way. It seems to me that many exceptional books contain some form of literary writing, in that the author has a more complex command of language than the average reader. Sometimes exceptional authors have keen insights about people. Not all literary works are exceptional books for everyone but many are. A command of language doesn't necessarily make a good story, and visa versa.

Angela wrote: "I only put one book on the shelf, because although I really loved quite a few other books I wasn't quite sure that they could be classed as exceptional. But, since I can't stop raving about [book:B..."

Thanks for the recommendation Angels, we'll check it out.

I think when reading a book (and determining whether or not it's exceptional), you need to figure out first if it's a plot driven book or a character driven book. Dan Brown's books are obviously plot driven -- his characters are 1-dimensional and do and say the same things in each book. The stories are what keep people reading them (even if they are crazy &/or far-fetched). That's why they've been made into movies. I don't personally really like Dan Brown that much, but he clearly has the ability to write something compelling enough for millions of people to read it.
On the flip side, Jane Austen's books are, for the most part, character driven. She tells stories about people - their motivations, desires, emotions and growth.
Both types of books can be exceptional in their own way, but for me it helps to put each book I read into one of those categories first.
The TRULY EXCEPTIONAL book (for me) is when an author has the keen talent to be able to make their book BOTH plot and character driven. When the characters are just as rich as the storyline. That's when a book really sings for me.

I completely agree with your approach towards truly exceptional books. I think this is what makes Stephen King books so popular for so many years. He personally introduces his characters to you. You become familiar with them. Become their neighbor. Understand their faults and strengths.... and then the plot proverbially "thickens".

Lilabird, I like how you distinguished between two types of approaces to writing a book. I agree also with your conclusion that a truly exceptinal book is when an author can make their book both plot driven and character driven. Thanks for contributing :)

Bobby, I agree that Stephen King is a great example of succeding in making a book both plot driven and character driven.

Colleen wrote: "Lilabird, I like how you distinguished between two types of approaces to writing a book. I agree also with your conclusion that a truly exceptinal book is when an author can make their book both pl..."

You're welcome Colleen! I'm really enjoying this group. Its whole concept is exactly what I was looking for when I joined Goodreads. How great would it be if every book we sat down to read, turned out to be exceptional?! And maybe that can be the case if we're taking our TBR cues from this group. :)

I was shocked Stephanie Meyer was on the shelf. I realize I am breaking the cardinal rule of posting about books, which is do not post about books you haven't read, but Stephanie Meyer? Did she learn what snytax was all of a sudden?

LOl, Kate you can dispute that book if you want. Just go under the disputed books section.

How do I do that? I'd like to dispute it too.

Click group home and go down to the "Disputed books by members" thread. I'll set up the thread for you and you can leave what ever comments you like.

Thanks colleen!

David wrote: "I have often wondered what makes a novel exceptional and here are the 25 criteria that I have found consistently among the best that I have read.

1. Stylistic Invention
2. Craftsmanship
3. Point..."

Thank you, David. Your criteria are great. Many I have used, others not at all. Other criteria I use:

1. Was it socially-redeeming
2. Did it have a satisfying ending
3. Did I enjoy the book
I might answer favorably (objectively) to many or most criteria but not, in the end, enjoy a book

For audiobooks:
4. How well was it narrated. Narrators can make or break a book.
5. How well was it produced.