What makes a good book for a reader? How does a reader know the book they are reading is their newest favourite?
When you’ve read a lot of books, you start noticing patterns when you fall into a good book. You start to see how certain kinds of books behave, and as a result, it slowly becomes harder for books to fool you. You know what to look for, so even the slightest hints can tick you, and it’ll take no time for you to figure out what is going on. You also start to notice patterns that would identify a book as good or bad (most of the time, not completely). So I’ve collected a list of my experiences in reading, and how I identify the moment to finally realize that I’ve hit a jackpot.
You get the famous “adrenaline rush”
Have you ever felt that indescribable rush of adrenaline when you’re reading a truly good book? I mean, seriously, am I the only one who experiences this? It’s like a secret code between me and the book, a thrilling initiation into the realm of literary awesomeness. I’m not talking about those heart-stopping scenes or those cringy moments when the characters make mind-bogglingly dumb decisions (we all know those, don’t we?), but something else entirely. It’s that surge of pure excitement, right from the beginning, that zings through your veins and sets every nerve on fire. And that rush, my dear fellow bookworms, is the surefire sign that you’ve got an amazing book in your hands.
This adrenaline rush is my personal threshold test for a truly exceptional read. It’s like my literary sixth sense, tingling with anticipation and telling me, “This is it. This is the good stuff.” It’s the feeling that makes me sit up a little straighter, crack open that book with fervour, and eagerly dive into its pages. It’s the unmistakable signal that I’m about to be transported to another world, swept away on a literary adventure that will leave me breathless.
So, if you’re like me and you experience that electrifying surge of excitement, that adrenaline coursing through your veins as you devour a book, trust your instincts, my friend. That rush is your own personal stamp of approval, confirming that you’ve stumbled upon something truly extraordinary.
Your favourite trope appears
Everyone has a set of tropes that they love. Tropes are also useful to help you identify what kind of things you enjoy in a book, so you can more clearly identify what you love and don’t love as a reader. For me specifically, if I ever see a (good) hate-love relationship, 9/10 that book is pretty much secured a spot in the I-enjoyed-the-book list.
By recognizing and embracing our favourite tropes, we gain a deeper understanding of our own reading tastes. We become adept at spotting those narrative elements that resonate with us on a profound level. It’s like having a secret code that unlocks a treasure trove of books perfectly tailored to our preferences. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as discovering a book that ticks all the right trope boxes and sweeps us away into a world of pure literary bliss.
You physically Cannot put the book down (literally, no joke)
Everyone knows how this feels when you’ve ever read a good book. If the book is not that good, you’ll notice that you have no problem just reading the book pages a day instead of books in days. In fact, you will actually feel worse by not reading it on-go and spreading it out between days because you literally need to keep reading (because you can’t wait to see what happens next).
You pick up a book with the intention of reading a few chapters before bed, promising yourself that you’ll put it down at a reasonable hour. But before you know it, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and you feel absolutely horrible.
You start having physical reactions to the book
True bookworms always have physical reactions to books. If you laugh at funny scenes, squirm at cringe scenes, and squeal at cute scenes more than 20 times at least, then…it’s probably a good book.
This is because a good book has the power to make you laugh out loud, bringing a burst of joy that escapes as a hearty chuckle or an uncontrollable giggle. The funny scenes in the book become your personal inside jokes, shared only between you and the characters, creating a connection that transcends the boundaries of the page.
But it doesn’t stop at laughter. A good book also has the ability to make you squirm with discomfort during cringe-worthy moments. You find yourself physically recoiling as if you could feel the awkwardness radiating from the pages. These scenes leave an impression, reminding you of the author’s skill in crafting such palpable tension and making you fully invested in the characters’ experiences.
And let’s not forget the adorable and heartwarming moments that make you squeal with delight when reading romance books. Whether it’s a sweet romantic gesture or a heart-melting interaction, these scenes evoke a sense of warmth and giddiness that bubbles up inside you. You can’t help but emit a high-pitched squeal as if you’re experiencing the same fluttering emotions as the characters themselves.
These physical reactions are a testament to the book’s ability to evoke genuine emotions and create a visceral connection with the reader. They are the signs of a well-crafted story that has the power to transport you to another world and make you feel as though you are living alongside the characters.
So, the next time you find yourself laughing, squirming, and squealing while reading a book, embrace those physical reactions, for they are indicators of a truly remarkable reading experience.
You finish the book in record time
It’s a phenomenon that every avid reader can relate to. It’s that exhilarating feeling of being completely consumed by a story, where the outside world fades away and the only thing that matters is turning the pages to uncover what happens next. It’s a testament to the power of a captivating book that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
While similar to the experience of being unable to put the book down, finishing a book in record time takes it to the next level. It’s not just about the inability to stop reading; it’s about the sheer urgency and compulsion to devour the story at an unprecedented speed. You find yourself fully engrossed, racing through the chapters, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unyielding desire to reach the climax and unravel the mysteries that lie within the pages.
Unlike the inability to put the book down, which can lead to sleepless nights and the sun rising before you even realize it, finishing a book in record time is a deliberate act of devotion to the story. It’s a conscious choice to immerse yourself completely, willingly sacrificing sleep and leisure to delve deeper into the narrative. Time becomes irrelevant as you become immersed in the world the author has crafted, eagerly anticipating each twist and turn, and experiencing a range of emotions that keep you hooked until the very last page.
This phenomenon is a testament to the power of storytelling and the author’s ability to create a compelling narrative that captures your imagination and ignites a voracious reading appetite. It’s a reflection of the book’s ability to transport you to another realm, where time ceases to exist and the only reality is the one found within its pages.
In the journey of reading, recognizing the signs of a truly remarkable book is an exhilarating experience. It’s like unlocking a treasure trove of emotions, imagination, and inspiration. As you embark on your own literary adventures, keep an eye out for these signs, and let them guide you to extraordinary stories that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. So, what do you think?
Have you experienced these signs when falling into a good book? Share your thoughts and let’s celebrate the magic of storytelling together!