What’s more important: Good writing? Or a good story?
(Of course, a book should have BOTH, but…)
I buy my books. So before buying any I spend time reading blurbs and reviews as of course I want value for my money. One thing that gives me pleasure in books is reading them from start to finish because of both - good writing and good story. Then I am happy knowing I haven't wasted a cent. On the other hand, good writing for me is very instrumental in tolerating a not-so- good plot. I am willing to forget it is a dull story if the writing is really good it can carry me away.
*More bookish reactions at Booking Through Thursday
Book: Emma3rd sentence: "Her mother had died too long ago for her to have more than an indistinct remembrance of her caresses, and her place had been supplied by an excellent governess, who had fallen little short of a mother in affection."
Thoughts: Stepmother scenario in my mind here. A child in the film Nanny McPhee says, "stepmothers... they're an evil breed." I thought how lucky for Emma she got a loving governess. Of course not all stepparents are bad. And aren't we glad good foster homes exist? Our chances of being subjected to the horror stories of child neglect and abuse are lessened.
*Proud Book Nerd hosts Third Sentence Thursday
For me it's the other way around :-)
ReplyDeleteI don't like to choose between these, but if the writing is "good enough" and the story is awesome, I might forgive the writing not being brilliant. My preference, of course, is both.
ReplyDeleteHere's MY THURSDAY MEMES POST and here’s
MY WEBSITE
You really need both to make it work.
ReplyDeletehttp://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2012/01/booking-through-thursday_26.html
I really appreciate good writing, but sometimes if a story is really, REALLY good, I can overlook crappy writing. Or, at least, less-than-stellar writing.
ReplyDeleteI loved Emma. Great book. Thanks for playing TST! :-)
I agree that good writing can do wonders for a book.
ReplyDeleteIm not really a book reader though i have read some, and I believed it is good writing that makes the story more interesting. :)
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