What generally descriptive words/phrases do you consider after reading a book?

[Daniel Bowen]

BookLamp.org Patrons,

   The question is simple.  Consider the words and phrases you use to explain books that you've read.  "This book is packed with action!," for example, or "the author's extensive use of run-on sentences makes the book a tedious read."  What do YOU say when describing a books to others?  Try to sum up your answer in only a word or two; further description is encouraged, but only a word or two should describe the descriptive "property".  For example, Action, Dialog, Density, Description, and Pacing are all writing-style properties that we currently use to convey the contents of a book.

   This post is in relation to the Feedback Tool, beta.booklamp.org/feedback/.  Lend some spare time so we can measure your understanding of literature.

Thank You,
Dan

[Stephen Rollins]

Hmm...  Well, I know that I often talk about the entertainment value of a book.  I really love a book that makes me smile, even more one that makes me chuckle, and most certainly a book that makes me laugh.  But that seems very opinionated and hard to measure...

I also like to think of books in terms of the creativity of the author.  I am quite against cliches in general, so if a story uses a cliche'd plotline, I'm always quite willing to complain about it.  XD  At the same time, someone who comes up with gripping, unique plot elements gets quite the opposite treatment.

Don't know how helpful either of those were...  If I think of anything else, I'll be sure to post again.

[Daniel Bowen]

Thanks Stephen.  I'm not sure what sort of response to expect, so that's as good as any.

Dan

[Genevieve Bruneau]

Whenever I try and sum up a book I've read to others, I will often simply compare it with a popular book, movie or television series that I know they are familiar with and that is somewhat similar in genre, and then generally eplain how it differs.

As an example: I just finished reading Moonheart by Charles De Lint, and found it to be quite similar to Gy Gavriel Kay's Fionnavar Tapestry trilogy, only much shorter and not as dramatic and tragic.

I know that both these titles are fairly obscure outside of Canada, but both are quite enoyable

[Daniel Bowen]

Thanks Genevieve!  A different perspective.. I like it.

db

[Aaron Bubnick]

When my wife and I are comparing books (and attempting to get each other to read what we just read) we will compare to other authors often. 

However, when there are books that are really good that stand out, we use phases like, "Unique plot idea", "Easy to read writing style", "Plot holes" (usually when we don't like it), "Rushed ending", "well thought out", "funny character dialog" or "hilarious character interaction" (my personal favorites).

And I am sure that all the standard ways of describing a book come up too...  Too long, too short, "it took 3 pages to describe a room" (ick!), etc...


Oh BTW - came to your website because you were featured on page 75 of the October 2009 Popular Science magazine.

[Daniel Bowen]

Aaron,

Thanks for the post.  I just picked up my copy.  Pop Sci doesn't mention that we are still in development, but great things are coming.  The demonstration that users can navigate is 1.5 years old, and we've made a lot of progress since then.  When the BookLamp for Readers launches, I think you will be pleasantly surprised with what there is to offer.  We're all pretty excited here at the office, but these things take time and discipline, so we'll see you when that day comes.

Keep in touch,
Dan

[Marie Hutton]

Hello everyone!

[Daniel Bowen]

Hi Marie!

Welcome to the Booklamp Forums

Dan