what makes a book good is a matter of taste and opinion, as well as good writing

photo: dandjump@sbcglobal.net @ flickr

I am frequently reminded just how subjective a “good book” is. In a children’s writing discussion group I’m in, someone stated that Cornelia Funke was the worst children’s writer ever. This really surprised me, since Cornelia Funke’s Inkheart is so beautifully written. I love so much about Inkheart–the almost poetic language, the strong girl character, the way that books come alive, and the many, many book-loving themes throughout the book. I cared about the characters very strongly, and the plot swept me along. Inkheart is one of my favorite books. But this person not only thought that her writing wasn’t good, but that it was the worst.

I can’t get into some of Funke’s books; they just don’t work for me. But Inkheart and the sequel–they are treasures. This reminded me that a good book is based so much on our own views and opinions, our tastes, on what we bring to a book, as well as the actual craft of writing.

I know that before I studied editing, and before I started honing my own craft of writing for children and teens, I could gobble down huge amounts of books that I would enjoy–a practice which has narrowed for me, as it is harder and harder for me to ignore blunders in writing. And yet, those books were so important to me when I read them, and they fed my soul at the time. Some of them still do.

And that makes me think that no one should ever be dissuaded from reading a book that they enjoy, that they love, even if it’s “not good writing.” It has value to the reader who loves it. At the same time, I hope that we can gently encourage readers to stretch themselves, and to keep finding books that are better written, that have meaning.

March 4th, 2008