Comments on: What I Need When I Read

By: Catherine

Catherine — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 17:33:45 +0000

In reply to Cynthia Robertson. Interesting answer, Cynthia! It turns into splitting hairs and personal interpretation. I can think of books where I found the characters interesting but did not like them in the least. Namely, Amy in Gone Girl and A.N. Dyer in & Sons. But I understand what you mean. 'Like' is just a silly word when it comes to reading.

By: Cynthia Robertson

Cynthia Robertson — Thu, 15 Aug 2013 14:45:04 +0000

To my view the two: Interesting or likable, are one and the same. I think that’s where a lot of confusion over this ‘issue’ arose. Personally, I never think of a character as a friend – as some who’ve chimed in on this topic have used as their measuring stick. That just seems silly, to expect from a novel. But if a character is interesting, well then, I like them. And if they aren’t, then I don’t, and will probably put that book down.
Your analysis of these two books is smart and interesting!

By: Shannon @ River City Reading

Shannon @ River City Reading — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 23:02:52 +0000

So true, this is very much how I felt about many of the characters in The Burgess Boys. I was so bored by how stereotypical they all were and just kept waiting for them to do something outside their usual roles. I just like characters to keep me on my toes, even if it means hating them!