Think about your favorite authors, your favorite books . . . what is it about them that makes you love them above all the other authors you’ve read? The stories? The characters? The way they appear to relish the taste of words on the tongue? The way they’re unafraid to show the nitty-gritty of life? How they sweep you off to a new, distant place? What is it about those books and authors that makes them resonate with you in ways that other, perfectly good books and authors do not?
Boy, this week’s question really has me thinking… On Thursdays, I always peek at the topic before I leave to ride my horse so that I have a little time to mull over my answer. Well, today I have mulled and mulled and am still hard-pressed to provide a definitive answer!
So, I think a subjective question of taste will merit a subjective answer! The word that kept banging around my brain was “authentic.” And so I looked up “authentic” online and found the following synonyms: bona fide, genuine, real, true, undoubted, unquestionable. The one antonym was counterfeit.
Now, I understand that authenticity is subjective on a number of levels. But I really like a story — and especially an ending — that hangs together well. Since I tend to be an optimist, Nora Robert’s happily ever after endings seem quite authentic to me — especially since it took me to the age of 35 to find my perfect fit (and boy am I glad I waited — I knew happily ever after was possible!).
But I also tend to like brooding fiction, too. I have no problem finishing a book in tears if the ending “fits” and seems right. This is why the endings of Picoult’s My Sister’s Keeper and Gruen’s Water for Elephants just ruined those books for me, yet the ending of My Antonia had me sighing in contentment. In the case of the first two, the happy ending was hokey and “made for t.v.” while the ending of the latter fit Jim’s inability to move on and be happy with his life.
Now, I have NO problem with people wanting a happy ending at all costs — life is complex and challenging enough, so I understand the need for respite and escape! But I think I prefer things to fit somehow…
So, there is my subjective answer to a question of taste!! 
What about you ?
You’re right – this question took lots and lots of “mulling.” But I like that. It’s sort of what I want out of a good book, too – something that sticks in my mind and leaves me thinking about it a long time after I’ve finished reading.
I like to mull before I answer, and although I prefer happy endings, even those with tears, I demand they be authentic.
Good point, JLS! I concur!
Yes! Authentic happy endings are the best…
My endings don’t have to be happily-ever-after but they need to be complete. They need to wrap everything up in a way that makes sense and isn’t a cheat.
cjh
I like the use of the word “complete” — fulfilling… satisfying…
Happy endings make as feel good. Those are good escapes. However, life is much more than that. We don’t always have happy endings. I like a book with a happy ending. And I also like books without those elements. There I like to think. When any ending is tragi but still skhows hope, I like that kind of books…
Bleak books are fine too, depending on my mood.
Here is my BTT post
Being well written and simple to read is a key for me This weeks post