BTT: Stories

If you’re anything like me, one of your favorite reasons to read is
for the story. Not for the character development and interaction. Not because of the descriptive, emotive powers of the writer. Not because of deep, literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor. (Even though those are all good things.) No … it’s because you want to know what happens next?
Or, um, is it just me?

Am I allowed to say yes AND no? Ideally I'd like a book to be both an interesting story and well written.

I love a good story, no matter what form it comes in. And being one who loves to hear made-up stories off the top of the head, I tend to forgive a lot in the way of technique if I'm enjoying the story. At the end of the day I read for pleasure, to be entertained and it's the story itself that provides that.

Having said that, however, the story actually needs to be readable. I prefer character based stories over ones that are action-propelled. And, being an English-major, I get a great deal of enjoyment out of the "deep literary meaning hidden beneath layers of metaphor". Despite my sister's constant annoyance, I enjoy the analysis, and think it only improves on the story.

I guess that really is just a round about way of saying that I want it all. Yes, I love a good story, but a good story with a bit of depth is even better.