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How do you determine if a book makes it to your favorite list?

Sometimes a book surprises me by sticking with me for years. A story line or character that I can't stop thinking of or referencing. Even if at the time the story was bad/boring etc. Sometimes these books make it to my favorite list because of something bigger than just enjoying the read. What do you think? Thanks for the input. I did read Time Traveler's Wife and loved it. It's a book you can definetly re-read and learn more the second time around!

Public Comments

1. If I luvvit! It's a favorite! Here's a book which, if you read it, will probably make your list: 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger. Check out the plot summary and reviews here: http://www.amazon.com/Time-Travelers-Wife-Audrey-Niffenegger/dp/015602943X/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1206583839&sr=1-2 Enjoy!
2. I think it depends on how drawn I am to the story. Some times I read a book and I'm like 'eh'. Sometimes it's good. To make it my fav list it has to be compelling, dramatic, have dynamic characters and great story line. It's something I know I can read over and over again and never tire of because there's always a new way to look at something.
3. Books I read over and over again are on my favorite list. Some, like A Tale of Two Cities I re-read every year. (yes, I know it's weird.) Some, I just like certain passages from but like you they are books that stay with me and are always apart of me.
4. A good plot. Characters have to be interesting and the writing has to be great, but the good plot is about the only thing that makes it into my favorite list. I think the book just has to have a special quality that only that book has and you'll immediately know it's going to be one of your favorite books. I know that all of the books in my favorite list, they didn't get there because they were all alike. They each had something that made me like them.
5. I understand. My favorite books to talk about aren't nessassarily my favorite books to read (Old Man and the Sea, Ethan Frome, Scarlet Letter,Twilight...). Okay call me weird but just because I couldn't stand reading a work doesn't mean that I dislike plots or styles. As for my favorite favorite list, it is usually determined by those I most often recommend to others as well as how often I try to find similar reads to that particular book.
6. if a book changes my life in some way (like my way of thinking, ormy goals) even if i don't love it i normally will read it again and fully love it later (probably b/c i've gotten use to what was so impacting) like Dreamland by sarah dessen, i hated when i was done! but i read it again and altho it still was not something i liked to think about i really liked it. it kinda touched my heart. books that continue playing out in my head when i'm done usually make my favorites (like if i read harry potter i'll think of the story and connections and characters for DAYS later (weeks the first time i read the book)) reading is such an enjoyable sport =]
7. If I want to and am willing to read it again then its a favorite. If I go screaming to the bookstore looking for more by the same author hopefully related to the first one... then its a favorite. If I reread every book in the series when a new one comes out then its a favorite.