Other than a beginning, middle and end, of course. I'm very interested in what makes a story a good story, other than the more nonspecific answers good plot deep characters interesting philosophy good writing etc etc. I want more than that. I'm interested in the non cliche things that have made stories really impact you. I wish I could go beyond this, but I'm leaving it up to you, my fellow forumer, to answer the question:)

me wanting to live in the particular fictional world
for it to be adventurous, non-predictable
I sometimes develop the plot after the end of the book, relive or rearange some episodes, if it catches me enough
it has to create clear visions, images in your head, make you visually imagine it all

Sarcasm...call me weird but i like sarcastic, cynical undertones along with characters of the same qualities. It makes the book more realistic to me. I can't stand however whinos i.e the protagonist in The Catcher In the Rye.


Also good pacing is a very crucial part of the book if it is going to hold my attention....i don't need to know every nook and cranny, ever emotion, every feeling and the mood in the atmosphere when a character is turning a nob to open a door in general.

relatability... on some level

relatability... on some level
Exactly. A good story is one that tells a story from your own life, but in a better, more elaborate way... At least, those are the best ones.

A three dimensional protagonist that grows through the course of the story. He/she has be human with all the errors and guilt that come along with it. I wouldn't be interested in reading about some super strong man who everyone loves and gets all the chicks.

a form of writing that somehow places you in the story. a form of writing that induces an imagination of the landscape, of the characters. a style which helps you to form an image of the place in your mind and makes you want to be there. maybe that's why i like fantasy.