Why do we want to get back to reading the book we’re reading?

What is it that gets us to turn the page?

I’m currently reading several books. But as I delve into writing my own fiction, my curiosity is towards what makes me turn the page of the books I’m reading so I can figure out how to get my own readers to want to turn to the next pages of my books.

Emily May said ” … cast off the mundane life they’ve always known and step into a world of magic where anything is possible—isn’t that what happens every time we get lost in a good book?” from her interview with Goodreads. 

The Soul Summoner

I chose this book because it was in some of the same categories as some of my upcoming books:

• #15 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Fantasy > Romantic
• #20 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery > Supernatural > Psychics
• #34 in Books > Mystery, Thriller & Suspense > Mystery > Supernatural > Ghosts

It also ranks really high in those categories. So I bought it. Partly for research, partly for fun. P.S. When you can combine these two, you’re in luck.

From my “I’m not a professional book reviewer” perspective, I want to keep reading because:

1. I want to see what she can do with her “special” talents. Partly because I’m just curious as it’s interesting, but also as a writer to see how she talks about the secret powers, how she has the characters talk about them, how she leads on with more powers and hints at others to come.
2. Related to those special talents, I want to know how she’s going to help “the real world” with them. She’s helping a detective find a serial killer’s buried bodies. She already knows they’re all dead (one of her powers), but now they need to find them.
3. Another great twist is adding a new character–who also has some secret powers. This is fascinating to me as a writer as I’m (too) focused on my main characters, but need to bring in others.
4. I’m entertained by the romantic relationships in the story, but it’s a distant second to the first interest to the powers she has. I do like the dialogue and her inner dialogue about the guys in her life.

Am I just like Emily May and want to read about what’s on the edge of possible? What’s possible for others–is it possible for me? Partly. I’m also just enjoying how Elicia Hyder tells a story.

 The Rooster Bar

I’m also reading John Grisham’s “The Rooster Bar” because my brother-in-law finished it over Christmas and gave me the hardcover.

I’m turning the pages because:

1. I want to know more about these “diploma factories” (low-quality law schools).
2. But I’m even more curious about how the characters might take the suicide of one of their friends to expose point #1.
3. Because John Grisham could probably have me turning pages of any topic. It’s just that intriguing.

Origin

I started this on my Kindle because I got it as a Christmas gift, but I have barely started. I’m turning the pages because he’s such a big name and I remember liking the DaVinci Code and all of its twists and turns.

The Story Grid

I’m reading Shawn Coyne‘s “The Story Grid” so I can see how the above books work, how the stories are laid out, and how I can do the same.

I’m just getting started with it and so far, so good.

What are you reading? What gets you to turn the pages?

When you find imagination in your book, pull it into your own life and live a little part of it every day.