What makes a book special to you? What makes it stand out?

After years of book discussions with readers, I still find it interesting as to what elements a book has to have to give it a special place in someone’s library.

Jay, who writes a blog on this site, says he wants a book to leave some sort of a message. Food for thought beyond the plot, if you will. I have a friend who only reads books that transport her to a new location. She uses the book as her personal, inexpensive travel agency. Some people want political intrigue. I know a guy who won’t buy a book that doesn’t deal with international incidents. He likes to see the protagonist flying from country to country.

I like character. Long after my memory of a plot has disappeared, I want to look back on the characters as people I can relate to, or people who are friends. Someone told me recently that my two boys in the Stuff series are just like old friends. I like that.

What makes a book special for you? I have to admit, a good cover is usually important to me. I’m drawn to Casey’s books because…because she writes well. Pepper’s legs on the covers have nothing to do with it.

I’ll read anything. But only certain books are special. I can just look at certain books that sit on my shelves and remember great characters, great locations and great stories.

What makes a book special to you?