WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU READ A GOOD NOVEL

I have spent most of this long weekend with my nose under a book. As much as I enjoy getting inspired by and getting tips from self-enrichment titles, there's nothing quite like getting sucked into a good novel. Any honest person will tell you that not all stories are created equal. There are those that tend to be harder to read, in the sense that the style - both technical and plot wise - is not a match to yours, and there are fictional worlds that captivate you to the point that you storm through the pages wanting more and more. And of course, there are those just in between. Like favorite songs and favorite shows, there is no right or wrong when it comes to your choice of books. You might find the book du jour a pain to read, or you may find a relatively unknown your next favorite. It doesn't matter. What matters is how it affects you. And to celebrate my love affair with fiction, I listed down five things that happen when you find a really good novel.

1. You can't put it down. You just have to know what happens next. No, this doesn't just apply to thrillers. A good story compels you to find out what happens, be it romance, fantasy, or mystery. True story, I chose Harry Potter over sleep. I can't really do that now, but I admit to waking up early on a Sunday just so I can continue reading a book. Hehe!

2. You make sure you understand it. You don't just mindlessly flip through the pages, you get involved. You google places and other details to have a better grasp of the story. Heck, you even use the dictionary to confirm the meaning of certain words. As much as you speed through it due to your excitement, you make sure you don't miss a single detail either.

3. You become invested in the characters. You know it's fiction but you can't help feeling real emotions for these people. You're happy for them, you cheer them on, you laugh, you cry, and even your heart breaks for them. Sometimes, you even find yourself asking "What would so and so do?" when you're faced with a new situation.

4. It makes you think. If not your life plan, then what it would be like to live in that environment. It gives an additional depth to your outlook in life. And this is probably where the cliche comes in, novels allow you to lead a hundred different lives through the million and one perspectives you encounter in its pages.

5. It moves you to action. Whether it's the need to just talk about it to someone or to move to the other side of the world and be a chef, a good story doesn't end when you close the book. It's only just beginning, and in this chapter, you're the protagonist. You're the agent of change, and isn't that such a nice thought?


So, what do you think? Any points you want to add or remove? Have you read a good novel lately? Let me know below!

And oh, those novels above were chosen based on its proximity to me when I decided to snap a photo. In no particular order, one is something I am currently reading. I have not yet formed any solid opinion on it but the premise got me hooked. Guys, this book is awesome! Steven Camden's It's About Love  is a definite must-read. Love, friendship, family, growing up, awesome teacher, this has it all! ;) Anyway, there's one that isn't your typical novel, story-wise it's okay but it's the food that got my mouth drooling. There's one that's an example of hyped up books that somehow didn't completely pique my fancy (although I'm likely to continue reading the series in the future). There's one that I gobbled up quickly but didn't really pick up anything from, oops. There's one that I woke up early to finish coz it was that addicting. Really good story, and very well-written. And there's one that I am quite intimidated by but I am determined to read. I'll let you know how that goes!