The "It" Factor

We’ve been having an interesting discussion on our Affairs of the Pen loop.

Let me tell you how it got started. I recently read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer. Perhaps, read is the wrong word. Devoured might be a better choice. I couldn’t get enough. I loved the mystery of it. The characters were three dimensional and very real. The setting and mood were perfect – almost characters themselves.

Alyson read it in one night, too. It has well over 900 five-star reviews at Amazon. From conception to astronomical book deal took a mere six months for someone who never really thought about publishing. Apparently, I’m not the only one who’s fallen in love with Edward and Bella.

Samantha is reading it now – and not liking it at all. Now, for the record, Samantha is a brilliant writer. However, we don’t always like the same books.

She is also currently reading The Golden Compass and loving it. (It’s a favorite of mine, too.)

That brings us to the discussion. What is it about a book that really resonates with some people, but really doesn’t with others? Why can some people think a certain book is the best thing ever written, but others think it’s so bad they can’t finish it?

Any ideas?