A fanfiction - like book often has elements of wish - fulfillment. For instance, in many young adult novels, the protagonist overcomes great odds and often gets the guy or girl in the end. This is similar to how in fanfiction, fans might write stories where their favorite characters get what they want. In 'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' series, Percy goes on these amazing adventures and saves the day, which is a form of wish - fulfillment for readers and has that fanfiction - like charm.
Another characteristic is the presence of a passionate fan base already. Books like 'Harry Potter' have a huge following. And the world - building in these books is so extensive that fans can easily create their own fanfiction based on it. The magic system, the Hogwarts School, and all the different characters make it a fertile ground for fan - created stories, which also gives the original books a fanfiction - like feel as it encourages that kind of fan engagement.
They often have a strong focus on characters. Just like in fanfiction where fans explore and expand on their favorite characters, these books usually have really well - developed characters with complex personalities and relationships. For example, in 'The Hunger Games' series, Katniss's character is very multi - faceted and her relationships with Peeta and Gale are central to the story.
They often have relatable characters. Take 'The Time Machine' by H.G. Wells. The main character's journey through time is made more interesting because we can identify with his sense of wonder and fear. These characters help to drive the scientific concepts forward in an engaging way. Usually, they also simplify complex scientific ideas. In books like these, difficult scientific theories are broken down into understandable parts through the story.
A narrative flow. These books don't just present facts in a dry way. They tell a story. In 'Liar's Poker', the story unfolds chronologically, taking you through the events on Wall Street as if you were there, which makes it engaging.
Books that read like genre fiction often have certain recognizable elements. For example, in a mystery genre - like book, there will be a central mystery to solve, like in 'Sherlock Holmes' stories. There are usually clues, suspects, and a detective - like figure. In science - fiction ones, there will be futuristic or otherworldly settings and concepts, as seen in 'Star Trek' novels. In romance genre - like books, there's a focus on relationships and love, such as in 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Well, for one, they often have a strong narrative arc. Just like in a novel, there's a beginning, middle, and end. For example, in 'The Boys in the Boat' by Daniel James Brown, it follows the journey of the rowing team, with a clear progression of events.
Well, engaging dialogue can also be a feature. Some nonfiction books that read like fiction include snippets of real - life conversations. This makes the story come alive. And they might also have a central theme or conflict that drives the story forward, much like in a fictional work. For instance, in 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks', the conflict between the medical community's use of her cells without permission and the recognition of her as a person with rights is a central theme that runs throughout the book.
They often have strong and unconventional ideas. For example, they might question the existing social order or power structures in a very bold way.
A strong narrative. These books usually have a clear plotline that drives the story forward. In 'Cold Mountain' by Charles Frazier, which is based on the American Civil War, the journey of the main character is a gripping narrative that keeps you turning the pages as if it were a fictional adventure.
People who liked to read books usually had the following characteristics: they had a wide range of knowledge and had a certain understanding of different topics. They liked to read all kinds of useless " leisure books ". These books might not be directly related to their profession or life, but they believed that they could gain more knowledge and insights by reading these books. They liked to communicate with experts. Talking with them could give them new inspiration and perspectives. In addition, people who liked to read books also liked to be alone. They enjoyed the time when they read quietly alone. Generally speaking, people who liked to read books had extensive knowledge, an open mind, and an independent spirit.
One characteristic is the use of vivid storytelling. Just like in fiction, these nonfiction books use detailed descriptions of settings, characters, and events. For example, in 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks', the author describes Henrietta's life, her family, and the medical context in a very vivid way that makes it feel like a fictional story about a real person.
Great history books that read like fiction tend to humanize historical figures. In 'Midnight's Children', the characters represent different aspects of India's history and society, and they are full of human flaws and virtues. Another aspect is the use of dialogue. They use dialogue to show the relationships between characters and the cultural context. For example, in 'The Name of the Rose', the conversations between the monks reveal a lot about the religious and intellectual climate of the time. Moreover, they often have a unique perspective. Instead of a general overview, they might tell the story from a particular character's point of view, like 'I, Claudius' which is from Claudius' own perspective.