Shira Kaplansky

Dr. Holt
English 12
13 SEPTEMBER 2016
Brain Pickings Draft
There are many factors that make a best book. From content to language,
popularity to longevity, and many more characteristics, what makes a best book is always
going to be up to interpretation. More often then not, if one tries to make an objective list
of criteria, it ends up being broad. Then, when they try to make it more specific, it
becomes much more subjective. It is hard to make a list that comprises everything that
has make the classic and best books in our society so notable.
The narrative of a book can influence whether or not it is worth of a best book title,
however not in the sense of a specific type of narrative. If a book has depth and changes
the way a reader thinks about something, even slightly, it has accomplished something. A
narrative that offers a new perspective on a subject often times is one of those books that
changes the way the reader thinks. The clich narratives found in the common Cinderella
story, for instance, has been over used to the point where those books are usually
immediately thrown to the wayside without even a chance.
Original work can be difficult at times to come up with, which is why often times
writers will reuse plot lines and general ideas. However, it is when a writer can come up
with a story that is uniquely their own that they find success. While the ability to re read a
book is important, there is only so many times one can read the same thing. If an author
were to attempt to write a book to become a classic, they would have to factor this in. It
may not be possible to write a classic, but if it was, the writer would have organize the
plot so that if it was read multiple times, it would still be entertaining.
There is also something to be said for the longevity of a book. Just because a book
has been popular for a long time, does that mean that it is still a best book? There are
valid arguments for both sides, however the historical and societal relevance of the book
is what most likely holds the answer. There are some books that people can usually get
away with not reading and still be able to make connections whether that be in a class or
conversation, however there are other books, like the Great Gatsby that are still very
relevant and would be beneficial to read in order to have a better understand of certain
topics or themes. As time progresses some books that were once considered timeless may
be proved to in fact have an expiration date, but a large factor in the is current events and
relatablitly to present day.