What Makes Writing Worth Reading?

I think determining a set of characteristics that a piece of literature must have in order to make it valuable to read is difficult. Not everyone has the same taste or interests, and thus what I find valuable and worth my time you may not. I think there are particular categories in which we decide to read something or not. Educational - When I say educational I imply "decided learning." Just because your teacher tells you to read pgs blah - blah doesn't make it worth your time. You may read it, being the good student that you are, but frequently it isn't enjoyable. If you are like me, you will frequently google items that you have heard about to gain more knowledge - this is educational reading made valuable to the reader. Personal growth - I think it is worth it for people to read items that may help in self improvement. This is why diet books are bought, self help books etc. I think anything that will help you become a better person is worth reading and attractive. Pleasure - reading for fun! This type of reading is what I have seen a lot of growing up. My mom is one of those people that has a new chapter book every week. They don't add meaning or purpose to her life, but the books entertain her and add a little joy. I think anything that can add joy to your life is worth reading. These are a couple of the ways in which I think we choose books that are valuable to us.

I also think that people choose literature based on appearance. They say never judge a book by its cover, but we all do it. I personally have the tendency to pick up any book that has a girl dressed in one of those fancy gowns from the 1800s. They have a way of drawing me in. For starters, they draw on my historical interest (educational), and then the story line often present entertainment (pleasure).

I think these are only a few things we look for when looking for valuable writing to read.