10 Quotes From Great Authors On What Makes Great Books!

Who better than celebrated authors to pinpoint precisely what a great book looks like?

There are some common themes, such as a book “that lingers in in their thoughts long after the final page”, or “expands the horizons”, to one that is able to “transport you to different realms” and “expand the horizons”.

Most agree that quality literature “is an exploration of the human psyche” or, put another way, “offers insights into our nature and the world around us”.

So here are 10 quotes about what makes a great book, from those who should know:

1. "A great book is a friend that never lets you down." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. "The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it." – James Bryce

3. "A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading." – William Styron

4. "A great book is a treasure trove of human experience, offering insights into our nature and the world around us." – J.K. Rowling

5. "A great book is one that resonates with the reader, challenges their perspective, and lingers in their thoughts long after the final page." – Haruki Murakami

6. "A great book has the power to transport you to different realms, to make you feel, think, and dream beyond the boundaries of reality." – Isabel Allende

7. "A great book is a conversation between the author's mind and the reader's soul, a meeting of two worlds that expands the horizons of both." – Paulo Coelho

8. "A great book is a mirror that reflects the complexities of the human condition, allowing us to explore our own emotions, desires, and fears." – Toni Morrison

9. "A great book is an exploration of the human psyche, an intricate dance of words that unveils the mysteries of our innermost thoughts and feelings." – Gabriel García Márquez

10. "A great book is a timeless creation that transcends generations, connecting us to the past, illuminating the present, and inspiring the future." – Leo Tolstoy

Geoff Poundes is a professional developmental editor, specialising in non-fiction and in particular business, sport and history, biography and memoir. Go to www.geoffpoundeseditor.co.uk to find out more.