What makes a book so compelling that others just can’t stop reading it?

Ally C.: What makes a book so compelling that others just can’t stop reading it?
I am currently writing a novel, but from your point of view, what makes a book so popular and that others love to read? An excellent example would be the Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer. Why do you think some books are so good, they become best sellers?

Answers and Views:

Answer by L!V!B3@R
a good plot. people like reading about things in their life.

myself i like suspense and interesting characters

Answer by Victoria E
the suspense of never knowing whats going to happen next, romance sexy things

Answer by Dancegirl
the writing isn’t forced, the story just flows. Stephenie just writes about the stuff that she is interested in and that she likes. When I went to the Host tour, she was saying that you should never write about something that you don’t want to. if you start writing a story but you don’t like it, find something that you do.

Answer by Kyah-Chan
Characters. If you can make the reader cry, laugh, love and yell at your characters, you’ve done your job.

Answer by ltlmsprfctskopth
Quite frankly, I don’t know how Stephanie Meyer’s shot off like she did.

A lot of it is chance – who reads it, and who tells who about it.
And then there’s timing – she filled the post-Harry Potter void I believe.

Wouldn’t it be better if you focused on writing an GOOD novel, better than a popular one? It might not make as much money, but… well, yea… it’s more noble.

Answer by proprietydeficient
I think it all comes down to how good the story is. Someone can be a great writer with a boring story and the book wills tink. Of course, differnet people like different stories. I tend to like books with good people as their main characters. Like Bella inTwilight. I think its a relief to find a book where the main character isnt on drugs or sleeps with everyone. With Harry Potter, I love that their is always something to think about. It isn’t predictable. Also, a book has to display some really strong emotion. With Twilight, it’s obviously love. Same with Harry Potter, though in a more general way. And my next reason is alot less deep…a nice lead male role that is described as such an awesome amazingly attractive character is great too. (Looks and manner…EDWARD CULLEN!)