What Do You Look For in a Story?

What people look for in a story differs of course but, for me, the primary wish is to be entertained.

I don't like it when genre fiction is looked down on for not being "highbrow". That isn't the purpose of genre fiction. Besides genre fiction CAN be challenging and make readers think.

There is nothing wrong in writing or reading "merely" to be entertained. A good story that can make you forget your troubles for while is wonderful.

One of the lovely things about books/stories is they can take you out of yourself for a while and that is invaluable. In difficult times, I've relished those periods when I've been able to escape with a good book. The ability to escape for a while is crucial.

I can understand the point of misery memoir but frankly it isn't for me. I hope others find healing and help through it but I want to switch off the real world when I read and deliberately venture into something I know is totally made up!