Words to Describe Art and Literature: Words to Describe a Novel or a Story

I’ve been fascinated with Cleopatra for a long time, and this book is completely and totally captivating and compelling. New York Times (Jul 13, 2021)

Shea is also the author of the hysterical and cathartic “Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great.” New York Times (Nov 5, 2019)

There was nothing even a little bit controversial about the second edition of The Landry News. The Landry News

“From the first page, it was just electrifying,” he said. New York Times (Aug 8, 2021)

Tone is everything in these kinds of stories — especially for a story so serious and emotional. Salon (Dec 11, 2019)

Readers in the United States were introduced to Segovia’s lyrical writing and fresh, inventive storytelling in 2019 when her enchanting novel “The Murmur of Bees” was published by Amazon Crossing in an English translation. Washington Post (May 5, 2021)

He wanted to spread the word, motivate others to care and protest, by doing his thing: telling an impassioned, funny, enthralling story. Seattle Times (Mar 19, 2012)

Whichever way you read it, it's an exhilarating piece of work. Seattle Times (Jan 13, 2011)

“Your book must be fascinating. Let me see it,” Hattie said. Ella Enchanted

The book, which is on this year’s National Book Award long list, is at times both moving and hilarious. New York Times (Sep 28, 2018)

The insightful stories in this dark debut collection are about “loneliness, desire, hope and self-awareness.” New York Times (Nov 22, 2017)

This is an inspiring story, scalding in its descriptions of apartheid, but also witty and truly exciting. Washington Post (May 26, 2021)

“Little Family” begins with an intriguing prologue addressed directly to the reader, who will be forced to return to it again and again over the course of the book. New York Times (Apr 28, 2020)

It is a remarkable essay, tightly argued and organized, passionate and unrelenting. An American Plague: The True and Terrifying Story of the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1793

This exciting, poignant book enthralled even me, whose school years were spent in ancient times. Washington Post (May 26, 2021)

I’m always fascinated by the accomplishments of research, and the Douglass book was profound. New York Times (Oct 29, 2020)

These provocative memoirs explore big subjects: childhood, power, independence, desire. Washington Post (Aug 3, 2021)

Her hope is to challenge herself, tell “engaging and relatable” stories, and compel audiences to see different perspectives. Los Angeles Times (Aug 13, 2021)

One hundred and fifty years after "Little Women" was first published, Louisa May Alcott’s classic novel remains deeply relevant. Salon (Sep 30, 2018)

Nella and Kendra’s story lines intersect in surprising ways as the novel transitions into a riveting thriller revolving around a covert brainwashing effort and an underground resistance movement. Washington Post (Jun 9, 2021)

And everybody knowed it would be near impossible for the Preacher to keep a story as rousing as that all to hisself. Elijah of Buxton

Wainaina’s sharply satirical essay “How to Write About Africa” is also essential reading for roving book lovers. New York Times (Jan 16, 2018)

In his sincere debut novel, “Real Life,” Brandon Taylor broadens the embrace of the traditional campus novel. Washington Post (Feb 24, 2020)

“The stories were so spellbinding,” he said, “I didn’t want to be interrupted by anyone.” New York Times (Mar 15, 2011)

Publishers Weekly hailed the book as “thoughtful and illuminating.” Washington Post (May 21, 2021)