This Master’s thesis provides insights into adult women’s fictional reading within the conceptual phrase “a good book”. Eight qualitative and semi-structured interviews were performed in order to examine the nature of response and perceived benefits. The collected data were analyzed by Louise M. Rosenblatt’s reception-oriented transactional theory of reading and the cognitive psychology-based model of reading developed within the joint Nordic project SKRIN. The thesis perspectives entail a substantive shift of focus from the comprehension of a “good book” to the understanding of a “good” reading experience. The evaluative response “good” is considered by the means of separate understandings in what ways evaluation occur in a mutual relationship between reader and text. Results show that a “good” read is characterized by interacting aesthetic and cognitive aspects partly shaped by personal circumstances but not grounded in any individual contextbound situation. The primary perceived benefit is the personal commitment based on a socially oriented reading. Communication created between reader and text is partly shaped by ethical standpoints. Although at times emotionally demanding reads, most women refer to them as entertaining and recreational. A “good” read provides knowledge within the understanding of objective and subjective dimensions of learning. The primary perceived benefit of knowledge is subjectively expressed as insights and understandings. Conclusions are that the women seem to appreciate leaving their immediate life for the sharing of other worlds and perspectives. Consequently a “good” read offers the opportunity to broaden personal horizons by participation in other social and cultural settings than the adjacent. / Program: Bibliotekarie