Focusing on Style and Form:
* Employing sophisticated language: Rich vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and figurative language.
* Exploring themes and ideas: Deeply engaging with complex concepts, challenging societal norms, and provoking thought.
* Featuring innovative structure and narrative techniques: Non-linear storytelling, unreliable narrators, stream-of-consciousness, etc.
* Exhibiting high artistic merit: A focus on beauty, aesthetics, and originality in language and structure.
Beyond the Textual:
* Challenging the reader: Asking questions, prompting reflection, and offering multiple interpretations.
* Creating an impact: Leaving a lasting impression on the reader, sparking conversations and debates.
* Having a significant literary legacy: Being widely recognized and studied by academics and critics.
Things to Consider:
* Subjectivity: Literary merit is subjective and influenced by individual tastes and cultural context. What one person finds "literary" another might not.
* Genre: While certain genres like literary fiction and poetry are often associated with literary merit, books in other genres can also be considered literary if they meet the criteria above.
* Time: What's considered "literary" can change over time, as literary trends and preferences evolve.
In essence, a "literary" book is often seen as a work of art that goes beyond entertainment and engages the reader intellectually and emotionally. It challenges conventions, pushes boundaries, and leaves a lasting impact.
It's important to note that this is a simplified overview. There's a vast and nuanced discussion around what constitutes "literary" literature. It's a journey of exploration and discovery, and the joy lies in finding books that resonate with you on a personal level.