I like Slice of Life, actually.
I recently finished Genshiken, as well as the OVAs and sort of sequel, Nidaime. All of this was done in the span of 3 days. Yeah. summer is really turning me into a slob that does nothing but watch anime all day.
Upon going over the list of animes and mangas I have recently finished, it was apparent that there's a pattern going on: they were all slice of life.
This was unusual, because I always thought of myself as someone who favored dramatic and story-driven shows.
Whats so good about it?
There's something so charming about episodic, non-linear plotlines of anime characters just going about in their daily lives. I feel a sense of connection (as retarded as that sounds) to the character because of how ordinary and grounded the situations they were put in are.
Soremachi, another SOL that I read/watched a while back, is a good example I can think of. Anything that happens to Hotori - the protagonist - or any of the other characters are things that I can relate to and can see happening in my life. (Most of) the story takes place within the Seaside cafe - a maid cafe (title up for debate) where Hotori works, Maruko shopping district - where the cafe is located, and Hotori's school. It's a totally boring premise when you read it at first, but I honest to god think that it's exemplary for the slice of life genre. You're never bored out because there's a new story every chapter/episode, each one entertaining and hilarious. It's not all comedy either, because too much comedy can bore you out as well; there are also emotional plotlines that really makes you feel for and connect with the characters. Everyone, even the most insignificant characters, have their own unique gags, stories, personality, and well-established relationship with the others. Even the dog has its own plotline goddamnit.
There's a tight knit bond amongst the inhabitant of the town, which also makes me envious, since I live in an apartment complex where neighbors barely ever see each others' faces at all.
...Hey, this was just you shilling for Soremachi!
Unashamedly so. I'm not the best at convincing people, but I brought up Soremachi as an example to say that SOL animes can be really, really good when it's done right. Many people are quick to disregard SOL due to how banal the genre is, which means that they risk missing out on the many great series out there.
(Of course, if you're more of an escapist, avoiding SOL would be understandable, but I'm speaking in general)
I understand, however, as I once held the same belief, but one really really boring SOL isn't indicative of the genre as a whole.
Whether if you want to see cute girls doing cute things, or to get an idea of how to make everyday life more fun (like I do.), SOL shows are worth checking out. It's good to just relax and watch something easy-going once in a while.
(Also, I feel that it's necessary to also bring up the obvious fact that other factors such as the amazing art direction and production of the anime play a big part in making a show great.)
Some SOL animes/mangas that I personally enjoy: