A study described the experience, or thoughts, feelings, and motivation of young adolescents reading a novel, with special attention focused on how and when students experience reading positively. Subjects, 24 eighth-grade students of above average reading ability, completed 13 log entries while reading "Good-Night, Mr. Tom," a novel about a boy who comes into his own. Quantitative data included the log entry responses to open-ended questions and a set of semantic differential scales, based on the Experiential Sampling Methodology (ESM). Qualitative data included all responses on the log entries of three case study subjects, as well as their summaries of the novel, reactions to completing the log entries, home reading backgrounds, and oral interviews. Results indicated that most students enjoyed the novel, particularly during the latter half when their moods reflected what was happening in the story. Case study data articulates the uniqueness of the students' responses. Further, dimensions of the case study students' personalities and preoccupations were revealed through their reading experience. Findings suggest that teachers can benefit their students by incorporating into the curriculum activities that encourage their students' personal expression while reading literature. Findings also suggest that the ESM as a method for tapping into the ongoing literary experience provides a useful insight into the intrinsic motivation of young readers. (One table and 70 figures of data are included; 60 references, survey instruments and reading log forms, guidelines, an overview of data analysis, and distribution of data sources are attached.) (RS)