Really Good Reads:
As of June 8th, I hit my yearly goal. Still not sure how I read 101 books since January. I think it’s because I have stopped playing Angry Birds. Just a thought.
I don’t remember how I came across Goodreads, yet it has made a huge impact on my reading life. Not only am I able to look up books, I can read reviews before committing to a book, but more importantly I can keep track of the books I’ve read. It’s disconcerting how many books I have started, wondering why the plot sounds familiar. Goodreads reminds me I’ve read it before, usually about three years ago.
You’re right. I should remember my books. I should also remember all my former students’ names, especially when they remember me when we surreptitiously meet in stores, at the library, sometimes in restaurants, but I fail at that as well. Too bad there isn’t a Goodteach, where I could log in so I can quickly look my students up, then again there are probably concerns about data collecting.
Onward–
Goodreads also helps me in reading choices as I deliberate upon a book that catches my eye.
Ratings and reviews can make a difference; however, while I acknowledge they are helpful and can sway my decision in whether or not to add a book to my TBR list, or my book bag, when it comes to writing a review I have my own system.
Goodreads uses a 5 star rating system with the following definitions:
1 star – didn’t like it
2 stars – it was OK
3 stars – liked it
4 stars – really liked it
5 stars – it was amazing
Since I began the Goodreads Reading Challenge several years ago I have developed my own rating system:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 5 stars–memorable, highly recommend, can’t wait to share this find with others
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️4 stars–likable, a couple of aspects were bothersome (e.g. characters, plot development, writing style, etc.)
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 3 stars–read it, although skip read some parts due to triggers, or parts were somewhat boring or redundant, or the book rankles my verisimilitude tolerance (I leave the rating blank since I dislike leaving negative commentary)
⭐️ ⭐️ 2 stars–if a book is just okay I usually don’t finish reading it which means no review and if I don’t read the book how can I justify leaving a review? It gets marked Did Not Finish so I won’t get tempted again (which does happen—a great title tends to lure me in).
⭐️ 1 star–some Goodreads readers save this rating for books they hate. Why did they even read it then. I know right away if I don’t like a book, usually by the first couple of pages. Honestly, if I didn’t read the book, I simply mark it as a DNF and leave no review.
Do you have a rating system?
Also, do ratings and reviews influence whether you read the book?
Pam Webb 
Certainly, we all have our individual standards. I rate any book that I read. Most of the books I read earn four or fivestars, but I also have no problem giving a book two or three stars if that’s what they deserve. Those years as a schoolteacher helped. I disagree with those who don’t review books unless they are four or five stars. What’s the point if every book has only high ratings? Reviews lose meaning then. Still, I’m tactful, even with low-rated books. Someone may have done their best and doesn’t need a tongue lashing.
Good points, Pete. I agree that ratings can be overrated so it’s important to have a variety of ratings to look over.