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 