The Art of Being Generous... and CriticalIn my public reviews, I confess to a dual nature: I lean towards generosity when I find redeeming qualities in a book, yet I'm equally forthright in my criticism if a book fails to capture my interest or feels incoherent. This approach is partly strategic, aiming to steer algorithms for better future suggestions, and partly communal, guiding readers towards literary gems and away from less engaging reads. As a result, my public reviews might seem a bit more polarized, accentuating the positive or negative aspects more distinctly. The Role of EngagementEngagement is key in my rating system. A book that consistently holds my attention usually earns a higher rating. If, however, I find my mind wandering due to weak plot development, lack of relatability, poorly written characters, or excessive detail, it tends to lower the book's rating. Audiobooks, which I often enjoy on road trips, have a slightly different criterion. They need to be engaging enough to keep me focused, yet accessible enough to allow for intermittent attention. That way I can smoothly re-enter a story after brief distractions. The ideal audiobook is concise and captivating, preferably under 12 hours, with around 6 hours being the sweet spot. This length allows for a thorough story that can typically be consumed in 1-3 sittings, making it perfect for road trips. Exceptional audiobooks I've already read and loved can extend beyond this limit as they allow for easy re-engagement due to prior knowledge of the story. Redundancy and Relevance in Non-FictionI approach non-fiction with a critical eye. Books that are repetitive or drift off-topic receive lower ratings. However, those that align with my current interests, delve deep into topics, and assume some level of pre-existing knowledge are highly favoured. Book Clubs and Gifted Books
The 3-5 Star SpectrumMost of my ratings fall between 3 to 5 stars, as I rarely finish books that don't resonate with me. Here's my breakdown:
The 1-2 Star Range
The Exceptional 5-Star Plus
Your Thoughts?Now, I turn to you, fellow readers. How do you rate books on Goodreads or other platforms? Do you review differently in public compared to your private musings? Is there a special tier in your heart for books that transcend the 5-star limit? I'm eager to hear about your rating philosophies and how they shape your reading journey. Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below. Happy reading!
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