So, if you use ANY kind of site for your book reading needs, you will always see ratings. And if there is one thing I have learned, its that, a lot of times, the number of stars isn’t important.
What do I mean?
The difference between a 3 star and 5 star is often down to taste when everyone and anyone can weigh in. It means a lot more to go and read into why they gave that rating and what they did/did not like about it to see if you will like it.
For me, I give 5 star ratings to books that I would happily read again/made a big impact. Those aren’t always the best written book, though a well written novel that contains wonderful characters and a stunning plot is very likely going to get a good rating from me.
But that’s why here, on Southern Today Gone Tomorrow, I don’t put what my star rating is on my site. I do on my GoodReads site, but not on here. The more important thing is: what are the characters like, how is the writing, is the plot engaging, does the author know how to tell a story, and who would like the book and why.
It is interesting to compare my ratings to others who, when we talk, we have very similar interests and enjoyed the same things about the novels, but we give them very different star ratings.
The unknown section is that 3-5 range. If it is less than a 3, there are BIG issues, but for some a 3 is just because they didn’t like it. Not that it is poorly written or that others wouldn’t enjoy it, just that it didn’t have the hook that they enjoy. It didn’t have the elements that they love.
1 or 2 stars… gosh. Those you need to read over. Differences between ratings for taste and ratings for writing skill can be really obvious here. And it can be worth looking at these reviews to prepare yourself if you REALLY don’t want to waste your time.
Just a few thoughts on the matter.
