Comments on: CONTEMPLATING 5 STAR RATINGS

By: Unknown

Unknown — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 22:40:38 +0000

Heise, I had to think about what my stars would mean when I started tracking what I've read on Goodreads. I don't always leave comments, but my subjective star rating, which I put in my profile is this:

Generally, I reserve 5 stars for books I would read again and recommend without reservation. For me, 5-star books are the ones I have trouble putting down and leave me thinking about them after I'm done.

I enjoyed and would recommend books I rate as 4 stars, especially if someone likes the genre or the author. The writing kept me engaged and I liked the story. But something about the book just didn't keep me glued to it as much as a 5-star book would.

A 3 star book is one I enjoyed, but felt it was more of a fluffy read. If I knew someone who was a fan of the genre, the 3-star book would be an average book; one that holds interest as a fun diversion. These books are mind candy, but I'm more forgiving of genres I enjoy.

Books I give two-star ratings disappointed me. I expected more and gave the book a chance, but the writing, the characters, or the story never delivered.

So far, I haven't given any books 1 star. If I ever give a single star, I've abandoned that book. Unlike some, I won't read a book I hate to the end. It's a waste of time.

By: Unknown

Unknown — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:45:05 +0000

I loved this ""reading may be a solo activity, but literacy is absolutely a social activity." My ratings reflect the former and can lead to the latter." – I don't think many people expect all 5 star (or any level of) books to be the same. I know I don't! Reading is incredibly subjective – and that's ok! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 02:42:37 +0000

In yet another sister-classroom-sharing-one-brain moment (can I have it while you're gone, or do you want it so you can rake in the dough?), I was thinking about this same thing the other day. I have so many 5-star ratings, that I think that can't be right. They should be more spread out, and the books certainly don't compare to each other.

Now, I'm thinking about grades. An "A" for one student on an essay may not be of the same quality as an "A" for another student. Not because they're held to different standards (usually), but because the essays will be different, and will earn that "A" for different reasons. I can't tell Johnny that the excellent essay he wrote — best he ever did, I might add — is not as good as Suzie's, so he can't earn an "A." Doesn't make sense. Doesn't make sense for rating books, either. It's a rating, not a ranking.