Reflecting on a Year of Rating Books

It's time to start reflecting on the past year. Since I'll be trying to do a mixture of stepping back from blogging duties, celebrating the holidays, and getting geared up for a great and focused 2010, I figured it's not too early to take stock of what happened in 2009.

One of the big changes for me in 2009 was making the decision to add a rating to my reviews. I was skeptical at first, but in the end I have come to really embrace this decision. I do have to laugh at how much debate bloggers have over this. But I suppose that's a good thing...we're not willing to accept anything without having our passionate reasons for why we do what we do!

What I like about rating books is that it forces me to really think about my level of enjoyment and what I feel I gained from reading the book. Yes, of course the process of writing the review clarifies that for me as well, but making a decision of where it fits in and compares with other books is helpful for me. And I hope it's helpful for you as well.

It's by no means an exact scientific process but it's one I find helpful and it's a process that will carry over into 2010. And I have to admit...I love giving a 5/5! It's like a cherry on top of a sundae! :)

I will be interested to go back and see when I make my top ten list of reads for the year if they are all 5/5. You might think they would be, but sometimes books rated just a little lower end up having more staying power than I think they will originally. How fantastic is it that a book can move in us and live in us long after we've turned the last page!