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!
Lol, I had the same qualms after I had been rating my books. I really like my new system though and I think it's definitely working for me. And that's all that matters! We do take it very seriously though ;)
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see your top 10 list for 2009. I've been thinking about mine too. BTW...I love that you decided to rate your books. Yes, it is subjective but I enjoy when bloggers, give you some idea of what they thought.
ReplyDeleteI started rating this year too. I guess I'm getting used to it, but it still feels a bit arbitrary!
ReplyDeleteI used to rate books but gave it up earlier this year. I thought about bringing ratings back in a different format, but didn't.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to see whether my Books of the Year will be my highest-rated ones too - I'm not sure they will be, actually. Like you said, some of the ones that didn't get as high a rating have stuck a bit more.
ReplyDeleteI've always rated books and I enjoy it. You are right about later thinking that a book is better or worse than before. Especially ones rated years ago. I always choose my top 10 list from my 5 stars. If there is a 4 or 4 1/2 star rated book that I think deserves to be top 10, I change it's rating to 5 first.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you started rating books. I can't believe the year is almost over already!
Lu--exactly! I'm glad it works for you as well.
ReplyDeleteDiane--thanks for saying so! :) I look forward to seeing yours, too!
Jill--yeah sometimes it really, really is. :)
Vasilly--whatever works for you friend!
Florinda--it's so interesting how that happens!
Callista--I know where did it go?? :)
I started rating my books sometime this year (spring I think) and while I whole-heartedly embrace the idea and always have, I immediately started second-guessing my method. Is five stars too limiting? Maybe I should have used ten stars. Maybe I should have adopted a keep it/take it or leave it/burn it approach. I guess at this point, I am at peace with it. I too, can't wait to sift through all of my reads and see what pops out at the top!
ReplyDeleteI rate my reads and there was a point where I thought "wow, everything I read is 5 "ehs" out of 5!" Then it changed. Personally, I would love if they were all 5/5 because then I would only be reading awesome books! I cannot wait to see your top 10 list.
ReplyDeleteI love the fact that you are embracing ratings! I find it really useful when bloggers rate books as it is an instant indication of how much they loved it.
ReplyDeleteI have been looking back at a few of my older ratings and admit that a few need changing slightly after seeing how much I remember them a year on, but that is half the fun!
I too started posting ratings on my blog this year. I'd had the luxury of 2 years worth of rating that I'd only posted on Goodreads. I used that 2 years worth of ratings to help me define my rating system and post it on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI think a single rating alone is worthless, because you have to look at them in the context of the rater's trends or experience. That's why I like to see my favorite bloggers post ratings. When I get to know a blogger and how their tastes compare to mine, it makes the ratings they give more meaning. I never decide on a book based on a rating alone, but a rating from someone I've come to know and trust along with thier blog post can most definitely influence whether a book gets added to my TBR list.
I love the fact that you rate your review books. I wish all the bloggers would! I understand that it is only one person's opinion but it is still helpful to me all the same. Keep up the good work! Looking forward to your fave list!
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