What do book ratings and reviews mean to you?

I’ve been doling out a lot of ratings lately for books that I’ve read, especially ones that I’ve edited, and it’s gotten me thinking. What do ratings mean to people? Surely they can’t be interpreted the same way from person to person. What exactly does a 5-star review mean? Is it a book without any flaws? Is a book you enjoyed immensely? Is it a favor you decided to do for an author you happen to be friends with?

There’s a lot of gray areas with ratings. I don’t even have a specific guideline for what I decide to leave as a review. I just sort of go with my gut. But what about other people? What do the ratings they give mean to them?

When I see a:

4 or 5 star review, I consider the book to be “good.” These are lumped together because a 4 star to me might mean a 5 star to someone else. Or vice versa. Either way, the book is above average and worth reading.

A 3 star average is just that – average. It tells me that people either loved it or hated it, or they just thought it was okay. It’s not a bad thing, but I actually tend to stay away from books with an average rating this low (unless I think it sounds amazing or have a friend who highly recommends it). It tells me that I probably wouldn’t want to spend the time reading 500 pages if it was just going to be a standard, run-of-the-mill, cookie-cutter type book.

I tend to ignore 1 or 2 star reviews (unless the average rating is this low – then I run for the hills). I figure some people are just cranky or the book wasn’t what they were expecting. Some people just like giving low scores for the heck of it. Nothing impresses them. These ratings are usually void in my mind. I like seeing why people give them a rating like this, but it usually won’t deter me from trying to give the book a shot.

I tend to give out a lot of 4 or 5 star ratings myself. I give a book 4 stars if I enjoyed it, but probably wouldn’t read it again. A 5 star review means I loved the book and would love to read it a second time. 3 stars is about as low as I’ll go, and that usually means I didn’t like the book all that much. I don’t think I’ve ever given anything a 1 or 2 star review.

What do these various ratings mean to you? Are you put off by a 1 or 2 star review? Are you put off by a lot of 5 star reviews for indie authors, thinking that perhaps they were just given by family and friends? Are you a tough or easy rater?

Fifty Books in One Year – Take Two

Here is the second part to my previous “50 books in one year” post. [SPOILER FREE]

26 – 31. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: I re-read The Sorceror’s Stone though to Half Blood Prince and watched every movie after each installment. It was great to start from the beginning again (I usually pick up Goblet of Fire or Order of the Phoenix whenever I need some HP time) and I really loved seeing the movies after. It reminded me how well the first two were as far as adaptations. And how much they messed up my favorite book (GoF).

32. The Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan: This is the second series in the Greek-myth centered universe. It’s actually quite different from the original series, and is a little more grown up. I don’t think I like it more than PJO, but I definitely like it for different reasons. There are some great new characters, an interesting plot twist, and some familiar faces that I’m glad we didn’t have to leave behind.

33. The Heroes of Olympus: The Son of Neptune: This is the sequel to the previous book. If you didn’t like TLH all that much, you’ll probably enjoy this one a little bit more. We finally get to meet up with Percy again and see a whole new host of characters. My only complaint? The cliffhanger at the end!

34. – 37. Twilight: I re-read the Twilight series so I could get ready for Breaking Dawn hitting theatres this past November. It reminded me that Twilight is still my favorite, New Moon still makes me sad, Eclipse makes me want to punch Jacob in the face, and Breaking Dawn makes everything better. I know there’s a lot of Twi-hate out there, but this really is a great series.

38. Dinnerware: Volume 1 by Lynn Dralle: Okay, this is where my “cheating” went to a whole ‘nother level. This is an ebook by a well-known ebayer (that’s my job, by the way, so this was a work-related read). It’s all about dinnerware and mostly outlines what patterns and what makers sell the best. It was actually quite interesting.

39. Dalton by C.P. Coulter: If you like Glee and you like fanfic, I recommend this story to you. Chances are, though, that if you like Glee and you like fanfic, you’ve probably already read it. This is actually the first fanfic I’ve ever read (and the only, but I’m trying to change that). And I’m definitely counting it as a book because it took me days to read and there are 26 chapters. It counts. Trust me. Anyway, it’s about Blaine and Kurt and their experiences at Dalton. The writing is not top notch – there are some spelling errors and typos, not to mention a whole host of technical problems (can someone say POV switches??) – but the storyline is perfect. I’ve read published books that weren’t as intricate or interesting as this one. And characterization? WOW! I had trouble putting it down, too, so that says something. (P.S. It actually isn’t finished yet. She’s working on chapter 27 right now, and there’s going to be about 30.) You can find the fiction at this link.

40. Dinnerware: Volume 2 by Lynn Dralle: The second installment talks about more patterns, but also about the different types of dinnerware pieces. This one was even better than the last. (Obviously, a reference guide if you’re interested, and not so much a novel!)

41. The Mortal Instruments: The City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: I finally had time to jump on this bandwagon, and boy am I glad I did! This series is really great, and it is another one that I have trouble putting down. This is the first installment, and although she throws a lot of information at you in the first few chapters, you start getting the hang of it eventually.

42. Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket: I’ve been hearing about these books for ages, and I’ve always wanted to read them. Boy was I surprised. These books are mostly for children (I’ll get to the “mostly” in a second). Throughout the book, Snicket defines different words (ie. “briskly) for the reader. It gets a little old, but I’ve taken to reading this as a sarcastic comment to an older audience. The storyline was good, (and this is where “mostly” comes in) though I was surprised at some of the developments. They seemed a little too serious and taboo to have in a children’s book. It’s a quick read, though, and I am interested to see how the entire series will end.

43. The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare: I read this book in a day, if that gives you any idea about how good it is. It is a good book, but Clare is a master at drawing things out. And I’m impatient. There’s a few good twists in this one, like there was in the last, but the tension between certain characters (if you read it, you’ll know who I’m talking about) makes me want to throw the book at a wall sometimes. I wouldn’t say that her story-telling gifts are top notch, but her characterization is incredible.

44. The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare: We finally get resolutions to a lot of the conflict. However, there are 3 more books in this series and I wonder how she’ll continue the story and wrap up those few remaining questions while keeping it interesting. I hope to see a lot more relationship development in the next installment. Again, Clare’s characterization is perfect. I’m falling in love with secondary characters and have come to care about them just as much as the primary ones.

45. Series of Unfortunate Events: The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket: The second installment is marginally better than the first. I found, in a few places, that I actually laughed out loud. I’m treating these books as an experiment devised by an author. On the one hand, they seem to be for young children with poor vocabulary. On the other hand, some of the events and the actions of the characters appear to be a little too dark for such a young audience. I find it easier to read when I look at it as a book just dripping with sarcasm. I’m interested to know how the series ends, but not so interested in how it gets there.

46. Series of Unfortunate Events: The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket: The third installment has a similar plotline to the last. I’m starting to get a bit bored with the same series of events, even if they occur in different places with different characters and obstacles. There was one line in this book that caught my interest, and I think I may have an idea about a certain pivotal event that happened to the Baudelaire children in their past…

47. Series of Unfortunate Events: The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket: Same plotline with different characters and in a different place. What keeps me (barely) hanging on is the way in which these things keep happening. I’m morbidly interested in what horrific thing will happen to these children next, though my curiosity will soon fall by the wayside. There are just so many ways that you can tell the same story, and it happens to be far less than 13. I feel like the idea behind this books was great, but it just couldn’t be executed properly in this format.

48. Dinnerware: Volume 3 by Lynne Dralle: The final installment in this series. I felt like this one repeated some of the same information covered in the last two books, but I loved the insight into how Lynne goes from buying her inventory to finally listing it on ebay.

49. Knowing Aslan by Thomas Williams: An interesting look into the symbolism of Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia series. A very quick read that highlighted several key points in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

50. The Girls by Amy Goldman Koss: I didn’t think I was going to like this book because it is about middle school girls. I’m a fantasy reader, and I rarely enjoy books that don’t fall into that category. However, this one was actually quite interesting. It shows the often precarious dynamics between girls and is a great look into the psychology of kids at this age. Everything in this book has happened time and time again, and I’m sure there are a lot of girls out there who can relate to the characters.

There we go! Fifty books in one year, whew! I’ve cut my goal in half this year, with the promise that I’ll only count books I’ve never read as a part of the goal. I’m really excited to get into a few new series and share my thoughts with you at the end of the year.

Happy reading!

Fifty Books in One Year – Take One

A friend of mine told me at the beginning of each year she always sets herself a reading goal. Fifty books in one year, she said. But, she only gets through about eleven each time. My competitive side was instantly wide awake and raring to go.

I thought it was a great idea, so I set myself the same goal. I started in late February, so it wasn’t a full year, but I also allowed myself to “cheat.” I re-read some of my favorite books, mostly because I wanted to get ready for a movie (HP7.2, specifically) or just become more familiar with the story (like with The Hunger Games). It isn’t really cheating, since I’m still reading the book, but my initial goal was to read fifty books I had never read before.

And, lo and behold, come December 31^st I wasn’t done yet. I actually sat down and read THREE books that day. And guess what? I finished my goal! I’m actually really proud of this. I have such a hard time with long term goals and most of the time I get bored and give up, but I was adamant about this and I accomplished it. It’s a testament to my growing time management skills and will power. It gives me great vibes for 2012.

Since the list is so long (I give a quick blurb about each book – SPOILER FREE) I decided to break it up into two posts. Here’s the first half:

1. Space Flight by Giles Sparrow (foreward by Buzz Aldrin): This book is not a novel, but more like a text book. It documents space travel from its earliest days, through the Space Race, and right up to modern day. I’ve been obsessed with space and astronomy for a long time (because my grandfather was) and this book provided a great timeline of space travel. Even though it had a lot of pictures, it was a bit dull and hard to get through. Definitely better as a reference book that a cover-to-cover-reading book.
2. Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling: A must-read book for Harry Potter fans. Short, interesting, and just another way to learn more about the world we all love so much.
3. Fantastical Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling: Another great book by Rowling. I enjoyed this one a bit more than the other, as I found it more informative and more interesting.
4. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr: A really neat novel about faeries and humans having the Sight. It’s a bit darker than your average fantasy book, and is great for post-adolescent readers.
5. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide by Rick Riordan: This book is full of awesome illustrations and some really great information.
6. Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr: This is the supposed sequel to Wicked Lovely, but it’s about another set of characters. It is set after the initial plotline, though, so for all intents and purposes it is a follow up novel. We’re introduced to some new characters that I really enjoyed, but the first book is still my favorite.
7. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: I can’t believe it took me so long to get a hold of this book. It is one of the best ones that I’ve ever read (and I’ve read A LOT of books). It is so endearing and so full of advice and great life lessons. What makes it even better is that it is a true story. I don’t cry that often, but I was sobbing by the end. It’s a beautiful story. Pay close attention to what the author is telling you. This is some grade-A life advice for free.
8. The English Assassin by Daniel Silva: If you like murder/mysteries, this could be a good book for you. It was long and dry for me, but I usually read fantasy, so it isn’t my typical read. It was good enough to get through, but I wouldn’t read it again.
9. Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr: The third book in the series, but the official sequel to the original story. Another good book, though not a page turner like the first one. The world Marr creates is rich, thorough, and definitely full of great characters.
10. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger: An incredible book that I would recommend to just about anyone. It’s got a little bit of everything: comedy, romance, mystery, and magic. It’s a realistic book and so superbly written. The movie is actually really good as well, but I highly recommend reading the book first (which should go without mentioning).
11. 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson: This book was better than I thought it would be, but not quite as good as it could have been. Some of the main characters really stand out in my mind, and I loved all of the countries the protagonist travels to. It’s got a good meaning behind the story, but I think it would’ve been better if it had been made for a more adult audience and had some more serious plotlines.
12. Radiant Shadows by Melissa Marr: The fourth book in the Wicked Lovely series. This is one of the better ones since the first book, and I really like Ani and Devlin. Even though she’s constantly writing about the same world and the same community (all of her other characters pop up from time to time, but not always at the forefront of the story) it never feels like she’s writing the same book twice.
13. Darkest Mercy by Melissa Marr: The last book in the series, and probably the best one since the first. It’s got an epic battle and all of the main characters’ stories come to a close. Definitely stick around for this book – it’s worth it.
14. The Quickie by James Patterson: Recommended by a friend, but not really worth the read. I like JP’s style of writing, because the chapters go by really quickly (there are only about 3 pages per chapter), but the material wasn’t that interesting. The ending was good, but I wouldn’t read it a second time.
15. Sunshine by Robin McKinley: This is an interesting twist on your typical vampire legend. The vampires are quite different then we’re used to (and not in a sparkly way). The book is pretty dark, as well, which made it more interesting to me. The ending leaves something to be desired (it sort of cuts off and you’re not quite sure what’s going to happen next) and she doesn’t write sequels. Well done, though – I recommend it.
16. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Graphic Novel) adapted by Robert Venditti and art by Atilla Futaki: I loved the book, and thought it was awesome that there was a graphic novel to support it. The art is incredible and it is amazing to actually see the characters in action. I’m not sure this quite captures the intricacy and story-telling that the book does, but if you’re a big fan, it’s a fun thing to own.
17. The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan: The first novel in The Kane Chronicles, by the same guy that wrote Percy Jackson. This one is about Egyptian mythology. I’ve heard some people/fans complaining that he’s just using the same method to write about different characters. I actually don’t have a problem with this. This book has a different tone and the characters don’t make it seem like it is the same story – and it’s not. Because of the material (Egyptian myths, not Greek) it really is different.
18. Sleeping Beauty by Phillip Margolin: Another book that wouldn’t have been in my “to read” list, but was recommended by a friend. It was pretty good. It’s another murder/mystery and it has a couple of really great twists. Definitely stick through until the end.
19. Tiger’s Curse by Colleen Houck: This is a pretty good book that centers around old Indian (not Native American) curses, dashing princes, and a normal girl who happens to get caught up in it. The actual plotline is one that I find fairly unique and quite interesting. I’m a huge mythology buff, though I don’t know much about Indian myths. I love the culture, and you can tell that Houck puts great care into researching. The romance aspect of the book is a little too Twilight for me (I love Twilight, I just don’t love reading Twilight in other books). I’m not enthralled with the series, but I’m definitely going to finish it. If you like Twilight, you’ll probably enjoy this book.
20. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling: I’ve read this book so many times, yet I always relish in the idea of reading it again. This is the epic finale, the book where we finally learn all of the secrets. I always learn and realize new things whenever I read it. I don’t think I have to say this, but I will anyway: If you haven’t read the book…WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
21. Tiger’s Quest by Colleen Houck: This is the sequel to Tiger’s Curse. I like this one a little less than the original, though it was still a good read. I am getting tired of love triangles. Just sayin’.
22. Sunday’s at Tiffany’s by James Patterson: I did not The Quickie, but I LOVED this book. It is totally not what I was expecting from JP, let alone what I was expecting from a male author. The book is endearing and beautiful. It has a strange magic to it, and the mystery of one of the main characters keeps you turning the page. The ending is perfect and everything that I had hoped to have out of this book. Don’t discount it because of the author – this is a wonderful read.
23. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: I’d be very surprised if you told me you haven’t at least heard of this book, especially given the movie will be coming out early next year. This book is incredible (this is my third time reading the series). I literally had trouble putting it down and could not stop thinking about it all day at work. When I got home, I would read it into the wee hours of the morning and suffer for it the next day. Needless to say, I highly recommend it. If you like action, mystery, and post-apocalyptic, dystopian style reads, you’ll love this.
24. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins: While I will always love the first book the most, this sequel is definitely a good one. If you look closely, you’ll see she pretty much just reuses the plotline in this one. Except that it doesn’t matter. She ramps up everything: the characters, the story, the stakes, and the danger.
25. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins: This is the finale to the series. When I read it the first time, I was disappointed in the ending. When I read it this time around I realized that it literally could not have ended any other way. This book does not have a happily ever after ending, though I find now that it does have a happy ending, given the circumstances. If you’re a little put off the first time, like I was, definitely do yourself a favor and read it again. It only gets better.

There you have the first half of my list! Have any of you read some of these books? What did you think about them? Do you have any books to recommend to me? I’m ALWAYS on the lookout for a new series.

[Fifty Books in one Year - Take Two will be posted tomorrow!]

I Need More Friends…

I’m not a materialistic person. I don’t covet objects or people. I’ve never had tons of friends, but I’ve always had great ones. I put friends and family before a lot of things in my life, and I’ve never felt like I was missing out on anything.

But starting out on this tough road that will (hopefully) one day lead to publication has made me realize something: I need more friends. Specifically, writing friends.

I love all my friends very much, but I’m sure you fellow writers out there can sympathize with my situation. Those friends that are so used to your crazy rants, your strange opinions, and your messy writing are simply too nice. They’re great for an ego boost – believe me, I’ve used them for that – but not so great for really getting into the issue of what’s wrong with your writing.

I do have some writing friends – some I’ve known for a while and others I’ve met more recently. They fall all across the spectrum , from casual writers to serious writers, but I’ve only got a handful of them. I’ve quickly run out of blank slates and fresh ideas. Then what? I’ve come to the conclusion that I just need to know more people like me.

This is an open invitation. If you need someone to bounce ideas off of or someone to critique and edit or just someone to listen, I’m here. I don’t have a degree, and I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who have more experience than I do, but I’m passionate. I love this stuff. I love reading and editing and helping. I also love feedback – whether it’s on my editing skills or my own material.

If you need someone new to share your writing with, please find me on Twitter (@Kay_Rou) or leave a message in the comments section. I’m always willing to help, and I always appreciate a new friend.