Big Books of 2026
Penny asked this question about We Need New Names:
As I interact with other readers in book clubs and online, am finding it interesting how many readers want to rate a book highly for just one or two positive attributes. A 4 or 5 star book should get just about everything perfect. This book got a few things very right, but alot of other things were below average. Wondering why it's so hard for us readers to be "critical" in the best sense of the word?
Anita Maria Ahhhh, to like or not to like, that is the age old question. To rate a book 4 or 5 stars is asking the reviewer to pack all their opinions of the book…moreAhhhh, to like or not to like, that is the age old question. To rate a book 4 or 5 stars is asking the reviewer to pack all their opinions of the book into a few short points of interest or dislike. Taking that into consideration, it's easy to determine how the individual will critique the subject, only pinpointing the highs and lows. As another reader commented, I may just rate a book and not write a review simply because I don't have time to. There are times I didn't read a book but I'll review what I did read, adding if I plan to revisit the book at a later date. Often times I've seen reviews written simply as synopsis of the book and not a critique. All in all we are different and will form our own opinion, that's what makes these "Good Reads."(less)
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We Need New Names
by NoViolet Bulawayo
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