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?
Ayacchi Back then I was confused too, even now tbh. And whenever i read other's review before putting my owns, i'd weave, and i think it's not good. I always …moreBack then I was confused too, even now tbh. And whenever i read other's review before putting my owns, i'd weave, and i think it's not good. I always keep in my mind of goodreads' rating, and how i feel about the book. Our liking might be different so is our rating/review. We can't force someone to like something we like, and we shouldn't follow others just because they gave a rating or such. Review is a subjective thing, it is what we feel, what a book left for us.

This year, after constantly writing my review on my blog etc, i've made a policy in my ownself, that rating on goodreads should only about the plot/story. And for me, it helps a lot to give a more proper rating. Tho im still looking for a better path, since a good book could have a boring plot and such. It makes thing harder to rate. But again, i try to rate the book for the impression it left in me more or less(less)
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We Need New Names
by NoViolet Bulawayo
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