Crime, Mysteries & Thrillers discussion
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I'm not a harsh rater, so it's not too common for me to do 2 or 1 stars. I usually will at least find a book a 3 - since I review every book I read on Goodreads the past few years, I explain in the review about the rating.If I do read a book that earns 1 or 2 stars, I'll certainly put it on there. I'm reviewing all books I read, not just the good ones. Unfortunately romance is particularly bad when it comes to lower ratings, a lot of it isn't that good.
Erin (Paperback stash) *is juggle-reading* wrote: "I'm not a harsh rater, so it's not too common for me to do 2 or 1 stars. I usually will at least find a book a 3 - since I review every book I read on Goodreads the past few years, I explain in the..."One reason I avoid romances. There are some not great crime fiction too, but at least the plot keeps you going even if the character development and the writing are not that great.
Chris wrote: "I never read a book because of the ratings it has gotten. I read the introduction, the back of the jacket, the inside flap of the jacket, if it sounds good I pick it up, read it, and rate it by wha..."I don't really pay attention to reader ratings either, but I do seek out and read newspaper reviews, such as from the Chicago tribune, the Guardian, or the NY Times.
Janet wrote: "Erin (Paperback stash) *is juggle-reading* wrote: "I'm not a harsh rater, so it's not too common for me to do 2 or 1 stars. I usually will at least find a book a 3 - since I review every book I rea..."Agreed. I enjoy romances, and have been lucky to find ones that were done well, but so much of it .... isn't. At this point in my reading life what stands out in that genre is the different stuff, not the same old formulaic that keeps selling.
When the story is good, romances really help us connect and enhances any genre. After all love relationships are what makes the world go round often times in our lives. They are very powerful when the story feels real and you connect with the characters.
Erin, i agree with your assessment (#55). For me, romance is fine, but too often it is added to books, seemingly just for its own sake, and doesn't really belong in the circumstances.
I think I judge most of my books on their re-readability. I read a lot, so if a book is worth a reading more than once, it's good.5* Amazing book, will recommend to everyone. Will probably re-read yearly
4* Wonderful book from beginning to end. Will re-read
3* Good book. Enjoyed it. No real problems, but not worth a re-read.
2* Got through it, but didn't really enjoy.
1* Did not finish. Note that I am just learning that it is okay not to finish a book. Life is too short. And that same book may be enjoyed by someone else, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.
Kat wrote: "I think I judge most of my books on their re-readability. I read a lot, so if a book is worth a reading more than once, it's good.5* Amazing book, will recommend to everyone. Will probably re-rea..."
Great system, Kat! I would add one thing to the 5* -- I only categorize a book as 5* if it evokes an emotional reaction or if I can't stop thinking about the characters for days on end.
Hi Kirsten, yes I agree, a 5* book always elicits a "can't stop thinking about it" reaction. Hmmm...actually some of my 4*'s do too.
Having said that, some books pick up my curiosity and become interesting after a few chapters, sometimes it pays to persist.
I agree with what Janet and Pamela stated:
#Janet: "I do have my occasional "guilty reads" where I knowingly read books not written that well for the thrill of it..."
#Pamela: "We also have to remember that what we don't like, may be someone else's other cup of tea. But I have to say that I have less patience in reading a book that I just can't keep interested in these days: too many I do enjoy to keep working away at one that I just can't get into."