October's Build Your Own Challenge - No Restrictions!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Leah, the content is the most important part!

[Catherine]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "The thing about the blog is that it's accessible to those who, for God knows why, don't have Goodreads! Plus, it's prettier. My daughter is doing such a good job on it. Glad she's doing it. I'm luc..."

Do you have a blog?

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

I have one my daughter is working on for me. We're moving my reviews (copying, to be precise) from here to the blog.

[Catherine]

Cool!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Yep! She's putting a lot of time into it. She's having a blast, learning new things. But I agree with Leah, it's the content that's most important.

[Leah]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Leah, the content is the most important part!"

It definitely is!

[Mollie *scoutrmom*]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "DG, writing reviews can be time consuming and cause headaches! LOL I totally understand! My daughter is building a blog for me so I can put all my Goodreads reviews on the web, too. I mentioned that in January I don't have to write anymore. She got all sad on me and asked me to keep writing! LOL I didn't even know she read them all. Every now and then I'd see that she "liked" one, but other than those few, I had no idea. "

I hope you continue to write reviews for most of the books you read, I rely on your opinion so much. If you took the time to compare how many "likes" you get on a review against how many likes others get on reviews of the same materials, you'd see that you really are good at this. It isn't just a popularity contest.

Whether you elect to do so or not, I want to thank you for all the hard work you put in on this year's reviews.

[Mollie *scoutrmom*]

Suzanne wrote: "I think the easiest reviews to write are the ones for books you don't like, which sounds really awful, but sometimes I find it a lot easier to go on about what I didn't enjoy, rather then what I did!"

Suzanne, when I am trying to think of what I did like about a good book, I go back to Middle School English class. I think about Theme, Plot, Characterization, Setting, and other elements. Perhaps that might help you, I had it drilled into me because my mom taught English for over 30 years. There are a lot of plot scenarios I love but the author doesn't execute well, sometimes the author isn't good at showing what motivates a character's actions.

A good author will reveal motivations through action and dialogue, what I did not like about Jane Austen was that she did it by describing a personality rather than having it exposed.

Hope that helped.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Mollie *scoutrmom* wrote: "UWhether you elect to do so or not, I want to thank you for all the hard work you put in on this year's reviews. "

Mollie - Wow. Thank you so much for your post. I can't even tell you how much that means to me. Truly.

There are so many good reviewers here on Goodreads, and I appreciate the time and effort they put into their reviews. I've hoped that mine have been helpful to others, too, and your comments just... wow... mean the world to me. Thank you.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Mollie *scoutrmom* wrote: "A good author will reveal motivations through action and dialogue, what I did not like about Jane Austen was that she did it by describing a personality rather than having it exposed. "

I so, so agree. This is what I mean when I say that I prefer it when an author "shows" me something, rather than "tells" me something. I hate feeling like I'm reading a text book when I'm reading fiction.

[Kate]

People were talking about "star-ing" books lately.

I really wish their were two sets of stars. For example, the book "Shadow of the Wind" - I think it was very well written with a deep, involving, and intriguing plot. It's great "literature" in a way, but I personally couldn't connect with the main character and perspective of the novel. I'd like to give it a several stars for quality but GR asks how well I liked it to which I would answer "not remotely".

And then I'd like a scale for how likely I am to recommend it to someone else.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie*]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "See, I don't know for sure. I've had some people say they are and some say they aren't. I THOUGHT I had them in ebook, but I can't find them anywhere on my computer :("

Dhes - 'The Lady's Tutor' has no connection with the other two books and can be read on its own. If you already have this one, I would go ahead and read it NOW! I thought it was excellent and the hero, Ramiel Davington (aka the Bastard Sheik) will have your mouth watering (other parts might be wet as well!)LOL. Sorry couldn't resist that. The storyline is intriguing as well. Look forward to hearing your opinions on the book.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Ooooooh, Carol!!! That sounds good! With my New Years Resolution, I have a feeling I'll be reading a lot of books that have been collecting dust as I'm curbing my book buying.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Miss Kate, I'd like to see a rating system similar to what eBay has. I'd like 4 categories, at least.

1. Storyline - how well thought out was the plot? I hate it when authors write themselves into a corner, then have the characters do something so totally out of...well, character... that it ruins the story.

2. Writing - was it easy to follow? Did it flow well?

3. Characters - Were they well developed, so they ceased being words on the page and became real people?

4. Overall rating - When it was all said and done, how did the book make me feel?

And DEFINITELY, Goodreads needs to add 1/2 star ratings.

[Carol Cork *Young at Heart Oldie*]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Ooooooh, Carol!!! That sounds good! With my New Years Resolution, I have a feeling I'll be reading a lot of books that have been collecting dust as I'm curbing my book buying."

Dhes - have you read The Club by Sharon Page? I enjoyed it and the story was unusual. Loved the hero and heroine.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

No, I haven't read The Club. I'll definitely look into it though!

[Mollie *scoutrmom*]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Miss Kate, I'd like to see a rating system similar to what eBay has...."

Very well thought out... amen and amen and amen. Has anyone given this comment to the powers that be on this site?

[D.G.]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "And DEFINITELY, Goodreads needs to add 1/2 star ratings. "

I soo wish GR would add that! Those 1/2 stars make a really big difference to me.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Mollie *scoutrmom* wrote: "Very well thought out... amen and amen and amen. Has anyone given this comment to the powers that be on this site? "

I haven't done it yet. I keep meaning to, but haven't gotten around to it. Maybe later today. They're VERY GOOD about listening to members and implementing ideas :)

[Christine (Cagnes)]

October's Build Your Own Challenge - Spell October
10/1/10 to 10/31/10

4/7 complete

O- One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare (10/4)
C- Changeless by Gail Carriger (10/12)
T- Twice Tempted by a Rogue by Tessa Dare (10/6)
O- One Wish by Linda Lael Miller
B- Blameless by Gail Carriger (10/13)
E-
R- Robb, J.D. - Vengeance in Death

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

Mollie *scoutrmom* wrote: "Suzanne wrote: "I think the easiest reviews to write are the ones for books you don't like, which sounds really awful, but sometimes I find it a lot easier to go on about what I didn't enjoy, rathe..."

That's great advice Mollie thank you, that will definately help next time I write a review.

I also agree Dhestiny, your reiews are great, I definately enjoy reading them, they generally give me a feeel of the book, without giving the plot away, it's very helpful : )

And half stars! Great idea! And also have more then 1 rating, I would be happy with a kind of subjective, objective kinda of rating, so how much you persoanlly enjoyed it, and how well it is written, as sometimes those two aren't connected, I like a few books where the writing isn't brilliant, but I really loved reading it. And vice versa, great writing but I just didn't like it.

[D.G.]

At PBS, we can give 1/2 stars and I have a whole system going there...that's why I always have trouble giving ratings here!

[Leah]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "Miss Kate, I'd like to see a rating system similar to what eBay has. I'd like 4 categories, at least.

1. Storyline - how well thought out was the plot? I hate it when authors write themselves into..."

Oh man, I would love if we had a rating system like that because with some books, I may love the characters and not the plot or vice versa and then it's hard to rate the book. And, I want the 1/2 stars so badly. That would make some of my ratings much more accurate.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

My thinking for breaking down the ratings is that then, even if someone doesn't feel like writing a full review, we still get an idea of what did or didn't work for them.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Suzanne, thank you so much! I appreciate all the kind comments regarding my reviews and knowing that people really do enjoy them, and that they are helpful, makes writing them all worth it!

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

D.G. wrote: "At PBS, we can give 1/2 stars and I have a whole system going there...that's why I always have trouble giving ratings here!"

I've been thinking about this a lot lately. I wonder what will happen to existing ratings in general if the curve is changed. Know what I mean? Everyone can go back and change their own reviews, but until they've done that, will it cause newer book ratings and reviews to have an adverse effect (affect, I never know which to use) on the existing rating?

I'm not explaining myself clearly, I know... and I may be totally off base here. Anyone else know what the heck I'm trying to say and have some input on this?

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

I asked the question here:

Additional/Advanced Ratings Options


If anyone has anything they'd like to add, feel free.

[Leah]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "My thinking for breaking down the ratings is that then, even if someone doesn't feel like writing a full review, we still get an idea of what did or didn't work for them."

I agree, and I'll check out the thread you asked about it in and see if I have anything to add :)

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

I would never have imagined that my post would bother anyone, but it has. **sigh**

[Catherine]

I just read it. Jeez, people seem to read an insult into every thing.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Catherine wrote: "I just read it. Jeez, people seem to read an insult into every thing."


I don't know how what I said was "bothersome" but what can I do other than clarifying my statement, which I did?

[Catherine]

Nothing really. It's up to them now.

[Leah]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote: "I would never have imagined that my post would bother anyone, but it has. **sigh**"

I'm not sure what you said that was insulting or bothersome. You were just stating an opinion and asking a question. It's not like you were demanding a change or anything.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Well, there's a lot of input and ideas on the thread now, so I'm happy. Even if they don't adopt the ideas, it's still a good convo.

[Leah]

Definitely a good convo :)
And some other people agreed that it was a good idea, so at least it wasn't just dissenters.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Yep! I agree :)

[Catherine]

Spell the word HALLOWEEN using the first letter of the title of the book or the author's first or last name.

Completed - 1/9

H - Linda Howard - Mackenzie's Legacy: Mackenzie's Mountain\Mackenzie's Mission

A - Kelley Armstrong - Dime Store Magic

L - Leanna Renee Hieber - The Darkly Luminous Fight for Persephone Parker (Strangely Beautiful, #2)

L - The Lover - Robin Schone

O - One Moonlit Night - Samantha James

W - What Isabella Desires - Anne Mallory - Finished 10/2 (*4.5 Stars*)

E - Eileen Wilks - Tempting Danger

E - Emma Wildes - My Lord Scandal

N - Naked Truth - Amy J. Fetzer

[D.G.]

UniquelyMoi *~*Dhestiny*~* wrote:I wonder what will happen to existing ratings in general if the curve is changed. Know what I mean? "

It wouldn't change anything because those stars would still exist...meaning, that if a book was rated 4 stars before, it would still stay 4 stars - the system wouldn't have to reinterpret anything. The average would keep changing the same way as more new people rate the book but that happens now anyway.

[Cheryl]

I'm making a few changes to my challenge, giving me a total of 6 books to read for this challenge.

1/6 Completed

Read 2 books that have been sitting on my shelf for quite some time:
1.
2.

Read 2 books that I have recently purchased:
1. -Read, 3 stars
2.

Read 1 ebook:
1.

Read 1 borrowed book:
1.

[Mollie *scoutrmom*]

Cheryl wrote: "...1/6 Completed..."
Cheryl, thank you for including your rating of the book. I appreciate that.

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

Read 20 Books This Month

1: Black and White by Jackie Kessler & Caitlin Kittredge- Finished 03 Oct

[Leah]

"Try to catch up on all these new damn books I keep buying even though I have ten new ones already sitting on my table"

1. Highland Destiny by Laurie Hunsaker (Pre-pub ARC)
2. Delicious by Susan Mallery - 10/1 (5 stars)
3. Wicked Pleasures Anthology edited by Cecilia Tan - 10/2 (3 stars)
4.
5.
6.
7.

[D.G.]

W♥LK - Oct. BYOC
- Read 3 Books I REALLY Want To Read (0/3)
- Read 2 Books from Male Authors (0/2)
- Read 2 Books from my C-1p Shelf (1/2)

REALLY, REALLY WANT: (3 of these)
Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins
The Girl Who Chased the Moon by Sarah Addison Allen
The Spymaster's Lady by Joanna Bourne
Skin Game by Ava Gray
Charmed, I'm Sure by Liz Ireland
Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

MALE AUTHORS: (2 of these)
The Stolen Child by Keith Donohue
God Save the Fan: How Preening Sportscasters, Soulless Leagues, and Athletes Who Speak in the Third Person Have Taken the Fun Out of Sports (And How We Can Get It Back) by Will Leitch
On a Pale Horse by Piers Anthony

C-1P Shelf: (2 of these)
√ Bright Lights, Big Ass: A Self-Indulgent, Surly, Ex-Sorority Girl's Guide to Why it Often Sucks in the City, or Who are These Idiots and Why Do They All Live Next Door to Me? by Jen Lancaster - 10/3
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield
In the Name of Salome by Julia Alvarez

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

D.G. wrote: "It wouldn't change anything because those stars would still exist...meaning, that if a book was rated 4 stars before, it would still stay 4 stars - the system wouldn't have to reinterpret anything. The average would keep changing the same way as more new people rate the book but that happens now anyway."

Ok, that makes sense. I was over-thinking it again. Or not thinking enough. LOL Sometimes they both have the same effect.

Man, have you read some of the comments on that thread? If a person doesn't like the idea, they get snarky! Why can't they just accept that it's a viable option for those of us who WOULD use it, and that those who didn't want to wouldn't have to? If they don't like the idea, they just bash.

Sad people, I'd say.

[D.G.]

And I like how some people also start bringing up obscure genres. Who the heck cares that it wouldn't apply to art books? It would be good for the majority of books that people read and that would make it good enough. You will never find a solution that fits all genres perfectly.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

Yep! I hope my last post points out strongly enough that just because some people wouldn't use it, doesn't mean it shouldn't be made available - if feasible - to those of us who would!

[Suzanne (Under the Covers Book blog)]

I agree, I think people are just trying to think up reasons for it not to work, which isn't very productive. I imagine there are alot of people who read fiction on this site who would want to use an more advanced rating system. As long as there is an option not to use it I don't understand what the problem is to be honest.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

It's a "if it works for me, it has to work for you" mentality.

And frankly, that just doesn't work for me! LOL

[Leah]

To be honest, I read fiction sometimes too and I see no problem with that method you suggested, Dhes. And, you were suggesting it as an alternate option, not that they change it completely and have only your method. So people need to calm down.

[UniquelyMoi ~ BlithelyBookish, Your Humble Servant]

I know! Calm down! It's unbelievable!

Thanks, Leah. I appreciate all the support.