My Reviewing Style

Before I dive into reviews, I thought I would explain my rating style. Since I’m still in school, it only seemed fitting to “grade” the books I read according to what I valued in a book. I have six categories with individual grades that are then averaged into an overall grade. Thus, you can read my review and the grade of the book and then look at what it got in each category. This way, for example, if you care so much more about solid, awesome characters than little flaws in world building, then I want you to be able to have the information to make the right choice for you.

(Now, let me state right now that this is all my personal opinion so if you don’t quite agree that’s okay.)

My six categories are as follows (the order is not ranking importance):

1. Completion- For me, this is an obvious choice, but for some it might appear too simple so let me explain. If I had to force myself to finish a book or skim to get through it, that’s not a good sign. If I couldn't finish a book completely (I normally give up after 100-200 pages which I believe is pretty gracious), that’s a major warning. Granted, that does mean the book could have improved or made a recovery later on, but if it takes me 100+ pages to get there, what does that really say about the book?

Note: I know I’ll probably get comments on this so I’ll address it now: I believe it is okay to review a book you have not finished. Why? Because I’m trying to warn people against bad books. If I go to sincerely read and enjoy a book and after a significant number of pages I’m still left unsatisfied, I believe people should know. Often times I give books a longer shot that the average casual reader does anyway. If a large percentage of a book is unbearable, why would I continue to suffer through it after I've given it more than a fair amount of time for it to win me over?

2. Writing/Style- I believe this is so important not just for the first read but for rereading as well. Sometimes a story leans too heavily on its concept or characters, and the writing is used merely as a tool rather than a craft. However, I really value beautiful writing and writing that packs a punch. I believe the greatest books offer rereading potential where you find something new every time you read it. If a book relies too much on a plot twist, then what happens to rereading once you already know it? The rereading just doesn't happen, that’s what.

3. Characters- I’m a huge fan of world building, but even I have to admit that characters can make or break a book. We are going on a journey with these characters. We are inside their heads. No matter how wonderful everything else is, if the characters are a flop, most likely the book is a flop too.

4. Plot/Pacing- There are always great ideas ruined by pacing. There are always great concepts or characters ruined by plot. Now that doesn't mean a book has to follow a formula or that X, Y, and Z plots or pacing don’t work. Sometimes a meandering plot is perfect for the story. Sometimes a slow simmer is not only necessary but fascinating. However, you don’t know how many times I try to figure out why I didn't like a book and it came down to plot and pacing. Plot holes, Insta-Love, time gaps, oh my!

5. World-Building/Atmosphere-Every book has a world. Even if it’s not a new fictional world like in high fantasy, a book has a setting it wants the reader to see. Smell. Feel. Hear. Whether it’s Chicago or Westeros, no reader has been everywhere and they really want to envelope themselves in the world and atmosphere. If the world building feels redundant, bland, or nonsensical that’s no good. If the atmosphere doesn't seem to match the plot or lacks umph!, that’s equally bad.

6. Sub-genres (Romance, Humor, Mystery, etc.)- I don’t know if I've ever read a book that doesn't have sub-genres. My big theory? Books are about people. Even books that do not have “people” per se in it are still connected to humanity in some shape or form. Relationships, humor, and curiosity exist in fantasy characters just as much as in the classics. These sub-genres add layers to a story that help make readers invested in the outcome. When done right, sub-genres can really add to the overall love or hate for a book.

Now that you know the six categories, it’s time for me to explain my overall grades. I’m American so the grading scale will be the standard A, B, C, D, and F. But what do these letters really mean?

A- Get thee to a bookstore!

This book is every bit worth its price. It is worth reading, owning, and rereading.

B- Must Read

I would definitely recommend this book. It is worth reading at least once.

C- Library Rental

I saw its potential, but it wasn't my cup of tea. I can see how other people can enjoy it. Check it out if you get the chance, but I wouldn't buy it until you know for sure you will like it.

D-At Your Own Risk

Super disappointing. It had a lot of flaws.

F- Burn It With Fire!

No one has time for a bad book. Beyond bad. Not just disappointing, but infuriating.

The goal is for these reviews to be informative, entertaining and easy. I want my reviews to be clear and to help all book lovers out there find deserving books. I will try to be as specific as possible while avoiding spoilers; however, I might from time to time give spoiler reviews (that will be labeled as such) to delight in the books I loved and to complain about the books I hated. Hopefully with this explanation the method to my madness makes a little more sense.

May The Reading Odds Be Ever In Your Favor!