Rating system

One of the more difficult parts of being a reviewer is to “grade” someone else’s work. Hence, I want to offer an umbrella introduction to explain what informs my approach to reviewing books; and the second part that actually explains the system.

GENERAL

The bottom line is that reviewing books is complicated as there are real human beings behind the stories we read, people who pour their life, energy, ambition and dreams into the books that they draft. If there are any criticisms, it is important to be constructive; I appreciate people who can help me become a better version of myself and, while it is difficult to be criticized, it is a lot more interesting when the criticism comes in the form of actionable items. I am genuinely appalled when I read reviews that only contain unjustified negativity; and tone and wording matter. These are the items that guide me while I review: I want to be polite, constructive and positive in my approach to books.

With that in mind, it matters to give visibility for those who have excelled (in the eyes of the reviewers) in this process; hence, the dual nature of reviews. When a reviewer is put in a position to praise a story, it is a win-win situation.

It is also important to remember that reviews come down to one thing only: the reviewer’s personal opinion. What I like, what I do not like, what I rave about and what I have to leave behind, is purely connected to my personal experience to books. In fact, there are many circumstances in which a book is let behind the first time around, and the second (or third) time it has a great impact on me. There are a lot of variables in the reading experience, including the reader’s personal situation.

So here we go:

RATING SYSTEM

I review books with a 1 to 5 stars (5 being the highest) plus the .5 decimal.

In other words:

1 - I just cannot be convinced to pursue this adventure.

1.5 - I almost got sucked in but I still am not convinced about this adventure.

2 - Some aspects of this adventure were really intriguing but overall it was not compelling enough for me.

2.5 - almost there but I still cannot be pushed outside the doors.

3 - LET’S GO!

3.5 - Faster, we really need to get going!

4 - how did I not know of this adventure before?

4.5 - not only I would have started the adventure before but I am absolutely intrigued.

5 - can I stay here longer in this world, with these characters and this story? hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.