A Book Rating System
I’ve been playing with the idea of rating the books I read. On the one hand I’ve been reading for so many years/decades that I usually know if I’m going to like a book before I start reading it. I’m seldom disappointed enough to give a poor rating to a book. So, if most of my books are rated high, what’s the point of a rating system?
But then I got to thinking about evaluating my books in terms of which ones are the very best. How can I decide that without a system? I also enjoy looking at the ratings of books on other blogs, so there must be some value in it. I need a rating system.
So, beginning today, I’m going to include a grade with each of my book reviews. I’m from a teaching family so I’ll use the traditional school grading system with all the pluses and minuses. Here’s my plan:
A = Excellent. The story, characters, writing was superb, grabbed and amazed me.
B = Very good. A book that’s above average for one reason or another.
C = Good. This is and average, enjoyable story but not necessarily outstanding to me.
D = Poor. The writing, plot or characterization was not good although I managed to finish the book.
F = So poor I couldn’t finish it. I usually give a book forty to fifty pages to grab me. But if a book is so poor I’m not going to waste my time on it. I will write a mini-review to explain my reasoning.
My plan is go back to all the books I’ve read this year and give each one a grade. I’m going to start with the Agatha Christie books. It may take me a while to complete but I’ll get done before the end of the year. Then I really can go back and do a decent evaluation. At least that’s the plan. What do you think? How do you feel about rating systems?
I’ve been playing with the idea of rating the books I read. On the one hand I’ve been reading for so many years/decades that I usually know if I’m going to like a book before I start reading it. I’m seldom disappointed enough to give a poor rating to a book. So, if most of my books are rated high, what’s the point of a rating system?
But then I got to thinking about evaluating my books in terms of which ones are the very best. How can I decide that without a system? I also enjoy looking at the ratings of books on other blogs, so there must be some value in it. I need a rating system.
So, beginning today, I’m going to include a grade with each of my book reviews. I’m from a teaching family so I’ll use the traditional school grading system with all the pluses and minuses. Here’s my plan:
A = Excellent. The story, characters, writing was superb, grabbed and amazed me.
B = Very good. A book that’s above average for one reason or another.
C = Good. This is and average, enjoyable story but not necessarily outstanding to me.
D = Poor. The writing, plot or characterization was not good although I managed to finish the book.
F = So poor I couldn’t finish it. I usually give a book forty to fifty pages to grab me. But if a book is so poor I’m not going to waste my time on it. I will write a mini-review to explain my reasoning.
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My plan is go back to all the books I’ve read this year and give each one a grade. It may take me a while to complete but I’ll get done before the end of the year. Then I really can go back and do a decent evaluation. At least that’s the plan.
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What do you think? How do you feel about rating systems?
I agree that if a book is down at the lower range, one is unlikely to read it, so you end up with all these As and Bs and how to differentiate? I hate rating systems and personally think many books just don’t compare to each other in that way. However, readers seem to want some sort of guideline anyway, so I do it. But sometimes it feels so arbitrary!
I love rating systems and I too use school grades. Funny, just a few days ago I updated my review policy page to explain my rating system.
I love rating systems! I look forward to finding how yours works out.
I really need to explain my rating system on my blog too.
I like this one actually. Maybe it’s because I loved school. I’ve been ruminating on this question and have a poll going right now about what people prefer to see on reviews in the way of ratings. I’ve been using five stars but only because that’s what I see on LibraryThing and online book shops generally. The problem is that some books might be a B+ or an A-, if you want to cut it that fine. I’ve had some interesting comments regarding the poll. I didn’t think to include this system though.
I’ve been using one on my blog (1-5 stars); however, I still need to document what I mean by each star. Additionally, the beginning ones may need to be modified – I was quite green at the time (still a shade of green now).
I use a rating system for several reasons: 1) for me. so I can know which books I liked/disliked 2) for others. it seems that a good portion of people like to know how one would rank a book and it is consistent with LT, GR, BN and Amazon who list ratings (NOTE: ratings are not consistent between each of these sites).
I think ratings are fine, as long as the reader knows their definition. But I still think the written review is the best way to gauge one’s thoughts. Ratings are good for sorting.
I started out with a rating system, then revised it, and then decided to stop using it because having to actually grade a book made me put off writing reviews. Once I decided to stop using my rating system, I stopped having writer’s block when it came to writing reviews! It was a very strange thing. But I happen to LOVE it when others have a rating system. I feel kind of bad that I can’t do the same, but it just doesn’t work for me.
I always like to know the meaning behind each blogger’s rating system. Thanks for sharing yours!
Here is the explanation for my Rose City Reader rating system.
I enjoy seeing rating systems, but only use one of Library Thing, etc. Sometimes, I’ll go back and wonder what I was thinking when I rated a book a certain way.
That is good…I think I would have a hard time raiting a book…I like different books for different reasons. And if I dont like something I still finish it…lol that is just me. I would be hard pressed to give any book an F or even a D
Your rating system is very similar to mine, so I think you already know that I like it. Whether they admit it or not, I believe most people going through book reviews to choose something to read start with the rating first. They need some sort of starting point, and as long as you have an explanation of your rating system handy, there’s the starting point. Your review will then take the reader all the way through to the finish line. (I just read through that. Sounds as though I’m waiting for the starter’s gun!)
I love the rating system. It’s so hard to try to come up with one, but this one is one of my favorites!!!
I like to see a grade or rating. Sometimes when I’m writing a review it may focus too much on one thing and the rating is an overall impression. I tend to be a tough grader and am not sure what to do about that. Something to think about for a post. Look forward to your grades! It’s going to be a big job to go back and grade all your books.
I’m strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. When possible, since you gain expertise,keep writing and happy blogging;1$4
I like the way you illustrated your post above. You are a blog ruler!