My Star Rating Scale

Star rating scales aren't perfect. In fact, a lot of people rebel against the 1 - 5 (with no .5s) system on Goodreads. It's a toughie, because sometimes I'm left wondering is it really worth five stars or is it really bad enough to give it a one? The answer isn't simple, so it's probably best to read the review that goes along with my star rating. If I had to give reasoning to the madness, though, this would probably be as close as it comes.

***** (5 stars) - I loved it! I would definitely seek out the sequel/prequel. I probably own a copy, have plans to purchase a copy, or would check it out of the library, again. To me, it's worth a reread. I would be excited to see the movie, buy a fan-girl t-shirt and/or memorabilia, and would be happy to recommend it to loved ones/strangers on the beach. I'm sure some of my beloved, "of all times" favorite books, Watership Down, for example, go beyond five stars. So, no, I don't think that some of my 5-star books are up to par with what I consider a favorite or a "classic." But, I really enjoyed it and would probably read it again. These books are the mac and cheese, spaghetti, and ranch salad dressing of books.

**** (4 stars) - I really enjoyed this book, but there were a few things about it that bugged me. I would probably read it again, or read others in the series, but it (they) won't be on my Christmas gift wishlist. If I've already bought it, it might end up in the donations to the library pile. I did dig the book, though, and I would more than likely recommend that you give it a go. These books are the steak and cheeseburgers of my reading world. I like them, but they aren't my cherished Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.  

*** (3 stars) - Meh, it was okay. It wasn't the best book I've ever read, but it wasn't the worst, either. I might have liked a character (or two), the concept of the story line, and/or the author's writing style, but it's not a book I would read, again. I finished it, but I wouldn't recommend it to a friend. These books are meatloaf and fruit cobbler. They're sitting in the middle of the pile with Jan Brady.

** (2 stars) - Okay, this is getting into bad territory. I didn't think the book was good, I wouldn't read the sequel, and I wouldn't recommend it to a friend/stranger. I can't say I wouldn't see the movie, because I actually saw (and begrudgingly liked) Gone, Girl (2 stars for the book). But, I would never, ever, ever get back together with the book (like, ever). There was more than likely something about a 2 star book that had me all fluffed up. I thought it was sexist, boring, repetitive, poorly written, silly ... you get the drift. These books are cauliflower and black licorice. Why would I eat cauliflower and black licorice when i could be eating broccoli and a baked potato? Right! It's the same thing with books. Why would I read Help for the Haunted by John Searles when I could be reading Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead. I wouldn't. So be gone 2 star books, I have no time for you! *Sadly, I have to endure cauliflower and black licorice because my mother likes them both.* :-(             

* (1 Star) - I didn't like it. Pure and simple. It was the Taco Bell of books. It was gross and I don't want it anywhere near my body, mind, or soul ever again. This probably isn't going to happen very often, because I can usually find some kind of redeeming quality in a book, but it does happen. 50 Shades of Grey sadly exists, so it happens.