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Do you rate and review books on Goodreads? If yes, explain your method.

I do log and rate most books I read. Sometimes I forget to mark a book down in the log. Now it's time for my confession. If I do not finish (also called DNF by readers on Goodreads), I don't log it. Years ago, I forced myself to complete every book I started. It was crazy. I now feel my time is too valuable. So, if a book doesn't hook me in the first quarter, I will put it away. It could even be a well-written book that wasn't to my taste. I don't feel I can rate a book I didn't finish. Besides, if the book is bad, there will be plenty of readers who will post a negative review.

If a book is good, I will rate it 3 stars. The tricky part is explaining the difference between a 4 or 5 rated book. Both ratings mean that I enjoyed the book a lot. For a 4 rating, it could be that I LOVED parts of it but didn't love other aspects. My reasoning for a lower rating may be something small and extremely picky and subjective.  It can also depend on my expectations for that author. I realize the entire rating process is subjective.

Most of the time, I only write a review for a book that isn't from a NY bestselling author. I figure the bestseller will make it without my written review. So, that bestseller may get 5 stars with no review to accompany it.

What about you? This isn't a forum to judge my methods but to share your own.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for January. You'll see entries related to my guests this month. 

 
 
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It feels so good to get a reader review that is positive.  Last month, someone posted a review of my YA, The Waiting Booth and the review went like this:

"The Waiting Booth was enjoyable in every sense, very different from any book I have read...Brinda Berry definitely captivated me with this paranormal twist involving synesthesia, a medical condition where senses overlap. Different and awesome, right? See what I mean?..."

This reader rated it 4/5 stars.  Although I've not posted her entire review, the rest was just as flattering and made me want to smile, dance, and write until my hands fall off.

Basking in this review is one of the best things about being an author.

WARNING: Don't let a great review go to your head.  Inevitably, all authors will experience the flip side of this coin.  CLICK HERE TO READ the rest on my guest post at the DSRA blog.



 
 
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Gus reading Sherrilyn Kenyon's Devil May Cry
I have lots of friends who read as much as I do and constantly recommend books that sound fantastic.  As soon as I hear a book recommendation that fits my interests, I add it to my Goodreads To-Be-Read (TBR) list. It’s the only way I can remember the titles of all these great books. 

So, what is Goodreads? Goodreads is an online social book club.  Readers have access to read reviews, create reviews, recommend books, and generally discuss all book things.  It isn’t limited to readers. Authors have a chance to interact with readers and promote their work. What specifically can authors do?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE at Gloria Richard's blog where I'm a guest blogger today.

 

    Brinda

    I'm the author of the YA Whispering Woods series.
    I talk a lot about books, technology, cairn terriers, and chocolate.

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    April 2012

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    Brinda's bookshelf: read

    My Sister's KeeperNew MoonEclipseCatching FireMockingjayThe Hunger Games

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    Brinda's  book recommendations, reviews, quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists
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