Thoughts of a Bookworm #4: The Two to Three Star Controversy

There has been a lot plaguing my thoughts for the last few months. Despite having quite a lot of things go off in my real life it seems like I’m still pulled back to the same thoughts about the book community. It is the one thing I keep seeing every time I log back into my social media and if I’m being honest, I’m not pleased.

When did the book community feel so much like a kid's playground?

To put into context it seems like there has been a great divide by what should be considered a good book. let me explain...

If you read a book and think that it is amazing, brilliant, rate it five stars and give a good review. But what about the books that you really didn't like? Surely you should be able to give it one or two stars if you feel like this is required? Nope, this is blasphemy. According to some, this counts you as a coward. You should have stopped reading it as soon as you realised that you hated the book.

Well, I'm sorry but I strongly disagree.

You can't really call yourself a reviewer if all you do is praise books. That is not really reviewing at all. That is stroking the ego of the Author. Or how I like to call it mates rates.

You may think that I’m ranting about something that might sound insignificant but really just think. What would happen if we rate everything as good? No one would know the difference between a good and a really great book that changes your point of view entirely.

The reviews are for the readers. For everyone, whether they like a certain genre, are of a certain age or only have enough to buy only one book at the store. So of course a review has to count. Not be biased.

You wouldn’t ask a film or food critic to give a good rating because it was by a certain director or cooked by a famous chef. What makes books any different?

Comments

Blog Tour: The Beast Hunters Dark Sovereign by Christer Lende

REVIEW So we are back in the world of the Beast Hunters for a sophomore instalment where we see Ara, Khendric and Topper back on another adventure. But this time with a difference. Instead of the world building from the previous book, we get to delve into a mystery with darkness starting to make pace in the background. We meet new characters, some good and some not so much. Not only do we have the overarching themes of beasts but also political intrigue and secretive plots. It is far more intricate than the previous instalment where the characters are making decisive and confident choices. Especially for our fave apprentice, Ara. If you want to get away from the current world affairs, this book will serve as an escape from reality. What these last two books do remind me of however, is a tv show. Why I say this is because it felt kind of episodic but they both have reinvented themselves with different themes. I found this to be quite good actually. This is because it feels l...

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

If you are in the mood for a sweet romance that gives Groundhog Day and Ferris Bueller vibes then this book is for you. What happens if you wake up to the same Valentine’s Day and everything always goes not to plan? What if you are someone who likes to plan and not share how you are really feeling? Emilie, our female protagonist is very much a stickler for planning and keeping to societal norms. She never really speaks her mind. But this Valentine’s Day is different. She is different. I found that the book itself is quirky and fun. It does have moments of sadness but there is a lot of heart in terms of how it is done. There could have been more time with other characters that are mentioned throughout but at the end of the day it is very much a Young Adult piece. There is nothing wrong with that. Would I read it again? Possibly if I want a Valentines themed book. It was also very quick to read for those who are not into big tomes. Rating: 4 Stars

Why?

Hey guys. I bet you are probably wondering what is happening, especially as there was such a big week last time. Well to start I am becoming more busy than ever. I have a huge amount of revision that needs to be going on. This is why I have now decided that from next week, the new post day will happen on a Saturday. I am only doing it so it is more convenient for myself and maybe I will be able to provide much more content. Obviously the only reason why I may not strictly keep to this day for posting though, is if there is a specific blog tour or an interview which I feel is too important to miss. So for the time being I wish you a nice week, and I will be seeing all of you on the new posting day next Saturday. Where we will start with the posts with a bang. Including a review for a Dan Brown book and more content to see! So if you don't hear from me in a while, it doesn't mean that I'm dead... I just means that I am renovating the experience for you on my blog! C...

Troll Queens

When i first decided that i was going to buy this book, it was a choice between the idea of City Of Bones or some other trending book- which somehow i can't remember! I understand that you are probably shouting at the screen right now saying, "How could you? How could you pass up City Of Bones?" I will tell you why. The problem that i have is that i love signed copies, and i'm sure many of you will agree with me on this. So when i saw a signed copy of " Switched" by Amanda Hocking , there was no comparison to the latter. Hopefully you understand- please don't be mad with me! Genre: Fantasy, Romance Publisher: Tor This is the first book in the trilogy. It is the adult version. Did you know that there is a young adult and adult version? Well you learn something new everyday!! Compared to other books that I have read to "Switched" , " Torn" and "Ascend" there has been way (and I mean way) better prose than this tril...

Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston

It’s been a while since I’ve really enjoyed a romance book but I have found that Ashley Poston, Queen that she forever will be, has got me out of that rut. This time with her newest work, Sounds Like Love. If I’m being honest I wasn’t so sure at first whether I would like the concept of someone listening into your thoughts. But the more that I read on, I changed my mind. By the way that it was written and handled was perfect. It gave that fantasy element but still grounded in that sense of reality. I should have never doubted the process after all! Sounds Like Love follows two main characters, Sebastian and Joni. Both in the music industry and both experiencing a difficult period in their lives, be it personal or professional. At first, I was not sure how the two MCs who gel, but the fantasy element of the book really helped drive their relationship. It kind of reminded me of that film with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, Music and Lyrics. But better. There aren’t really any ...