Ratings

I do two types of ratings on this blog: a basic 5 star rating for how much I enjoyed the book and a content rating covering areas of concern, such as violence, language, etc.

5 Star Ratings
Rating books is a judgment call on the part of the reader. My blog gives you my judgment.

You're more than welcome to disagree in the comments section of each book. For the sake of consistency, I suggest that you use the same star rating system I use, when you give a book on this site a star rating of your own.

I also sometimes give 1/2 star ratings if I'm sitting on the fence.

5 Stars 5 STARS
Fan-tabulous book! Absolutely loved it! Couldn't put it down! Was sad when it was over! Will read it again some day! Highly recommended! You've GOT to read this! Go buy this book! Now!

4 Stars 4 STARS
Great book. Really liked it. May have a few minor flaws, but was well worth the time and effort to read it. Recommended.

3 Stars 3 STARS
Good book. Liked it. Give it a try, but maybe borrow instead of buy it. Not a huge favorite, but glad I read it. Recommend it with a disclaimer.

2 Stars 2 STARS
Okay book. Mixed feelings about it. Finished the read, but not sure I'd recommend it. Others may like it but it just didn't appeal to me.

1 Star 1 STAR
Disappointing. Didn't care for it; wouldn't recommend it. May not have finished it.

0 Stars 0 STARS
So bad it made me want to poke my eyes out with a fork.


Each book gets an "overall" rating, posted at the top. Near the end of the review, I also use these same stars to rate various elements of the book independent of the overall rating.

You can rate the books as well. I use the Outbrain 5 star rating system. At the bottom of each post, click on the star you feel the book deserves. Remember, you're rating the book, not my review of the book. If you disagree with my review, say so in the comments.

Please remember that words have power. Your comments may persuade or dissuade someone who is considering purchasing and/or reading a particular book.
  • Be honest, but respectful.
  • Comments that are solely promotional or that are disrespectful will be deleted.
  • Do not rate a book higher or lower than you feel it really deserves.
  • As a reader of this blog, do not allow my review or the comments of a few to unduly influence your decision on a book. If a book looks interesting to you, give it a chance.


Content Ratings

Below the basic review and 5 star ratings is my Content Rating. This rating is intended as information for parents and others who are cautious about the books they read.

Content Ratings are specific, objective criteria for judging a book’s content.

The red, yellow and green stars are similar to what you see in a street light.
  • Green means go.
  • Yellow means caution.
  • Red means stop, in this case, stop and think before reading.


General Indicators for a Red, Yellow or Green Star
  • Green: Similar to a G or mild PG rating. The book contains nothing deemed objectionable by the reviewer in that area or for the intended age of the reader.
  • Yellow: Caution. Similar to a standard PG-13 rating. A yellow star does not necessarily mean the book is not recommended, but rather that some readers may be offended by something in this area.
  • Red: Strong caution. Similar to a heavy PG-13 or stronger rating. In most cases, a book with a red star means that conservative readers will be offended by the content.

Specific Area Indicators for a Red or Yellow Star

Language
  • Yellow: Any swear word or use of the name of deity in a non-religious way.
  • Photobucket Red: Any word other than d— or h—; frequent use of any swear word; deity combined with a swear word; swearing for shock value only.


Violence
  • Yellow: Real-time violence or any treatment of physical, emotional, sexual abuse.
  • Photobucket Red: Violence that is gratuitous, graphic and/or frequent.


Drugs/Alcohol
  • Yellow: Any treatment of drugs or alcohol abuse, recreational use of illegal drugs or alcohol, or abuse of prescription drugs. Any treatment of addiction.
  • Photobucket Red: Themes that condone or promote the use of illegal drugs, the use of alcohol by minors, or related life-styles.

Immorality
  • Yellow: Any treatment of pre-marital/extra-marital physical intimacy, rape, molestation, abuse or homosexuality. Treatment of physical intimacy as a “fun activity” rather than an expression of a committed, marital relationship.
  • Photobucket Red: Behaviors and attitudes of the protagonist(s) that conflict with traditional family values, such as messages that condone or promote pre-marital/extra-marital intimacy, homosexuality, violent or predatory sexuality, other abnormal or deviant sexual behavior. Descriptive, graphic and/or frequent.

Values/Themes
  • Yellow: Messages or themes that deal with behaviors and attitudes that conflict with traditional family values or Christian ethics.
  • Photobucket Red: Any message or theme that condones or promotes behavior and attitudes that conflict with traditional family values or Christian ethics.

Writing Mechanics
  • Yellow: Noticeable mistakes in grammar, spelling, plot, characterization, or other literary or structural problems that diminish or distract from the quality of the reading experience.
  • Photobucket Red: Frequent and noticeable mistakes in grammar, spelling, plot, characterization, or other literary or structural problems that diminish or distract from the quality of the reading experience.

Other—anything not covered above
  • Yellow: Defined in the review.
  • Photobucket Red: Defined in the review.




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