It’s funny how the way I read books has changed ever since I started reviewing what I read and, well, ever since I started book blogging just as well.
I think about what I read more.
Before, I used to read a book without thinking too much about it. I went through the book, read the words, enjoyed them or not and then… well, I moved on.
Now, I’m reading a book and I think about it a lot. I think about the world-building, the writing, the characters and their depth, the pacing, I think about it twice more than before, or even three times if it’s a review copy.
I think about the books more because I want to review them properly and do them justice, too.
Related blog post: Sharing my 4 points method to how I rate my books (ft. very approximative stats)
It has come to my attention that some book bloggers, when they become book bloggers, have noticed they become more and more critical with their reading. It seems to be the logical step to take. Book blogging = hearing about so many books = reading a little more than before sometimes = well, having more books to play the comparison game and, sometimes = becoming a little more critical.
Somehow in that equation, I seemed to have stopped at the moment where I become more critical. I know, deep down, I might be a little more critical than before. I know, because I’m reviewing books, I’m paying more attention to so many details that would have just flown past me, when I was just a reader, not a book reviewer. Yet, I also feel like I haven’t become more critical, somehow.
If you are a regular reader of my blog (I honestly can’t thank you enough and I love you, thank you for reading this), you might notice that I have a whole lot of reviews for 4 stars books, every now and then 3, 3,5, 4,5 stars and 5 stars. Well, to be fair, I’m using drops of rain and hurricane to stay on brand with my book ratings, but you get it. Ratings have a different intepretation for everyone, but for me, 3 is a fairly good rating. It means that I overall enjoyed it, despite having some issues with it.
Does this mean I know myself well and know what I will love really well, too???
Short answer is yes. Long answer is, it’s taken me a while but, after so many years of reading, I feel like I have mastered the fact of reaching out to books I’m almost certain I will love and, therefore, that results in me enjoying my books, rating them well and praising them and, yes. Maybe fear, every now and then, that people think I might be not critical enough, or not even critical enough to be a book blogger.
Related blog post: How to find and read only books you love
Some book bloggers are mastering the art of book reviewing and it always astonishes me, in a good way, how they are able to analyse everything in a story and write stunning reviews, perfectly encompassing every aspect of the book. Characters, world-building, pacing, plot holes and issues, everything is there. Sometimes, I feel like because I am not getting too into depth with it all, whether it’s in my book reviews or just when I am talking about books, that I’m not being critical enough. That I might be missing on a lot of things. That I’m just not doing enough somehow.
Then, my anxious little mind starts thinking that people might not trust me, because I review and praise books like, 99% of the time. Maybe they’re looking for some tea, some unpopular opinion and for some heavy, very critical post about books I couldn’t stand.
I’m not saying that will never happen, maybe someday it will, but as of now, despite my love to drink real tea a whole lot, I have no need, want or even enough books in my recently-read list to spill some tea on.
Then I remember that, it’s not because I’m a book blogger and book reviewer that I have to read everything like I’m having an assignment afterwards. It’s not high school and this is not required reading, at least not for me, even when it comes to ARCs I get lucky enough to get approved for. This is my hobby and, even if you might not find a whole lot of 2 or 1 star reviews on this blog, it’s okay, too. I’m book blogging and I’m reading books I like 99% of the time and maybe I don’t criticize enough, but maybe I’m a marshmallow and that’s just the way things are.
Other interesting discussions on critical reading you should check out:
- May @ Forever & Everly wrote : Do Book Ratings Have Anything To Do With Critical Reading?
- Ilsa @ A Whisper of Ink wrote: Do people think I am genuine in my reviews?
Do you feel like you are a critical reader, or not? Do you feel like book bloggers have to be really critical in their reviews or not?
Do you pay attention to the reviewers and book bloggers you follow and whether or not they rate their reads generously or not? I’d love to hear from you, so let me know your thoughts in comments!
thelonelyauthorblog says
I like to think that it isn’t a matter of being critical enough. I prefer to think it is about being honmest enough.
In today’s hostile enviornment where everyone wants to be a critic, the world has become mean spirited and
even callous about criticism. A book critic shouldn’t fall into this habit.
An honest review of a book, citing its good and bad qualities is what a book reviewer should be striving for.
That is my humble opinion.
Interesting post, a pleasure to read. Have a great day
Marie says
I agree that talking about all the good and bad aspects of a book and being honest about it all is what we should be striving for 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, happy you enjoyed the post! 🙂
Xandra @ Starry Sky Books says
I understand how it’s possible for people to “not trust a review” if most of a blogger’s reviews are around 3 or 4 stars (like me, I do that), but I just don’t think it’s a big deal compared to other things you could be rating.
Because everyone has their own style of reviewing, and their own way of reading a book, they might end up feeling differently about a book than other reviewers. They might give it 2 stars, while others give it 4, but they all like it the same. At least, reading someone’s review is not as critical as reading, say, a TV review, since I might end up buying a terrible TV with 4 stars and I will be stuck with it forever.
It’s okay if a reviewer feels differently than me about a book – I’m not going to blame them! What matters the most is someone’s enthusiasm, and if you want to show enthusiasm, I think that’s more exciting to read!
Marie says
I agree with you! Everyone has their own style of reading and reviewing books and, whether they rate a book a certain way doesn’t necessarily mean they hated it or adored it. It all depends on what we judge is good or bad in a book and we all have different criteria, too 🙂
I 200% agree, what matters and always, always stand out to me, is a blogger’s enthusiasm when reviewing books 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Xandra! 😀
Aj @ Read All The Things! says
I think I’m the opposite. I feel like I’m too critical. My most-common rating is 3 stars. To me, 3 means average. I liked it, but it didn’t blow my mind. Honestly, on book blogs, I rarely look at the star rating. I know that stars are subjective. I read the review and synopsis. If the book sounds good, I add it to my TBR list.
Marie says
Oh well I hope that you still find books that blow your mind every now and then 🙂
I’m with you – well, I like to look at star ratings sometimes, especially on goodreads from my friends, to get an idea of whether or not they liked the book or not (3 stars means it was okay for me). When it comes to reading reviews, I agree that when I’m browsing through book blogs and reading reviews, I focus on the review’s content more than the actual rating and that’s what makes me want to read the book or not 🙂
thank you so much for sharing your thoughts 🙂
ashley @ socially awkward bookworm says
I don’t think that book bloggers have to be really critical in their reviews. I think sometimes maybe some are over critical. I guess it just depends on your own preference as a book blogger and how you want to write your reviews or which reviews you like to read. I like to write simple reviews and get my points across quickly. Sometimes I have a lot to say about a book and other times I don’t really have that much to say. If you know what you like and you gravitate toward books that you know you’ll love or really like, then that’s awesome! That just means you get to read so many books that you really love! It’s better than having to suffer through a book you don’t really like. Great post, Marie! 🙂
Marie says
I agree! some people would rather write long reviews and really get into the details and very analytical and that’s great if they like that way of reviewing! I personally like to write short and medium reviews, too 🙂
Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts, Ashley! <3
Anastasia says
Haha I feel you! I’m always wondering whether I am being too nice in my reviews. But also…
I read a lot and I stopped reading bad books ages ago. I don’t usually rate anything under 3 stars because why the hell would I read anything under 3 stars. And when it comes to my blog… why would I review something under 4 stars. Should I let people read reviews of bad books rather than the good ones. It’s an interesting dilemma to have.
Marie says
Ahah I get what you mean. As I’ve grown as a blogger and a reader, I have grown to find books I love and always end up rating 3 stars or higher and I’m happy about it – I’d rather be a marshmallow and I guess if I only write positive reviews, then… it’s okay ahah 🙂 thank you for sharing your thoughts on the topic! 😀
Yesha - Books Teacup and Reviews says
I read everything, i don’t like to skim through pages and i write detailed reviews but I never criticize too much. i pinpoint things i didn’t like or enjoy that’s it. If you look at my average rating which is 4.4 on goodreads. I’m quite generous but that is because I’ve chose to read all fabulous books. very rarely i come across not so impressive books.
I like to check out ratings but i pay more attention to detailed reviews by book bloggers i follow regularly.
I guess, being critical or not varies from person to person and their taste.
Marie says
Oh I look at my goodreads average rating just as well and somehow I feel too generous when I see how high it is, but I guess this means we pick up books we love and… that’s a good thing 😀
I agree with you, I check a book’s rating, but I pay more attention to the review content to really know what was good or not so good 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic!
Taasia @ librapaintspages says
this post was so amazing, marie! it was so eloquent and got my feelings on this topic exactly. i feel like i’m being way too critical and not generous enough with my five-stars, and i think a big part of it is that i won’t be critical enough, you know? i don’t necessarily think that book bloggers have to be critical readers if they don’t want to, and i want to enjoy my reading more this year too. the thing for me with critical reading is that i don’t want to go too far with it, because i read for enjoyment and because i want to. go into depth and super-analyzing all the books (it’s now a thing, ahah) can just take the fun out of it for me (obviously no shade towards people who enjoy it! i just find it tiring after a while). happy reading ❤️❤️
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post <3
I completely get that – I feel the same way, like if I get into deep with analyzing everything, it just takes the fun out of everything and… that's not for me at all either haha 🙂
Thank you so much! <3 <3
Arini says
I don’t think I’m at that level yet. ? I’m working on it though. ? I still generally read books for my enjoyment, so I move on pretty quickly. However, on the books that leave a great impression (whether it’s good or bad) and I have strong opinions on, I’d love to be able to write (hopefully critical) reviews that take effect on the readers. I want to influence them through my love or distate for the said books. ? I don’t think “regular” readers need to be thorough with their reviews necessarily. On the other hand, those who have labeled themselves as reviewers or book bloggers owe it to the rest of review seekers to try to be critical and do the books justice because their voice have slightly more power in helping people form their first impression on the books. ? And yes, I’m always amazed at those who write full critical reviews. I’m constantly finding myself keeping an eye out for their reviews. ? Gosh I hope I’m making sense with my explanation. ?♀️?
Marie says
Oh yes you’re making sense, don’t you worry! 🙂 I get what you mean and, as a book blogger, I really want to do my best to convey all of my love for the books I read and adored, to be able to convince more and more people to read them and fall in love with them, too. Some people are just so, so talented with their reviews, I admire that SO much <3
Thank you so much fo sharing your thoughts! <3
wonderfilledreads says
I’m the same way! I tend to mostly only pick up books that I’m pretty sure I enjoy, which tends to lend my reviews and ratings on the higher end of the scale. I may not be super critical either when I’m reading, because hey, I still am a reader because I enjoy it! I don’t want to turn into a critic who is constantly over-analyzing what they’re reading and take away some of the joy that I get from picking up a book. But I am still always impressed by those who are so detailed with their reviews!
Marie says
I get what you mean and I agree, I don’t want to over-analyze everything and take all the fun out of reading. I do admire people that are so detailed in their reviews, too!
Thank you so much! <3
✩ Ashley ✩ says
Keep loving your books and review however you want!! No comparison because reading is personal and reviews are subjective. I basically fangirl when I love something and usually DNF when I just can’t LOL… I’m lucky that I end up with anything coherent in the end or even remember the MC’s name! ?
Marie says
You’re right, reading and reviewing really is subjective and everyone has their own reviewing style, too 🙂 and yes for fangirling haha I do that too and I LOVE IT haha 😀
And… I can relate. I can’t remember the MC’s name half the time, I’m the worst with names?
Lily @ Sprinkles of Dreams says
This is a wonderful post, Marie! You know me, and you know that I have kind of the opposite problem haha, but I relate to your questioning yourself.
I can whole-heartedly say that you don’t need to worry at all, though, and your reviews are perfect the way they are! I love reading them, and I’m so sure everyone else who follows you does as well. ❤️
Marie says
Oh thank you Lily for your comment and your sweet words, this means so much that you enjoy my reviews <3 <3 It's hard to know whether or not we're… well, somehow, managing to convey everything we want to when we talk about a book ahah, but I'm trying my best 🙂
anovelglimpse says
I don’t always feel that I’m critical enough, but then I remind myself why I read. It’s because I love it and I love how books make me feel. As long as I am loving something, I don’t think I have to pick every little thing apart.
Marie says
I 100% agree with you, I need to remind myself of that every now and then too haha 🙂 thank you! <3
theorangutanlibrarian says
I can really relate to this- I’ve definitely become more critical as a reader cos of blogging BUT I also so relate to knowing my taste better (and consequently my ratings keep going up on average- which is a great thing). I personally think there’s no correct way to read or rate a book- and it’s always good to be a marshmallow 🙂 Really great discussion!! <3
Marie says
I’m glad you can relate! 🙂 Thank you so, so much!! <3
Lori's Bookshelf Reads says
I’m a really critical reader. Before I did blogging (seems so long ago), I would rate every single book 5 or 4 stars and would love it, but blogging helped me realized that there are books that aren’t the best, but I enjoyed them nonetheless.
Marie says
I guess that’s what blogging does to you, it makes you realize that some books just… well, weren’t that great, but some others are fabulous. It’s amazing to see books in a different way and to find more to love, too 🙂 thank you so much for your comment! <3
confessionsofayareader says
Great post! I don’t think I’m a very critical reader. I generally enjoy everything I read and rarely rate a book below 3 stars. Most are 4 and 5 stars. I think I generally know what I’ll like before I pick up a book. I also can find positives in almost everything I read, so even my negative reviews have positive things.
I don’t really pay attention to ratings from other bloggers. Not in the sense of if they rate high or low. I like to skim reviews and I do look at ratings just to see if they liked a book or not.
Marie says
Thank you so much! <3 I'm exactly the same way, I generally know what I will like and enjoy the books I pick up so I'm really happy about that 🙂
And that's good to know! Somehow I keep wondering whether or not people pay attention to bloggers' general ratings overall haha. 🙂
Thank you so much! <3
confessionsofayareader says
You’re welcome!
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
I agree with pretty much everything you wrote in this post because it’s me to a T. I do feel like with all the reading and reviewing I’ve done on this blog I’ve become a little more critical, but most of my ratings are around the 4 or 5 star mark, and while I hope it’s just because I’m good at picking up books I know I’ll love I do wonder if I’m too generous in my ratings/not critical enough when it comes to my reviews.
I will say I love your reviews, you’ve added so many books to my TBR list and they wouldn’t be there if I didn’t trust your rating and opinions in your reviews, also if you didn’t love the book yourself. When it comes to YA contemporary you’re the first blog I go to for recommendations. 🙂
Great post Marie. 🙂 ❤️
Marie says
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one questioning myself with this haha. I guess we just know our reading taste better, but still it makes us wonder whether or not it’s okay. It should be, but I guess we can always doubt a little bit haha.
OH thank you so, so, SO much Beth, you’re too sweet, this means so much <3 <3
Beth (Reading Every Night) says
I feel like it’s gotta be something we all do. Everyone’s going to be looking at other people’s reviews and comparing their own.
That’s all right. 🙂 <3 <3
Marie says
I guess so ahah, we can’t help it I guess 🙂
acquadimore says
I think how you review is always more important than ratings when it comes to critical reading – to me, what someone says is what makes reviews worth trusting or not.
I tend not to trust reviewers with a very low average rating because to me it means that they aren’t reading the right books for them, not that they are critical or inherently better/more honest reviewers. In my opinion, knowing what you like is an aspect of writing good reviews.
I also noticed that with time, I’ve become more critical on some aspects (…romantic storylines, mostly, I’ve read so many), and less critical on others. What two years ago I would have dismissed as “boring”, today I appreciate as a slow-paced character study – which has value as much as fun, fast-paced stories, but I didn’t see it back then. I think this has made me a better reviewer, if a less “critical” one, but not all kinds of critic are as meaningful.
Marie says
This is such a good point, what makes a review worth trusting is the review’s actual content, you’re right about that <3
Oh that's so good and interesting to hear! I guess I have been becoming a little more harsh with some romances, too, because I've read so many just as well haha 🙂 thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts! <3
Beware Of The Reader says
Well Marie I recognize myself here. I often rate books with 4 or 5 stars because I think I know when a book will be for me or not. I don’t always write reviews encompassing every aspect in depth but I go with my heart and what the book made me feel. Now I don’t think blogging influenced how I view and experience books. I am still able to keep my “fresh reader’s eyes”. What I notice though is that my tastes have changed. Less dark romance right now …
Marie says
Ahh I’m glad to hear you could relate, Sophie, thank you <3 I also go with my heart and feelings overall when I review. It's so great that you've been able to keep your fresh reader's eyes and that blogging hasn't influenced you too much! 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment! <3
Miri ♪ Book Dragoness ♪ says
I’m not a very critical reader! Most of the books I rate four stars or five, three or two rarely. And I don’t mind. I’m happy that I can click with books most of the time. I also hesitate in writing negative reviews. Being an aspiring writer myself, I don’t want to burn bridges already and I can completely understand the crushing feeling authors get when their work is criticized. Because of that, I try to think good things to say even while keeping the honesty, and to emphasize that “not for me doesn’t mean not for you”
So rather than saying that they found the book boring or not, I really like to see reviewers look at the parts of the book they read and say what worked for them or not. They can be positive or negative, but it’d be awesome if they could mention what parts might turn readers off or interest them instead.
In the end, it’s all about finding the book you love…so do what you will? 😀
(Whew, that was long…)
Marie says
Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts and for such a great comment, Miri! <3 I can relate to everything you say a whole lot, I read more often than not 3, 4 and 5 stars reads and I am really happy with it ahah 🙂
When I read a book that's not quite my cup of tea, I always try to emphasize on the things that could appeal to some people… well,except if it's very problematic and just overall terrible, but I'm hoping to avoid these books hahaha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3 <3
Malka @ Paper Procrastinators says
I feel like I’m only as critical as my reading experience warrants me to be. If I can tell why I really enjoyed a book easily, I’ll usually just focus on that one aspect, but if my feelings are more conflicted or confused I’ll start taking apart my feelings and analyzing the book in the process. But I love happy, gushing reviews, and I’m always glad to hear that someone has found a book they love!
Marie says
Oh yes, this is such a great argument you have here. I agree that, when I’m feeling a little confused about my feelings on a book, I tend to analyze it a bit more, too 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Malka! <3
emaschapter says
I love this post! I noticed how I did not really think through my ratings in the past years, and that if I enjoyed the book I would just give it 5 stars. Which is totally fine! But this year I want to start to think more deeply about books I read in order to review them better and also differentiate good books from great ones.
And I don’t think book bloggers have to be too critical, as long as they are honest with their opinion I appreciate it!
Marie says
Oh thank you so much, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
I’m with you on that – before I used to give a lot of 5 stars reads, and now I’m really thinking more before giving that away haha 🙂
Thank you!! <3
Lois says
I’ve found that I do the same thing. The lowest rating I’ve ever given out is a 3 star and my average would be 4 stars. I think it speaks volumes in the way we can identify books that we know are likely to enjoy, but it has given me those seeds of doubt about my reviews. I try to be critical and even clinical in some aspects, but overall the biggest factor when it comes to my reviews is my mood. My mood dictates my enjoyment of a book and within that, I identify the qualities that make it great or could be improved on.
Marie says
I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one doubting a little bit. I guess you’re right, though, this only means that we know the books we’ll enjoy and that’s great 😀
I get that the mood influences you a lot, it does for me, too, especially when I’m reading a book, it can influence my entire reading experience and rating overall, too 🙂
Thank you so much, Lois! <3
themagicviolinist says
This is a really interesting post! I do feel like I’m giving out less four and five star ratings than I used to, and I think you might be on to something when you mentioned having read more books, so you have more comparisons to make. I don’t feel jaded and overly critical like some bloggers have mentioned feeling after years of being in the reviewing business, but I do save my five-star ratings for the books that wow me and nothing less.
Marie says
I guess that when we read more and more, we just tend to be… less impressed somehow? I guess we have more comparisons to make, but I’m also thrilled that so many books I’ve discovered thanks to blogging have been SO fabulous, just as wel. I feel like there’s a balance between these two, somehow ahah 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic! 😀
Norrie says
I think it’s a perfectly valid assumption that one becomes more critical in choosing books too. At least that’s what i noticed on myself. I rarely finish a book i truly dislike, so the number of negative reviews are smaller too.
Marie says
Oh that’s good, too! If there’s a book we really can’t stand, why bother finishing it when there are so many books to read, haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment, Norrie! <3
thebookishskies says
I particularly don’t think there’s anything wrong in having a lot of 4/5 stars reviews. If anything, it shows that you’re making wise decisions about the books that you read, and just picking up things you have a strong interest on. Last year, I didn’t have many disappointing reads, and I think it has to do with, because I was reading so little, I only picked up things I genuinely felt like I was going to love. I think being a critical reader has to do with all the elements you’re evaluating; more than writing & characters, but going on depth about pacing, relationships, etc. And I can safely say you incorporate all these elements very well in your reviews! (And, also, it’s totally okay to be a marshmallow. Being positive about the books you read is a very remarkable trait, Marie. Keep being a marshmallow!)
Marie says
Awww Lais, thank you so, so, SO much for such a sweet comment <3
I guess you're right, being a critical reader is really analyzing what made the book great or not, I just.. I question myself and my reviews a lot haha ) thank you so, so much, this means so much <3
The Candid Cover says
I think that you hit the nail on the head when you say that you have gotten good at picking books that you know you will enjoy. I am getting to that point as well. It’s really interesting to see some of the responses here. I typically don’t review anything lower than a 3 star on my blog because I will DNF ones that I am not enjoying. Too many books to read, am I right?!
Marie says
It’s SO great when you finally get to that point and know your book taste really well, because there are so many amazing books to read and somehow we feel more certain and happy about our reading, too? I know I do ahha 🙂
Thank you so much for you comment! <3
meandinkblog says
I don’t think I’m a critical reader at all– most the time I find something good in all the books I read.
If I am reading a book review I am interested to see if I would like to pick up the book. And I think this is best if you get to see a person genuine thoughts on the book– you know if they have a great feeling and are in love with the characters or not. I’m interested in the journey you go through as a reader to see if I want to go on it as well. So you can talk about the good and bad bits of the book that you experienced but I don’t think you need to be critical at all– I think it’s about describing how you felt about the book.
I do pay attention to how the book reviewer felt but I use what they say to see if I think I would like that about the book or if I wouldn’t– afterall we all have different things we like from books. I think being as honest as you can in reviews is the best way.
Great post!! ?
Marie says
“I think it’s about describing how you felt about the book” yes yes yes, I very much agree with everything you said and especially that part, thank you for saying this! I’m always trying to express my feelings the best that I can and to be honest with how I felt, too, I’m always worrying that this doesn’t come across ahah 🙂
Thank you so much for you sweet comment! <3 <3
meandinkblog says
I’m glad you agree. I think you do a great job in your reviews you can definitely get a feel for how you felt and that you mean it. ?
You’re welcome ❤
Marie says
Oh you’re so, so sweet, thank you so much <3
meandinkblog says
You’re very welcome ?
Amber says
I think about this sometimes.
I’ve tried to change my review style to be more helpful and critical, offering the ways I feel like the story was successful and where it fell short. BUT. I feel like I mostly just talk about my own opinions and now technical stuff. ? Ultimately my reviews are longer, but mostly because I talk more about what I liked or didn’t, not if it was a successful book! Oh well. Like you said, it’s not high school! ?
Marie says
I felt the same way, then it reminded me of analyzing books at school too and… nooooo ? I really would rather talk about my feelings than trying to do something I’m not that good at, analyzing it in details and everything haha. 🙂 I guess as long as we are having fun with it all, that’s what matters 😀
Thank you so much for your comment, Amber! <3
Trisha says
As a blogger and reviewer of books I think it’s natural to become more critical as we learn more of what we like and dislike, so we become critical to an extent. I try to keep my reviews about medium length, I don’t do spoilers, and I just talk about how I felt about a book, things that I enjoyed, and some of the things that I didn’t.
Marie says
I agree with you! I guess we all tend to become a little more critical as we read and review more and more 🙂 and I review pretty much the same way as you do, yay! 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Trisha! 🙂
Trisha says
You welcome.
Annie @ Blossoms and Bullet Journals says
This is a super interesting question, Marie! I have also found myself marveling at how some bloggers are able to pick apart the intricacies of a novel. I personally find that I tend to like most of the books I read, and I worry about it sometimes, but ultimately I think it’s fine.
Also, I have a totally unrelated question—how do you get the little ‘Add to Goodreads’ buttons that you have in your book reviews? I saw one in your post for Our Year of Maybe and I haven’t been able to find instructions anywhere.
Marie says
I agree with you, ultimately it’s fine, I guess I tend to question myself a whole lot about my reviews and everything haha. 🙂
Oh, this is actually just an image and I add the URL redirecting to the book on that image, it’s not a “real” button 🙂 I originally (years ago now) found that image on goodreads and used it, but now I wonder if it doesn’t exist anymore, because I tried to find it again on goodread and google image and can’t find it..?! That’s strange, I don’t know what happened there, actually :/
Annie @ Blossoms and Bullet Journals says
Ohhh thank you!
Marie says
You’re welcome!! 🙂
Cas @ Daydreaming Ink says
Ooh this is a really interesting post and this has been on my mind before too!! I’ve definitely gotten more critical since I started blogging but I’ve also branched out into many more genres whereas before I pretty much read carbon copies of the same book series over and over haha. But yeah I still rate most books quite highly and I reckon it’s certainly to do with the fact that I only openly seek out books I’m 80+% sure I’ll enjoy. How do some people write such beautiful and insightful reviews? Guess I’ll never know.
Marie says
That’s so good that you always try to read books you’re almost certain you’ll love, I always try to do that too now. Before I tried and branched out a little bit, but when I got to know my taste pretty well, it got easier to find books I loved 🙂
I know right?? I will never know how some people write such beautiful, eloquent reviews haha 🙂
thank you so much for your comment! <3
Shannon @ mediashadowreads says
I am more critical than I used to be and whilst I think part of it is because of becoming a blogger I actually think it’s just me maturing. Books that I rated highly as a young teenager and gushed about I most likely wouldn’t rate as highly now… because not only has my reading matured but also because I’m 100% certain on what I do and don’t like in books now… and I’m not afraid to showcase that in a review.
Do I think people need to completely destroy a book and its author in a review? No. But showcasing what you didn’t like about something isn’t necessarily a bad thing as long as its done in moderation, along side what was positive and isn’t disrespectful. At the end of the day we all have different reading styles and that isn’t a bad thing ❤
Marie says
Oh I get that so much, I feel like I have matured just as well and know my taste in books so much more, now just as well and that’s a good thing too 😀
I so agree with you that everything needs to stay respectful in our reviews no matter what 🙂 and I agree, it’s great that we all have different reading styles, too!
Thank you so much for your sweet comment <3
Meggy | Chocolate'n'Waffles says
I love you too 😀
Since I became a book blogger, my reading habits have changed. I now know how to pick books that I will certainly enjoy, although sometimes it fails! Also, I have become increasingly harder to satisfy as I binge-read certain genres and therefore know the tricks. It’s more difficult to find originality when you spend your weeks with killers xD
I have also noticed that my ratings are higher these days, but I feel it only stems from the fact we get to know ourselves better and choose wisely!
I wish I had mastered perfect reviews!!!
Marie says
?? I guess it’s harder and harder to surprise you, too, when you’re reading a lot of thrillers and mysteries like that, you know all of the tricks to build up suspense and all of the bad guys already ?
yay for knowing yourself and your taste well, that’s SO great!! <3 and yes oh, I really wish I could master perfect reviews, too. Oh maybe someday ?
thank you so, so much my sweechie! <3
CG @ Paper Fury says
Ooh this is something I worry about too, especially now that I’m not doing negative reviews (I just felt that was my only way to stay a book blogger AND be an author afjdksald I would really feel lonely if I had to give up my blog?! But it felt very awkward to critique harshly other authors’ works now.) But I feel there’s NO reason anyone should condemn a reader for loving mostly all of what they read. That just makes you a really good chooser of books, right?!
And I think it can go the other way too with bloggers being too acidic and snarky towards like…everything. ?There’s got to be some balance! But at the end of the day, there’s definitely no ONE way to be a book blogger!!
Marie says
I’m glad I’m not the only one worrying about this! I know it’s a bit stupid, because really that makes us great and wise chooser of books ? but somehow I still wonder if people think I’m always too nice haha.
I agree that there needs to be some balance – we can’t have 5 stars reads all the time, but we can’t criticize everything, either, that would be terrible ?
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment Cait! <3
thepaperbackpiano says
This is such an interesting post! <3 I definitely feel like I've become more critical since I began blogging, in terms of looking more at the world-building, characterisation, etc. But at the same time, I've honed my reading tastes and know what I'm more likely to enjoy reading, so a lot of my reviews have become very positive recently. It's fun to have a good rant sometimes but I'm happy enough reading books that I enjoy, regardless of whether people like those reviews! 😀
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much! I’m so happy to hear you liked this post <3
I feel like the same thing happened to me, too, I think more about my books, but I also read more books I absolutely ADORE and I am so grateful for this <3
Thank you so much for your comment!! <3
Samantha Duffy says
GIRL YASSSS. I have definitely noticed a difference in the way I read since starting my book blog. HOWEVER I also notice that I still read an entire book before I analyze it. And even when I do analyze (and review) it, it rarely has that professional quality attached. I chalk it up to the fact that I still enjoy books. I pick up things because I genuinely want to read them (I don’t go in intending to review every single one). I think allowing myself that relief from the pressures of reviewing every book I read in turn lets me still enjoy the process of reading, if that makes sense. I am so so so thankful for those reviewers who are articulate and precise, and really get down and dirty in their reviews, but that just isn’t my personal style and I am ok with that. It took a little while, but it really is nice when you can stop comparing yourself to other bloggers, and just enjoy what you are doing :]
Marie says
Oh this makes perfect sense! I also try to pick up books that I genuinely want to read and I don’t review every single one of them, I decide to review them once I’m done with it, actually (or, well, if it’s a review copy, I’ll review it anyway haha).
I agree with you, I’m also so happy and admire these bloggers that manage to be so eloquent in their reviews! You’re right though, we all have our own style and that’s good, too 😀
Thank you so much for your sweet comment, Samantha! <3
Lauren Becker says
I’m not really a big fan of long, in depth reviews and I feel like you get that if someone is trying to be really critical. I think people should stick with the review style that they enjoy most and works for them. I’m like you though; I don’t really criticize a ton. I have little complaints here and there, but my average book rating is probably a 4, though I don’t really include those on the blog. Honestly, I pay more attention to the review than the star rating anyway, so I like a mix of what the reviewer liked, what they didn’t like (if anything), etc. And I am really good at choosing books I know I’m probably going to like, so anything less than a 3 is pretty rare.
-Lauren
http://www.shootingstarsmag.net
Marie says
I agree with you! Some people are really great at writing long, in depth reviews, but I know it’s not for me and my reviews sometimes are already long ? I couldn’t do more or be more critical or analytical somehow, it’s just not how my mind works, I guess.
I’m glad to hear you’re a bit like me, too! 🙂
Thank you so, so much Lauren <3
wordandsentence says
First of all I just wanted to say that I LOVE YOUR NEW LOGO !!! IT LOOKS AMAZING
Personnaly, I don’t really mind if the blogger is a critical reader or not. I’m much more interested in knowing the person’s opinion : what the blogger felt during reading the book, what he/she loved about it, etc…
Having a high rating average is not a problem AT ALL ! We all trust you on your opinions don’t worry <3
( also just wanted to mention that I love the Ratatouille gif haha )
Hope you had a lovely day and you're feeling good 🙂
Marie says
AHHH why are you always so sweet, thank you so, so much, so happy you like it! <3 <3
I'm glad to hear that, you're wayy too sweet, thank you so much!! <3 I agree that what matters the most is the review in itself and how the blogger expresses themselves, too 🙂
Thank you so, so much! I hope you're doing well <3
Sophie Li says
Hello Marie 🙂
I love this post so much! I think that’s great that you enjoy books that you pick up. Life is too short to read books that we don’t like, I’d say 🙂 I think it’s not a big problem that you don’t tend to criticize aspects of books in your reviews, especially if you don’t feel the need to. I think maybe reading books is like eating food haha. There are some picky eaters out there and there are also people who enjoy all types of food.
Book blogging has definitely changed how I read. I read much more than before, and I do find myself comparing books and being more critical haha. However I think most of my reviews are 3, 4, or occasionally 5 stars. I rarely give 1 or 2 stars because I enjoy the books that I read for the most part 🙂
Marie says
Ohhh that’s actually such a great metaphor, yes, reading books IS like eating food, I guess haha 🙂
I’m glad to hear you also manage to pick up books you mostly enjoy, I think that in the end, that’s what matters the most 🙂
Thank you so, so much Sophie <3
Sophie Li says
Absolutely 🙂 As long as we enjoy the books that we read, it’s all good!
S. J. Pajonas (spajonas) says
I guess the real question is – Do you NEED to be more critical?
It’s necessary for movie or book critics to critique movies or books and give ratings. Or if you’re a teacher and you need students to think critically about stories…
But sometimes, it’s okay to just read a book and enjoy it. Even if you are writing blog posts about them. It’s totally fine just to read for pleasure and not to critique, which uses an entirely different part of our brain. So do whatever makes you happy here. 🙂
Marie says
Yeah I guess you’re right about that, I do not need to be more critical, I just need to enjoy what I write and put out there, this is a hobby after all 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
kozbisa says
The bulk of my books come in at 4 stars as well, but it makes sense to me. I feel like I am pretty good at picking out books I will enjoy. I also don’t finish or rate books I don’t enjoy. That means, if I finish a book, it gets a. minimum of 3 stars. I am also all about how the book makes me feel, and if a book can make me feel something amazing, it gets a good rating
Marie says
Oh that’s so great and you’re so right, better not to lose your time with books you’re not really into after all 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your comment! <3
Nicole Evans says
I seriously enjoyed this post! I definitely have these fears sometimes, writing my reviews, because I’m in a similar boat as you, as most of my reviews are pretty positive and I give more five stars than most of the reviewers I follow. But at the same time, I feel that I know myself pretty well and I have a pretty good feeling that I’m going to love a book before I read it, so naturally they will be pretty positive. But sometimes, I do fear that I’m considered “less” of a blogger because I’m not as harsh–but I am always honest, and I feel like that should count for something?
I’ve personally always loved your reviews (and content in general), so I think you’re doing great. <3
Marie says
I’m glad you could relate to this post, Nicole, thank you so much! <3 I am happy I am not alone in questioning myself with it all, but you're right, I think that what matters the most is that we are being honest 🙂
Thank you so much! <3
Pamela Nicole says
I’ve been feeling like this on and off lately XD It seems all the books I’ve been reading have gotten 4 stars or higher. It has made me question if I’m really paying attention to all the details. There was a time when as I read, I was actively thinking about how I would review X book. It was exhausting. I’m over that phase now, and I don’t really feel guilty about giving high ratings. I kinda just wonder if people in general don’t approve too much of it. I have to admit that sometimes reading negative reviews that use sarcasm and gifs can be fun. What can I say? But unless the book has made me truly mad, beyond plot holes, or lack of character development, I usually just chalk it up to not being for me.
Marie says
I’m glad I’m not alone feeling this way, Pam, haha 🙂 I guess it is good though if you’ve been reading great books lately, that’s really for the best and it’s also great that you aren’t thinking about every detail either while reading. I started doing that at a time, but it exhausted me and made it feel so NOT fun haha 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment <3
Kelly | Another Book in the Wall says
Such a great post, Marie! ❤️ I’ve noticed that I’ve become a bit more critical about reading, but have also become better at choosing books that I think I’ll like! Nearly all the books I rate less than 3 stars are ARCs, which is why I’ve cut back a bit on them, and am only requesting titles I REALLY want to read! Haha.
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Kelly, happy you enjoyed it 🙂 I’m glad you’ve become better at choosing books you love, that’s so great <3
Zoie @ Whisked Away By Words says
This is a really interesting post — I’ve thought about this question before, but I’ve quickly come to realize that there’s no right way to write a book review. It’s inevitable that there will be a few people who come across our reviews for certain books and feel like they didn’t get what they were looking for. Some are looking for short, bullet-point reviews about the good and the bad of a book before they pick up a novel, others might want a really detailed review after finishing a book themselves to spark discussions (sort of like in a book club, but online-blogging version? ?). I guess for me I like a blend of both — shorter reviews for books to add to my TBR, then reviews full of spoilers and exclamation points to fangirl over if I’ve read and loved a book. I feel like there’s definitely room for all sorts of reviewers on the blogosphere! ?
Great post, Marie! ❤️
Marie says
Oh thank you so much for your sweet comment and for sharing your thoughts, Zoie! I have to agree with you that there are so many kinds of reviewers and readers, everyone should be able to find what they prefer all around the internet, hopefully and we’re doing our best with our reviews and writing them the way we prefer to, too 🙂
Thank you so, so much!! <3
tiffany @ readbytiffany says
I love your book reviews and ratings the way they are!! I definitely don’t think reviews need to be overly critical or anything. <3 Everyone has their own set of internal rules they follow when they read and rate books, so it's all relative to yourself! I trust your posts a lot and definitely think you touch of all other aspects of the book (characters, worldbuilding, plot) enough to create a holistic view and reason for your final decision 🙂
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Tiffany! <3 I guess you're right and that everyone has their own criteria when rating a book and that means some people might seem a bit, stricter, but I guess that's just their way of viewing things, too 🙂
Thank you so much!! <3
Marta says
I think I became more critical after joining the book community, but I still have lots of books with high ratings. I think that happens because I’ve been paying attention to what my friends (who might have a similar taste in books) enjoyed, reading other reviews beforehand … and just be more selective with the books I pick up. Of course that, occasionally, I find one or two I completely hate or dislike. But it’s okay! I don’t think people would discredit you for writing so many positive reviews – it just means you’re careful with what you choose, too. 🙂
Marie says
That’s so great! I’m also doing the same, paying a lot of attention to what my bookish friends like and when I know they have similar taste, too, I know I can trust their recommendations for sure. That makes me enjoy my readings a lot more, too 😀
Thank you so much!! I’m so happy to hear you think that way. Thank you for your sweet comment, Marta <3
Fiona says
I’ve actually stopped giving any sort of numerical/starred ratings to my books, even on Goodreads, as it wasn’t an enjoyable way to read for me. While reading, all I could think about was what star rating I would be likely to give it. I always worried that I would rate a book people didn’t like too high. Or I felt like I should mark a book down if it was technically worse than others even if I’d enjoyed it more. And in a series, if I found the second book marginally less good than the first, do I mark it as a 4 compared to the first book even if I enjoyed it more than my usual books rated 4?
I just found it a constant stress to have to do this for every book, but I can still think critically with a written review!
Marie says
Oh that’s so great to hear that you found a system that works out fo you. It’s true that stars-rating can be frustrating because of that, and you never quite know what to pick or if it really reflects your feelings on the book. Nothing’s better than a written review to get all the feelings down 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! 🙂
Olivia @ Purely Olivia says
I love this post so, so much, Marie! <3 I was nodding along the whole time, I agree so much. I also rate most books that I read highly, and like you said, I think that is because I genuinely only pick up books that I really think I'll enjoy! I too am a marshmallow who simply needs contemporary, adorable cinnamon roll characters, and Harry Potter to be satisfied and I'm okay with never rating rant reviews or even really hating a book.?
Marie says
YAY for being marshmallows, we can start a marshmallow club, I’d be all for it! 😀 I’m with you on that, I’m okay with not writing rant reviews, even if they’re a lot of fun to read, they’re just not for me I guess ahah 🙂
Thank you so, so much! <3
Olivia @ Purely Olivia says
YES, please, I’m in. 😉
Julianna @ Paper Blots says
Oh my gosh, I could totally relate to this entire post! I feel like… so so so many of my book reviews posted on my blog have been four or five star ratings, which are usually review copies, and I just have been wondering…. am I not being critical enough as well? I know a lot of people complain about how others might not be genuine, and I’M SO SCARED THAT PEOPLE MIGHT NOT TRUST ME OR MY REVIEWS. I’m unsure whether or not I just… pick up books that I’ll love, or if my standards have lowered, or what? I don’t think I’ve become that much more critical, which is so weird! I’m so glad you felt the same way <3 This was an amaaazing post!
Marie says
Oh I completely feel the same way and question myself about this SO much, I’m so glad to hear I’m not alone <3 <3 To be honest though, all of your reviews are so interesting to read, I genuinely trust every review that you write because I can FEEL your love and enthusiasm in your words, REALLY <3
Thank you so, so much for sharing your thoughts <3
Julianna @ Paper Blots says
AHH OH MYGOD I CANT BELIEVE YOU SAID THAT ABOUT MY REVIEWS??? IM TRULY HONORED AND TOUCHED AHHHH!!
Marie says
It is THE TRUTH, you’re amazing and I love your reviews!! <3
Julianna @ Paper Blots says
MARIEEEEEEE <3 <3
Marie says
I LOVE YOU YOU ARE AMAZING NEVER FORGET THATT <3
Kaleena @ Reader Voracious says
What a great discussion post, and I don’t think that posting positive reviews negates credibility! I am always looking for honesty more than anything and ratings are totally subjective anyways. I have always been a very critical reader even before I started reviewing and book blogging, and that’s definitely carried over now. I love books and give them 4 stars all the time haha. Besides, there’s something to be said for you knowing your tastes enough to generally choose books you will like! I like your reviews a lot, don’t ever change.
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Kaleena, I’m so glad you enjoyed this post <3
I'm so happy to hear you found so many books to love, I think that's so great and the best thing about all of this reading-more-and-finding-out-about- so-many books-while-blogging thing?.
Thank you so, so much, you're way too sweet! <3 <3
Kelly @ Wandering Through Books says
I don’t know if I’m super critical but I am… bad at 5-star reviews? Even a lot of my favourite books were ones that I had to remind myself that I was… allowed to give a 5-star review if something was a 5-star read for me? I don’t know where that came from, but it’s been a difficulty since probably not long after I started reviewing… I think I’m possibly bad at numerical ratings, combined with the feeling that I need to be at least a little critical in reviews… it’s a fine line and I’m still trying to figure out how to navigate it.
Marie says
Oh I completely get what you mean here! I sometimes feel like a book has to be incredible to earn a 5-stars rating, or at least I used to feel this way somehow, because if I rated books too high, it felt like… well, like I wasn’t that critical and that made me nervous, somehow haha. I hope that feeling will go away <3 Really, now I go with my gut and if I can't feel anything that really bothered me, it can be a 5 stars 😀
Thank you so much for your comment, Kelly! <3
Cam @ Camillea Reads says
A very honest and thought provoking post, Marie. I’ve always been a picky reader except for that brief time when I first joined blogging and would go by the hype. Since I’ve learned to pace myself. I think I’ve always been critical of the books I read but I don’t all book bloggers have to be so. Whether a blogger posts a positive or negative review, at the end of the day the enjoyment of the book varies by reader.
Marie says
I agree with you! It all depends on the reader, we are all different kind of readers after all, and that’s okay, too 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, so happy you enjoyed this post <3
Madeline Bartson says
Love this post Marie! One of my biggest fears is that I’m not doing enough, which is why every morning one of my mantras is “I am enough.” And so you are you — I love what you do and you don’t need to change a thing! I appreciate a genuine and authentic marshmallow more than someone tearing apart books because that’s what book bloggers “do.” *insert gif of kris Jenner saying “you’re doing amazing sweetie”* lol
Marie says
This is such a great mantra. I really should do that, too, haha 🙂
Thank you so, so much for your sweet comment, this means a lot!! <3 I agree that we all should do our thing at the end of the day and be ourselves, that's the most important 🙂
Thank you <3 <3
Alex Masegian says
This is such an intriguing take on things. I feel like most of the debate in the book blogging community is about whether or not being critical is a good thing, so it’s interesting to see you wonder if you’re not being critical enough. I personally have been having the same debate — I’m pretty new to book blogging, but I’ve been wondering whether or not it’s okay to make critical posts — and I’d say that there’s nothing wrong with “not being critical enough.” The important thing is that you’re true to your opinion and what you want to post! I love most of what I read, even books that the blogging community in general seems to hate, so there’s only a few books that I could write genuinely critical reviews for. And that’s fine. Like you said, book blogging is a hobby, so you should feel free to write whatever you want, even if that means gushing about how great every book you read is.
Marie says
Oh thank you so, so much Alex, I’m so glad you enjoyed reading this post! It’s true that there are a lot of posts and a lot of “tea spilled”, let’s put it that way, on some books and… well, honestly if I am not really saying that I won’t, ever spill some tea myself on some terrible books, because I could, I just like spreading positivity and somehow, if I’m just gushing about all the books I read, it should be okay for me. I’m trying to be okay with it at least haha. Like you said, the most important thing is to stay true to ourselves 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! 🙂
Alex Masegian says
I totally agree. There’s nothing wrong with spilling the tea, and there’s nothing wrong with holding back and enjoying the tea along with an amazing book! Hopefully you worry about this less as you move forward — it was a great discussion post, though 🙂
Marie says
Oh, I wish I could stop worrying but… well I guess I’m just not that kind of person haha. Thank you so much though, you’re so sweet!! <3 <3
Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight says
Oh I pretty much always feel like a fraud! I mean, last week I wrote a review that mostly consisted of talking about plumbing and beheading? But then I wrote one that seemed moderately okay and it was like… well, guess one is better than none? ? In seriousness though I definitely don’t feel critical enough, but maybe that is okay? Like- sometimes I don’t even *want* some fabulous breakdown, I just want to know if the thing made you feel stuff and if you liked it, you know? At least that is what I am going to keep telling myself hah
Marie says
Oh I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way, thank you so much for that ? I agree with you, I admire people who can write stunning reviews and analyse a whole lot, too, but in the end I really want to know if the book made you feel things, too, that’s how I want to pick up a book afterwards, because I want ALL THE EMOTIONS ?
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on the topic, Shannon! <3 <3
Jacqueline @bluejaybooks says
I have a lot of four star reviews too for basically the same reason 🙂
Marie says
Yay for four star reviews, so happy you’re enjoying your reads 😀
Thank you so much for your comment 🙂
Michelle says
I love this post, Marie ❤️
I can really relate to this post, especially when you talked about reading for enjoyment and finding books that you love and mainly reading them. This is why I’m always so hesitant to read heavy Fantasy novels because I’m scared I end up hating it and I’m not really good with negative reviews.
I think your reviews are excellent. They’re more personal and you still manage to talk about all the aspects including plot, world-building and characters. Seriously, I love your reviews because their not just facts they have a definite personality about them. I do however understand how you feel and I feel like that most of the times as well, like my reviews aren’t critical or enjoyable for other readers.
I’m definitely focusing on reading for fun this year and I think the way I read and review is critical enough for me ❤️
Marie says
OH I get that feeling, I’m always a little nervous to read books out of my comfort zone, because I’m just nervous I wouldn’t like them ahah, but… well, sometimes it’s worth a try and we can find some hidden gems, too! I always go to the books that have been recommended a whole lot to me haha 🙂
Oh thank you so, so, so much Michelle, this means so much that you enjoy my reviews, thank you! I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way about reviews, but your reviews are SO good, I love reading them always! <3
Thank you so much!! <3
Michelle says
You are too kind ❤️
It makes me SO happy to hear you read and enjoy my reviews, thank you so much!
Definitely agree that there are hidden gems outside of your comfort zone. I use the same method as you, read something that has been recommend to you a whole lot. It just seems safer that way.
Marie says
Of course, you write awesome reviews <3 and yes, agree, after a little while we know whose recommendations we can trust with our eyes closed and that's awesome 😀
shar says
This is super interesting and so true! I think you know what you like and you’re not looking for things to criticise when reading, which is good. Reviewing books makes me WAY more critical. I give out 3-stars for books I honestly enjoy a lot because I’m looking for flaws, or reading critically makes me feel smart or something ridiculous? AAAAAAA basically. Definitely food for thought. But I really don’t think being uncritical is at all bad!
Marie says
Thank you so much, that’s honestly so good to know, I question myself A LOT when it comes to reviewing and thinking about books critically. I like to question things, but I also enjoy most of the books I read and I don’t want to criticize them when I just love them? ?
Thank you so much, Shar!! <3
shar says
Also, this is a small thing, but is there a way you could make your comments box above all the comments instead of below to save scrolling? I think this is mostly something very small
Marie says
Thank you for mentioning that, Shar! I looked it up, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem like something that’s possible for me to do with my current wordpress plan, I’d have to go higher or self-hosted to touch that kind of thing 🙁
Erica Mae says
This is a really nice discussion post and I totally get you! Most of the time, I think I’m not “critical” enough in my reviews. But sometimes, I point out a lot of things. I think this one depends on my mood when I’m writing a review? Lol. There are also times that I give a lot of 4 star reviews (or deciding between a 4 or 5).
Marie says
Oh thank you, Erica, glad you enjoyed this post 🙂
I agree that this depends on my mood, too haha sometimes you feel like being a bit more picky with everything, too haha 🙂
Erica Mae says
Yes! Especially when you’re in a really bad mood and everything makes you angry hahaha
Marie says
Hahahaa yeees exactly – that’s when we should calm down before writing anything down hahaha.
Amanda @Cover2CoverMom says
Another interesting discussion post Marie!
Do you feel like you are a critical reader, or not? Do you feel like book bloggers have to be really critical in their reviews or not?
I feel like I’ve always been a fairly critical reader BUT I do think I have become even more critical since I started reviewing books. I think this might have to do with the fact that I’m reading a lot more books than I ever have before… I read over 100 books per year, so this gives me a pretty good idea of what I like and what I don’t. I think every reviewer has their own style and doesn’t necessarily have to be super critical in their reviews… Not every reading is reading with a fine toothed comb…
Do you pay attention to the reviewers and book bloggers you follow and whether or not they rate their reads generously or not?
I follow many bloggers that are very generous with their ratings. In my opinion, a rating is very personal and subjective. Some people give mostly 4 & 5 stars with a few 3 stars sprinkled in, while others have ratings all over the board. When I’m trying to decide to read a book or not, I tend to look to the bloggers with similar reading tastes as me. The bloggers that rate similar to me… This doesn’t mean I don’t still read those bloggers that are more generous with their ratings, just that they typically are not the deciding factor to me. I also think their review plays a big part. Just because they give the book a higher rating, I’m looking for what they liked and disliked about the book. This can tell me just as much as a rating can.
Marie says
Oh thank you Amanda, I’m so happy you enjoyed this post! <3
I agree with you that a review tells me a lot more than just a simple rating, because that's where the blogger really goes into detail and that's what I appreciate the most about it, too 🙂
I feel generous in my ratings a little bit haha, but I guess that also means that I'm enjoying my reads, so… in a way, that's good? ahah 🙂
Thank you so much for your comment! <3
Wendy @ Falconer's Library says
I firmly believe in only reading books you like. I’ve been reading for some 45 years, and I’ve figured out what kinds of books I’m likely to like. If I am wrong, I put it down and grab the next one. So yes, 4 stars is my most common rating. I DO think I’ve had some “rating inflation” since I started blogging, but that’s because when I just logged books on Goodreads for myself, a 3 star book was a good book that i enjoyed reading. But now I see that people look at it more as an average or “C” rating, so my ratings have crept up to be more fair to the books and their authors. I don’t want my 3 star rating bringing a book down when I actually quite enjoyed it!
Marie says
Oh the 3-stars rating is complicated, too – I feel like it’s a good rating, it means that I enjoyed it, at least for me, yet sometimes it feels like it’s bringing a book down, too… Ratings are so complicated at times haha 🙂
It’s good to read books you love and that you figured out your reading taste so much, that’s amazing!! 😀
Thank you for your comment! <3
Michelle ? says
Oh Marie don’t worry, I always love your reviews so much! Being critical doesn’t always mean being negative, it also means thinking about why you enjoyed something, and you always put that into words so beautifully ❤️
Marie says
Oh you’re too sweet, this is the sweetest comment. Thank you, Michelle, this means so much <3
Cailin @ Rose Petal Pages says
I love this discussion, Marie! I’m super late commenting (lol) but I wanted to say I think about this quite often because I give most of the books I read 4 or 5 stars. It takes A LOT for me to give a book two stars, and I think I’ve only ever one-starred one book (and it was a nonfiction book on evolution I had to read for ap bio). What I take this to mean for me personally is that I’ve learned what I like to read, and have a really good sense of what I’ll enjoy and what I don’t think will blow me away. I’m pretty selective about adding books to my tbr because I’d rather be reading what I think will be a five-star read than a three-star read. I don’t think this means I’m not a critical reviewer, I just read books that I love more often than I read books that I feel are only average.
Marie says
Ahh what you’re not late at all, Cailin! Thank you so much for your comment, I’m so, so happy you could relate to this 🙂
I feel the same way – well, I know I’m a little more flexible when adding books to my goodreads TBR, but when I decide to really get a book and read it, I’m also very selective with it all and that results in good ratings. In a way, I guess that’s good because it means we’re good at picking out books we love 😀
Cailin @ Rose Petal Pages says
I totally agree ☺️
May @ Forever and Everly says
Aaahh Marie, thank you so much for linking my post! I’m sure you know my thoughts on this whole am I critical discussion from that post, but I definitely struggle with feeling like I’m critical enough, especially with my ratings being a lot higher! I feel you though — I personally think I’ve become a more critical reader through blogging and reviewing. But like you I haven’t really become any more critical, I’ve just stayed the same. And I think that’s okay, since I’d rather be more positive than critical! But it does make me anxious that people won’t trust me as well, and also just in general when I’m discussing books with book blogger friends and they seem more critical than me haha. But you’re perfect just the way you are, Marie!! And I know many people trust you and your reviews without you having to change how critical you are <3
Marie says
Thank you so much, May, and of course! Your post was fantastic <3
I'm glad that I'm not the only one feeling that way, I try not to stress out too much about it, but sometimes I can't help but feel a tiny bit anxious. Thank you! This means so much that you think that, thank you!! <3