I've had a lot of books let me down recently. Right now I only have five minutes here and there to read, so I'm not even sure it's any book's fault. When I was working at the library I worked with a lot of brilliant people. A few people had these elaborate book rating systems, and over the years I eventually developed my own. It's pretty simple. I have only a few categories, and I simply rate them on a scale of 1 to 5.
My categories are characters, language, details, illustrations (if applicable), delivery/clarity of message for nonfiction, conflict/resolution/story for fiction and narrative nonfiction, and two categories that are pretty squishy. First, if it's a book written for children I make sure my old self is thinking about it from a child's perspective (tricky and squishy). Second, I rate my gut feelings. Sometimes I love a book that has completely appalling structural and/or grammatical flaws. Sometimes the book chips away at my soul but the audiobook narrator's delivery stays with me (The Stranger in the Woods). Squishy but's that what gut feelings are.
I love getting through my rating system and being completely surprised. The latest book in the Witches of Brooklyn series surprised me. I don't like mega cliff hangers. I recognize it's a perfectly acceptable thing to do, and the author doesn't need to humor my lack of patience.
Witches of Brooklyn: Curse & Reverse by Sophie Escabasse (juvenile graphic novel)
Folks, number five in the Witches of Brooklyn: Curse & Reverse ends with a mega cliffhanger. It really doesn't wrap up anything at all. It ends during the super murky outcome of a life and death duel! I was super miffed after finishing. I couldn't even rate it for a while.
But it still got a high score, and it's really because the series is just so spectacular. There's so much world and character building going on. I love the characters and care about them just like they're my family. The illustrations are incredible. I got so lost in the spreads where the writer/illustrator depicted the passing of time. There's a fine blend of comfort and adventure, which is important for me. I like action just as much as anyone else, but please include a movie night with friends or a mini nail painting party! I'll accept the cliffhanger with only a little grumbling but only because I adore this series. And when I talk about it with others, I will highly recommend waiting until the sixth book comes out!
With your rating system and thoughts about the books you read, you must be great in a book discussion group. I'm reading for pleasure these days, and basically just rate the over all book on a 1-4 system on my list.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually not a graphic novel system, but I'll give this one a try.
I started rating because the way I used to rate books was basically "loved it" or "not for me." : D It also helps me write reviews sometimes.
DeleteI hate surprise cliffhangers. Let me know before I start the book that there's a continuation and I'm fine. (I'll grumble, but I'll get over it.) Don't warn me, and I might never forgive the author.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the warning. I have no patience, so I won't start this book until book 5 has come out ;)
I like you book rating system. :)
ReplyDelete