Rebecca's Ramblings: Star Ratings & Why I Quit Them

You’ve probably noticed that over the last few months, I’ve stopped rating books when I review. [Note: I still rate on Goodreads, but I just wasn’t happy enough with it to continue it here.]

Why? Well, for a long time, I hadn't been happy with how I was rating them on the blog (out of 5). Sometimes deciding on a number just didn’t feel right; maybe it’s because books are made up of words and numbers can be cold and calculating... (Can you tell I don’t like Maths? We have a bit of a love-hate relationship - in that it loves hate me.)

Like I said, I’m no longer rating on the blog, but I continue to do so on Goodreads. Why? Because it's not my blog, so I don't feel so protective of it. Secondly, not putting up a rating was not an option. For some reason, I need those yellow stars in my life! I decided to be lax on there for the sake of my sanity.

If you want to know how my brain works, it's like this: when I’m reading a book I’m rating it as I go along - without even meaning to. I can't help it. To give you a sneak peek into my exhausting brain: "Yep, a 3-star book so far."...or..."It’s going great! I'm loving it. 4 stars for sure, maybe 5?" I just can’t seem to escape the numbers!

I’ve tried coming up with a different system, but I got nowhere and just decided to focus on the review itself, which is what I’ve been doing. But it’s still been playing on my mind, as you can obviously see from my post. If it was all good and dandy, I would have let it be. But I have thoughts and feelings, so you poor loves have to listen to me squabble on. I'll be the first to admit: I think a rating is super great in the way that you can walk away from a review knowing full well just how much the reviewer enjoyed (or didn’t) the book. When that rating system - or any kind of system - isn’t there, things can be less clear. The reviewer might have enjoyed it, along with the characters and whirlwind romance, but is it a four or five star? Is it a buy or borrow? There’s a difference and that is where the waters can become murky.

But enough of my ranting... Let’s take a moment to look at a few types of rating:

- First off, you have your good ‘ol, trusty 1-5 stars (3/5 stars)
- Letter grade (A+. B-. C. This gives you room to rate, which is always a plus I think.)
- Word rating (Fabulous. Loved. Good. OK. Not my cuppa tea, ect. Straight to the point.)
- Recommend? (Yes, this was fabulous…. No, unless you like... ect. Effective and gives plenty of room to sum up.)
- Multiple star ratings for different aspects (plot, writing, characters, ect. I quite like this - clear and let’s give you room to rate.)

Rating Systems I love:
A Reader of Fictions GIF rating. Love this, it's so original! Especially since Christina is known to use Buffy GIF’s. (See: the way to my heart.)
Rather Be Reading's Buy It/Worth It/Borrow It. Such a fan of their rating system. I think it’s great!

So, we've established I can talk write your ear off. But…I’m still not sure what to do about my rating system. All that I know is I want to come up with a new rating system that I’m happy with and I’ve yet to find it. Maybe this post will kick start some new ideas. Let's hope!

Lastly:
I haven't rated a book on the blog for some months now, but before I decided to part with the rating, I'd been unhappy with it for a while. That extra aspect that can add to a review? Well, it was just doing my head it. So after much thought, I axed it. I'm sorry if it's something you've missed, but I do plan to bring the rating system back soon. I'm just going to make sure it's something that'll work for both me and you.

Now to open the floor to you guys: What’s your rating system like? Are you ever conflicted with star ratings? How do you feel about no ratings and relying solely on a review? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

On the Old Days & Reminiscing About My Past TBR

The other day as I was sorting my shelves and going through books to donate to a Save the Children book sale, I began reminiscing about my once small, manageable TBR pile. This isn’t the first time I’ve had this thought and to be honest, I miss what my TBR used to be like. (And before I go any further, I’m talking of my physical shelf, not my long, perpetual Goodreads shelf. Because I love adding books on there, discovering new titles and finding out about hidden gems I’ve missed - that is not the problem. Not that there is a problem, more just a recent realisation of sorts.)

You might be wondering where I’m going with this, so let’s take a trip down memory lane. Before blogging, I was a very different reader and my TBR was a shell of what it now is. Not that I’m complaining! I used to have a small pile of books that either I’d acquire from the bookstore or library that I’d make my may through, one by one, and then I’d finish them, be without my next read, PANIC! (NO BOOKS! THE HORROR!) and then race back to the library or store and start the process all over again. Like supply and demand, I suppose?

So often I look at my shelf and have trouble deciding on what to read next. There are books I obviously want to read (and then some I don’t, those of which have now been donated. I mean, why was I keeping books I didn’t plan on reading for years, if ever? Be gone books! Go find a new, loving home! Anyway, I keep getting off track…) You see, the real trouble is, I’m such a mood reader that it can be a struggle to find my next book. Just a few weeks ago I was in a slump and there was nothing on my shelf that jumped out at me. Contemporary is my favourite genre so that’s what preoccupies most shelf space, but it’s not what I turn to when I slump; that would be mystery and thriller. So I went to the shop and bought three books - I read two and gave up on one. But the great thing about this is, these books aren’t sitting on shelf, collecting dust. They’re being read like they should be; fulfilling their life purpose and all ;)

I mean, I do love having a shelf full of books waiting to be read, never being without a book, but I do miss the simplicity of before.

Like…buying a book and actually reading it, rather than it adding to my already full shelf of books to be read. See, this is probably why I also don’t buy books often. I feel a sense of duty to the books I already own and feeling like I'm cheating when I buy more. And when I do, something like this follows:

"But all the books at home! You can’t disappoint them! They’ve been waiting for your return, patiently waiting to be picked up and shown the love they deserve. It just isn’t fair! Don’t break their hearts again, they won’t be able to take it, poor things!”, my inner conscience bellowed. (And yes, I read this with a British accent, didn’t you?)

Don’t you love that, too? Buying a book and reading it? Getting to it sooner rather than latter? I want more of that. I want to read a book soon after I buy it, not years later. I want to follow my mood, not my shelf. I want to not worry about being swallowed whole by my shelf and never being found again. Mostly, I want more enjoyment because after all, that’s what reading is all about - and I think this is the way to it.

So, what am I proposing? I’m going to try to get back to that small (or small-er, let’s be real) stack of books I can’t wait to devour and actually end up getting devoured, or uh, read. I’m sad of the books that sit unread and the books I somehow acquire that I don’t *need* or really want. I’m about to get a lot pickier with buying (I’m going on a book buying ban. Exceptions to be made if I plan to read that book within a week of buying it) and my shelves are going to get a lot smaller. Well, we’ll see - I’m not that fast a reader… I’ll keep you updated. That is, if you’re interested? I feel like this post may have put you to sleep? If you survived, you deserve a waffle for all my waffling. *throws waffle with maple syrup goodness and strawberries your way* *apologises for the sticky delivery*

So tell me - what do think of your TBR? Are you ever overwhelmed, do you wish you got to books sooner? Do you make a dent in your physical TBR or are you somehow acquiring more books that you can read? Are you afraid of drowning in a sea of books, too? Let’s chat. 

My Love-Hate Releationship with Series & Why It's Time for a Breakup

I have a love-hate relationship with series. When done right, they can be fantastic. Only thing though, I’ve rarely had luck with them. Vampire Academy is my favourite series, but I binge-read that back in 2012 and have since yet to find one that delivers with each instalment. But more that that, I think the problem is me. Yes, it really is one those, it’s-not-you-it’s-me situations.

Over the past few years, I can’t tell you the number of series I’ve started out loving and then just bombed out with. Some of this had to do with the books not being as good as the first and/or failing to live up to my expectations, but mostly, I think it was the dreaded wait in-between. And when I think about it, it’s not that hard to see why this is a problem for me. I mean, you’re being told this incredible story, where you’re completely invested, hook, line and sinker, and then the story ends, most likely leaving you on a cliffhanger. Fast forward a year or more with a new instalment out, lots more books read since, and a foggy memory on what exactly went down and how it all ended. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.

Sometimes I’m just left wondering...would I still love this series had I held off until the rest of the books had released? So, that’s why I’ve come to the decision to take a break from series, at the least the uncompleted ones. I like books; I like series; but I do not like waiting. What can I say, I’m a little bit impatient. So until then, I’ll be sticking to standalones and completed series. The upside? Hopefully less disappoint and a binge-fest of bookish goodness to be had in the future.

So tell me: what do think of series? What do love about them and what do you hate? Do you hate the wait in-between and find it affects your enjoyment, like me?

Dive Into Diversity: Taking the Good with the Bad + January Link-Up

Taking the Good with the Bad

Diversity in books is important. It’s why We Need Diverse Books has blown up the way it has, spreading like wildfire. Readers have sorely noticed the lack of race, sexual orientation, culture, religion, persons of colour, disability (and more) being underrepresented and decided it was time for change. But like the saying goes, no press is bad press. Or is it?

We want more diverse books, and in hand with that, shelves that prove it; that burst with all kinds of stories to tell. But in truth, just like with any book, we have no way of controling how truthfully and authentically a book will be portrayed. We hope it’s written by someone who either has experience or background in that matter or by someone who’s well researched and informed. But having been a reader all my life, I’ve come to know that sometimes that isn’t always the case.

A point I’d like to bring up is what happens when we read a diverse title that unfortunately, for reasons, get’s things wrong? But more so, what if we don’t realise how off point it is? Not because of lack of smarts, but because of simply being uniformed. What sparked this thought was when I was adding a diverse title on Goodreads a few months back and I scrolled down to check out the reviews. In one review, someone with background on the subject had said how it was a cliche, offensive, stereotypical portrayal. But then there were also positive reviews, and 4-5 stars from a few friends who’d read the book. It was confusing. In the end, I ended up adding it, but it made me very cautious and wary of whether I’d even give it a go or not. Thinking about it now, I think I will. Not because I think the reviewer is wrong, but because I’d like to read it for myself and see what I think. It’s not a culture or religion I’m familiar with, so I plan to equip myself with a site that was recommended and to give that a read, too.

Diversity is good, in all shapes and forms. But it’s even more important to make sure it’s written authentically, with care and knowledge. And I suppose the only way we can make that happen is to say we want more diversity; that we demand it. The truth is, whatever the story, diverse or not, there will always be a book that sometimes doesn’t get things right or offends or infuriates or puts its foot in it and chokes on it or makes a mockery. So what can we do? Firstly, discuss and talk about the books that don’t get it right and why. If someone is interested in one of those books, at least it will make them aware and they'll know that maybe it isn't the best representation available. Secondly, it’s our job as readers to let the amazing, magical books shine; for them to get the spotlight they rightly deserve. And another thing: to be aware and welcoming of what we aren’t familiar of. Read and enjoy a book on a specific matter ? Don’t just stop at one, read another and another. Or if you have questions and want to know more, research. Become informed. So with that: bring forth; share; chat; recommend and celebrate the books that get it right. Not only do they deserve our voice, they need it.

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Hi there! Dive Into Diversity participant? Don't forget to check out Rather Be Reading's awesome post! If you review a diverse book or write a diversity post throughout January, link up! Simple as that. If you haven't joined the challenge and would like to know more, check out this post. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, tweet or email me. Happy reading!

Never Forget: Reading is for Fun

In 2011 I started blogging. For me. Because I loved reading; the thought of having my own little space on the internet to chat about the books I read made me giddy; I wanted to expand and take the next step in a hobby (yes, hobby) I’d done all my life. I’d wanted more, and I got it. In spades. Bookish friends who understood and related with my bookish problems. Being able to chat with awesome, kind authors and tell them how much I loved their book. Emailing with publishers and not being able to get over the fact you're emailing with publishers. Having the opportunity to review books, read titles early and squee'ing in excitement.

But along the long, I somehow got caught up in it all and I started blogging for others. I don’t know how it happened, but it did. I now blog for me (or at least try to. Sometimes you fall of the wagon) and it was Ashley's (@ Nose Graze) post that finally got to me. I was told by bloggers for years: blog for you, not for others. But it finally finally clicked when I read that post.

To get off track for a second, let me tell you about my current book: See, it’s a pretty good book, I like it, nothing against it, but I’m just not invested in it. I haven’t read it in days, and it’s not pulling me back; calling my name to be picked up; or on my mind when I’m not reading it. True signs of a good book. Which yes, not all books can be winners, but why am I trying to read a book I'm either not enjoying or excited about? It’s a review ARC, which makes things a little more complicated, but still. I did not start blogging to review titles or struggle through books, all for the sake of a review. Yes, when I requested it I was looking forward to it. Now that I’ve started reading, I’m not. I’ve given it a good go and as I state in my ‘review policy’ (which is currently MIA, but this is the gist if it), I reserve the right not to finish (therefore not review) a book if I’m not enjoying it. Does that still apply because it’s me doing the requesting and me not being the requestee? I think so.

And then Jen posted this and it hit me:

Yesterday, the very kind @DonnaThorland reminded me of a simple, important, but oft-forgotten truth: Reading should be fun.
— Jenuary Jones (@Pop_Reader) January 9, 2015

It seems painfully obvious, but in the constant rush of commitments, schedules, reviews and release dates, it's easy to lose sight of.
— Jenuary Jones (@Pop_Reader) January 9, 2015

What am I doing? Put the book down and go pick up something else. Not enjoying that either? Try another. And again and again. Do this until you find a book that bring you happiness and makes you remember why you read. Or better yet, makes your mind clear, too busy with story and words to think, but a full heart, because, boy am I loving this book! As I said before, not all books can be winners, but that doesn’t mean time should be wasted on books we're not enjoying. Because in the words of a wise owl (oh, wait, that’s me!):

"I don't read to blog.”

So before I go on my merry way, I herby pledge to:

1. limit review requests (which I already do, but I’ll take even more care before I request). Reviewing books and ARCs is a privilege, but it’s no fun when you’re not into the book. If it’s a book I've bought or borrowed, with no review hanging over your head, it’s much easier to put down and move on.
2. DNF a book without guilt (I’ve gotten a lot better at DNF’ing, but still, sometimes it’s hard to do)
3. read for myself - not authors, publishers, bloggers, readers.
4. always remember I read because I enjoy it. Life’s too short to waste your time on a bad book.

Let's Discuss: The Lizzie Bennet Diaries

A few months ago I watched The Lizzie Bennet Diaries and very quickly became a fan. I loved it! I know I was late to jump on the bandwagon, but when I was watching, all I wanted to do was discuss it. So here I am. Just a bit late? Fans of the series or those who've yet to give it a watch, gather round. To recap, here's what the web series is all about:

From IMDb:
A modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the series is told in vlog-style by Lizzie Bennet as she narrates the trials and tribulations of her family life with the help of her best friend and aspiring filmmaker, Charlotte Lu, "practically perfect" older sister, Jane, and easily excitable younger sister, Lydia. As in Pride and Prejudice, Lizzie's mother is all too eager to marry her and her sisters off to rich men, so when wealthy medical student Bing Lee moves into the neighborhood and manages to woo Jane, it changes the entire dynamic of the family. It isn't long before Bing's even more wealthy friend and heir to an entertainment corporation, the mysterious Darcy, makes his way into the Bennet sisters' lives, too.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Clement’s Official Tumblr Page

Why everyone loves the show/reasons to watch:

- If you love Pride and Prejudice, I think you will LOVE this modern retelling. I haven't read P&P, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment at all. Fan or not, anyone can enjoy it.
- It's entertaining and so much much fun to watch, especially as the show progresses and you come to care for the characters.
- Most episodes roughly run for 3-6 minutes; perfect for when you have a little free time on your hands.
- The Bennet sisters! Lizzie is awesome and relatable; Jane is the sweetest and super huggable; and Lydia is intense, but cute and underneath all that crazy lays a big heart. You'll love these girls and seeing them grow from beginning to end. Also, Charlotte: I bet you you'll want to be her friend. She's lovely.
- The characters are layered. Considering how short the episodes are, it really shows the skill that went into bringing them to life. You will really grow to love them (and maybe hate a few.)

Lightning round: (that turned out to be not-so lighting fast. Go figure)

Favourite character... 
Um. How can I choose? I think I have to go with Lizzie.
Least favourite character... 
Mr. Collins (he's such a grating character) and of course, George Wickham (no matter the P&P version, this guy will always be the scum).
Favourite episode(s)...
Cuteness overload: Meeting Bing Lee - ep. 28
BRB, swooning: Gratitude - ep. 98
Least favourite episodes...
What do mean? I enjoyed all the episodes. Silly question.

Source

All in all, I thought The Lizzie Bennet Diaries was amazing. I definitely recommend it and the great thing is, I can see so many different people enjoying this! So many already have. I might see if I can get my mum onto it. I know P&P is her favourite. Now, before you go, let's discuss:

Are you a fan of The Lizzie Bennet Diaries? If not, are you now considering the show? (I really hope you are. Then my job here is done!) Has anyone had success with Emma Approved? And finally, who's read TLBD book? Currently, it's sitting on my shelf, but I think I might need to bump it up my TBR).

Discussion: Catering For Non-Bloggers

Earlier this week, Steph from Cuddlebuggery wrote one of the best posts I’ve read in a long time, discussing non-bloggers and who the blogging community actually caters for and I’d like to take a small moment to rave about how insightful and thoughtful it was to read.  I not only agreed with everything she said but I had a light bulb moment. 

By no means am I a big blog with a huge following but having been a blogger for a while now (I can’t believe it’s been 2.5 years. I CAN’T EVEN.), it’s changed my relationship with books. First of all, I used to read about a triple of what I read now, reading slumps did not exist and while I love this community I’m a part of, I was a happier reader looking back (I mean, who wouldn’t love living in a world where book slumps didn’t exist?). I only request books I really want (these usually end up mostly being finished copies) and I wouldn’t say I get that many ARC’s (Australia doesn’t have the big publishing houses compared to the US, copies are limited and there are more popular blogs out there) but to face facts, having a blog has changed the way I think about books (not in a bad way, just differently) and I didn’t even know it had until I read Steph’s post. Hence the light bulb moment and those fireworks you just heard erupting.

What I’m trying to say is: I’ve been reminded of what being a reader feels like for someone who doesn’t blog; a completely different view to those who do. So in retrospect, I’m going to put myself in your shoes – non-bloggers – and start thinking again about what you want as a reader from book blogs and what has little or no relevance to you so I can better equip myself to include you more and maybe along the way, make myself a better blogger. On that note, I’ll leave you with a song which perfectly sums up my feeling:

*dances*

Are you a non-blogger? If so, what are your complaints with book blogs and how can I help to make your experience better? What do you want more or less of? Sound off in the comments and I'll be sure to listen! 

P.S - Don't miss out on another great post - who are book bloggers catering for? - by Jamie @ The Perpetual Page-Turner!

Banned Books Week: A Teen's Perspective

Today I’d like to discuss a hot topic that’s been on everyone’s mind recently: Banned Books Week. With the week drawing to a close, I’m here to share my thoughts on the matter so for anyone interested, here’s my teen perspective on the subject. I look forward to reading your comments below!
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Books are glorious things, but books that deal with issues and push boundaries are even more so. Teen reading and YA should be praised and celebrated from the roof tops, not discouraged. So why are books still being banned and challenged in today’s society?

Banned or not, books of all types should be able to be read, loved, appreciated and furthermore, create discussion. I’m not an expert on banned or challenged books, I’ve only read a handful or so, but from my experience, they are some of the best. They make me think and question and ponder and ask questions - and in my opinion, that is one of the greatest things books can do.

Who knows? Maybe they think that by banning these books, that will be the end of it; gone; rid of. But these issues that are raising alarm bells amongst the pages won’t just magically disappear from the world because a certain book has been taken off the shelf. These issues are real and they are happening all around us and in my opinion, books are the safest environment for them to be discussed in, especially if along the way, we pick up a lesson or two (not in a preachy way, those are annoying) or are able to learn from characters mistakes.

Teenagers want to read about other teenagers and be able to relate. We don’t want to read about unicorns and rainbows (even though those are cool. Yay for unicorns!) we want to read about characters and situations that we can relate to or see ourselves in or draw experience from. Most importantly, we want honesty, truth and to be treated like grownups and YA authors offer us that and is hands down, one of the best things about Young Adult.

Banned and challenged books are something I think should be discussed, not just during the week it’s allocated but constantly, year round. Hopefully one day, banned books will be a thing of the past, but for now remember to support banned authors, read challenged books, continue to create discussion and share the magic of reading.

Banned Books Week is the national book community's annual celebration of the freedom to read. Hundreds of libraries and bookstores around the country draw attention to the problem of censorship by mounting displays of challenged books and hosting a variety of events. The 2013 celebration of Banned Books Week will be held from September 22-28.  Banned Books Week 2014 will be held September 21-27

Au Revoir Google Reader and Moving On

As I’m sure you’re all aware, Google Reader is shutting its door come July 1st. This news isn’t new, I’ve known about this for months, but when I originally found out, I was disappointed having grown accustomed to using it since it’s been my way of keeping up to date with blogs I follow for over a year. Now? Not so much? It’s more of a bother than anything. But bother no more, I've now moved my feeds over to a new home! 

The options:

When I was browsing my options, the two that stood out were Bloglovin and Feedly. For some reason, I’ve never really gotten the appeal of Bloglovin but I've heard good things and know of bloggers who have it as a follow option on their blog. The other, Feedly, wasn't something I’d heard that much about until I went looking for information but what I found looked good and promising and not too much of a change to what I've been using.

The move:

I decided to go with Feedly and while I only just made the move a few days ago, I’m happy with it and have already downloaded the (free!) app. There’s multiple views which you can alter to your taste from a magazine view (for something different), to a title view (a similar viewing system to the one of Google Reader) yet the design is simple, easy to use and fits my needs well which is the main thing. 

Already made the switch? Still deciding? Either way, I’d love to hear who from you, who you went with, how you’re finding it and all that jazz. And if you don’t mind me picking your brain some more: do you use Bloglovin and if so, is it your preferred way to follow when deciding to follow a blog?

P.S - Wanting a more detailed, informative post listing pro’s and con’s, plus all the information you could ever want to help you choose your next reader? I recommend this post by Xpresso Reads!

P.S.S - There has been talk that GFC might soon be something of the past and whether it's true or not, if you like Reading Wishes and want to stay up to date, I’d love if you followed me via Twitter, Facebook, RSS or email.

Discussion - Book Slumps

Once upon a time in the land of crazyville a girl name Becca used to read wether she was enjoying a book or despising it with great hatred.

Ha, that might be just a bit exaggerated…but it is true. Before I met book blogging and book blogging met me I used to read everything and anything whether I was loving it or not. Back then I didn’t stop midway because I wasn’t into it, I used to read until the very end. But a lot has changed since then…

Recently I’ve noticed I’m very picky when it comes to books, I don’t have as much patience like I used to. Since joining the book blogging world I’ve discovered reading slumps – the deadly kryptonite which harms readers. Last year I had countless reading slumps which were terrible. This year hasn’t been as bad but I don’t think I’ve been enjoying reading as much as I have in previous years. I still love reading, I still love blogging and I adore the online book blogging world like CRAZY but it’s just after being introduced to reading slumps and their horridness I’ve noticed when I start a book I sometimes expect it to be BAM amazing straight away. I know, I know this is terrible on my part, I should be put in timeout and be striped of my rights to read because sometimes all you need to do is warm up to the authors style or get hooked into the story or get into the spirit of things and become immersed in it all. Sometimes all it requires it a bit of time and effort. But when it comes to reading I’ve become a bit of a grumpy granny…

This is me...well kind of...

For instance, two books which I had trouble with at the start which I didn’t think I would be able to get into it, ended up being brilliant! One of them was Everneath by Brodi Ashton and the other was Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. Luckily I soldiered on with both these books because they ended up being AMAZING. If I hadn’t given them a fair go, I wouldn’t have ended up reading two fantastically written books and gotten to experience them.

I usually read up to page 100 or so and if I’m still not feeling it I put it down and start a new book. But recently I haven’t even been making able to make it past that…

So. My goal:

Give books a fair go like I used to. This means reading up to at least the 100 page mark! (Update: I’ve started doing this again and it’s going great! YAY me! :)

So whilst I do that, here’s a question (or two) for you!

How do you handle reading slumps?

and…

How much of a chance do you give a book before you call it quits?

I hope you have enjoyed my first discussion post! Feel free to leave me a suggestion of what you would like to see me chat about next; I’d love to hear your thoughts! :)

***Update: I'm actually not in a book slump. This discussion is more about me trying to avoid them at all costs (if that can even be done!)