Blogger/Vlogger and Stars
A blogger writes content and shares information via writing. A vlogger uses short videos to share information via videos and clips. When I first started out, I knew I would prefer the written word. In these last three weeks I have discovered some book vloggers that I find interesting. So far I have not changed my mind, but if I morph into another platform, I will let you know. Meanwhile, some of their content has made me question and think about my content and how I present information.
I have noticed that the bloggers and vloggers I follow are spending time speaking to the best books of the year. I always find that disingenuous because there are still many days left to read books. I guess for many this season ramps up their involvement in many things so they are covering all their bases. As for me, everyone will have to wait until December for my picks.
Meanwhile I have also started to think about how I determine the stars to give a book. This has also been one of the effects of following the vloggers I have recently found. I have found it interesting what they determine is rated with how many stars. For Your Information, I have added my thinking on stars.
One star – you will not see a one star review on my blog. Why? I won’t bother. Just because I do not like a book or DNF (did not finish) a book is on me. Other people might feel differently and I am not going to disparage a writer to that extent. It is hard work to write a story and get it published.
Two stars – Occasionally you will see a two star review. It means the book was okay and I did finish it. It does not mean to avoid it, it just means it was okay. It could have been the content (horror or…), the language (I dislike wordy books!), the premise (too out there or magical thinking), or even occasionally the grammar kills me. Another thing that is hard for me is time travel. I have trouble dealing with the now, nevermind the past and future by the same character (there have been exceptions).
Three stars – I like the book. I enjoyed reading it and probably found it entertaining. Sometimes a book can have better content but something within the book just doesn’t sit right with me, so it moves to the 3 stars category.
Four stars – It was a good read. I would suggest other people read the novel. It had the characteristics I like in a book. Often the characters make me enjoy the book as I love characters of all kinds (quirky, honest/refreshing, accidents waiting to happen, that make me laugh, I want to have as friends and even characters I will avoid assiduously in my life). I love a book that reads quickly and succinctly. I am good with storylines that move back and forth in time (not time travel). I am good with multiple view points.
Five stars – Books that stay with me are five stars. Books that make me laugh or cry in public are usually five stars. Books that transcend time and place with the universality of the novel. Books that are just right and touched my soul. In 2009 and 2010, a lot of books were marked as five stars. This year to date, I have 27 five star reads – most of them are by authors I adore reading!
Elise has sent in an interview with Janice Lynn and Lauri Leirdahl. The book, Wrapped Up in Christmas Faith by Janice Lynn, addresses the needs of wounded warriors upon returning. The Quilts of Valor project headed by Lauri Leirdahl is to “cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor that says thank you for your service and sacrifice and valor in serving our nation.” Please take the time to read the interview and check out the links. Continuing on the theme about Veteran’s Day and Veterans, Elise reviews Bruce Henderson’s Book, Midnight Flyboys about all the people dropped behind enemy lines during WWII and how their heroism helped shape the war.
Check out all the reviews so far this month. I have been reading up a storm and still have a couple of more books to go this month! Meanwhile, find the time to read.
