How to Rate a Book

A typical conversation between me and the average reader

"So, you like to read?
"Sure, I read a lot."
"Have you read *insert book*", I really liked it, I thought it had great perspective."

Here I usually get one of two answers
"No, I really only read Nora Roberts"
or: "Yea, but I thought it was awful."'

At this point, I'm discouraged, and I probably won't ask any follow up questions. No disrespect to Ms. Roberts, but I'm a strong believer in diversifying what you read. And if you're going to disagree with someone, have a REAL reason, something you've thought through.

Not that the average reader is a moron. I'm NOT saying that. I'm saying people are quick to judge book, if not by it's cover, at least by it's conclusion. I'm advocating that people think about their likes and dislikes. "I don't know, I just do" is not a reason, it's a cop out.

So I'm about to share with you my own scale for rating books, which quantifies how much I really like a book. Of course it's subjective, but what you're about the read will hopefully give you some guidelines to think about so if you ever find yourself above conversation, you'll actually have something to say!

1. The first thing to ask yourself, does the book have worldly relevance? Lots of books don't. but usually they have some value, even if it's just to entertain. However, heavy hitting books are the most likely to come up in conversation, since most people have read them. Thus, it's a good idea to think about what the point of the book is, and what impact in could have in a larger worldly context.

2.What is the entertainment factor? Sure, if it's a good book, it's entertaining, but why? Is it funny, is the plot predictable and thus comforting? Are you willing to recommend it to friends, why, what will they like about it? Will you be able to put it down? Depending on how you answer all of these questions, you'll probably reaffirm that the book was as entertaining as you thought, or maybe not.

3. How strong was the plot? Were you able to tell what was going to happen next? Were you engaged in what was happening? The plot is the structure of the book, and the stronger the plot, the more likely you are to think it is a good book, because it cares you along instead of the reader carrying the workload of what is happening in the story. If you think the plot was strong, there's a good chance you couldn't put the book down, because even if it's a romance, there should be a certain amount of suspense to keep you engaged.

4. The duel of the ages is what is more important to a story- the plot or the characters? That's a story for another Hub, but the fourth factor you need consider is how strong are the characters? A strong hero and the perfect heroine go a long way in helping a story. If you care about the characters, if you are rooting for their success, or their demise, at least your engaged. If a book has ever brought you to tears, it's usually the characters who do so. Strong characters feel like real people you can relate to, people you want to be friends with. A strong cast of characters can really earn point for a great book.

5. Finally, ask yourself about style. The talent of the author, and how they tell the story is the basis for practically everything. If there is no style, you probably won't connect to the characters or plot. However, if the author has great style, you don't necessarily have to like the main character, or the way the book ends to consider it a good book.

I hope by asking these questions, you'll come to understand what you value in a great book. The answer won't always be the same, since no two people are a like. However, you won't be choked up in a conversation, and in the book store, you'll be better prepared to identify what you like which leads to less buyers remorse over your library. Good luck and good reads!