I find myself not picking up books, even if they have a potentially interesting premise, if the online ratings aren’t 3.8+. I don’t like that I do this and want to slowly transition to not judging a book (before reading it) by its online rating.
Help me break that habit by suggesting some books that I would have otherwise overlooked!
by schtuff_and_fluff
8 Comments
It’s technically 3.57, but *The Atlas Six* by Olivie Blake is a book that while I understand it isn’t everyone’s thing I still absolutely love it and think it is so interesting with intriguing characters etc. I’ve read it several times over and just love it. I think the entire series just found the wrong audience (the last book is hated by people who read it as a romance with a few valid critiques sprinkled in). Those ratings are tanked by those who shipped different characters and hated that the books ended like it was always set up to end.
*Walking Practice* by Dolki min is 3.59 and this one I do not understand. This book is amazing.
I loved “The particular sadness of lemon cake” and I get a literary hangover every time, but it has low ratings.
I feel like the ratings are people being dissatisfied with the surrealism. It took me a bit to not be angry with the book.
It leaves me with this beautiful ache for days.
I loved Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam, though I understand why it’s so polarizing – I think the writing style is very love it or hate it. I also quite enjoyed Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman, which is gorgeously written but is very focused on some uncomfortable sexual dynamics, so obviously not for everyone. And I was a huge fan of The Comet Seekers by Helen Sedgwick, which I thought was a beautiful and unique work of magical realism, though there is a bit of incest, so I guess that’s why people don’t like it?
Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas was a fever dream of a book and I absolutely loved it.
Body Surfing by Dale Peck (3.31). It’s to Buffy as The Magicians is HP. I also recommend The Magicians (3.53).
Boy in the Water by Stephen Dobyns. Mystery with very poetic writing. (3.37)
Moon Music by Faye Kellerman. Gritty mystery. I think it only has a low rating because it’s so different than her other books and people weren’t expecting it. (3.42)
Blast from the Past by Ben Elton. I thought it was funny. Apparently this is an unpopular opinion. (3.5)
My Roommate is a Vampire by Jenna Levine is sitting at 3.47 right now and I gave it 5 🤣
Honestly, I read such varied stuff and enjoy so many genres, there’s always someone complaining about a book you like. Even the classics aren’t usually very highly rated or low fours.
I really liked the book HERLAND by Charlotte Perkins (3,48)
Wow, when I give ratings myself, anything 3 and up is a good book I’d recommend.
What genre of book do you like to read?