Thoughts on Rating Books
Over lunch recently, my husband and I engaged in a discussion about the criteria a book or movie must meet to earn the coveted five-star rating. Throughout my years of reading, I’ve always been quite reserved about giving a book a five-star rating on Goodreads.
My husband made a valid point: readers and movie watchers should have to wait a specific amount of time before rating a book. Our initial reactions upon completing a book or leaving a movie theater can be skewed and overly favorable. As time passes and the initial excitement fades, the rating may become more objective. Thankfully, Goodreads allows users to change their ratings, which I’ve done a few times.
I’m quite certain I’ve overrated books in the past based on my emotions upon completion. Of course, a book needs to hit me emotionally in the right place to earn a five-star rating. However, it also has to be exceptionally well-written, creative, clever, unique, and feature characters I genuinely care about. It has to give me that overwhelming feeling that’s hard to describe.
Our conversation evolved into me naming some of my favorite books that I want to read again. I don’t say that lightly because I’m not a frequent rereader. You know the saying, “Too many books, too little time.” But in October 2024, my mindset changed when I joined an in-person Constant Reader book club that exclusively reads Stephen King novels. Initially, I was hesitant to join because I didn’t want to feel obligated to reread all of King’s books. There are so many other books I could be reading for the first time! However, as I reread The Dead Zone, The Shining, and Doctor Sleep, my perspective gradually shifted. I genuinely enjoyed experiencing these stories a second time.
That being said, my desire to spend my precious time rereading a book instead of embarking on a new literary adventure speaks volumes about how much I cherished a book, or even a series. I decided to express these thoughts in a blog post, where I could also compile a list of my all-time favorite books. My husband assisted me in this endeavor by naming authors or titles that I frequently mentioned with complete admiration.
Here are the books I’ve read that still deserve a five-star rating years later. I genuinely hope to reread them someday.
These books are listed in no particular order, but I’ll begin with Carlos Ruiz Zafón’s “The Cemetery of Forgotten Books” series. The Shadow of the Wind completely captivated me and immediately drew me into the series. I couldn’t wait to read the next book in the series, The Angel’s Game. During a trip to Arizona in 2018, visiting The Poisoned Pen independent bookstore in Scottsdale was a dream destination. Over the years, I’ve ordered signed copies of books there. While there, I found a signed limited edition of The Prisoner of Heaven, and the booksellers offered to preorder a signed limited edition of The Labyrinth of Spirits for me.
Silas House, a Kentucky author, was introduced to me by my husband’s best friend. His first three books, Clay’s Quilt, A Parchment of Leaves, and The Coal Tattoo, are absolutely phenomenal. I’ve read several books set in Appalachia, but these are the most down-to-earth, warm-hearted, and family-centered novels I’ve ever read. While these books are not a series, each story is linked through its characters and location, allowing readers to enjoy them in any order.
As a long-time admirer of Vincent Van Gogh, I was eager to delve into the fascinating life of the artist who created such incredible paintings. Steven Naifeh and Gregory White Smith’s book, Van Gogh: The Life, provides a comprehensive and captivating account of Van Gogh’s life, spanning his birth to his death. The book is filled with intriguing facts about his life, and I find myself eager to reread it, as I’m certain I’ve forgotten more details than I’ve retained since my initial reading. One aspect that I particularly appreciate is the authors’ objective research on Van Gogh’s death and their revelation of the true cause, which was not suicide.
Speaking of painters, it seems fitting that Peter Heller’s heart-wrenching novel, The Painter, appears next on my list. I’m a huge fan of Heller’s novels. His writing style is truly unique, and he has an incredible talent for drawing me into his characters and making me want to spend more time with them than the story allows. While I love all of his books I’ve read, The Painter continues to be my favorite.
Well, I suppose I’ll continue with the art theme and mention Donna Tartt’s “The Goldfinch” next. This novel is simply amazing. The movie was good, but nothing can truly capture the book’s essence in theaters. During my visit to The Poisoned Pen in 2018, I also stumbled upon this gorgeous signed first edition of The Goldfinch. It was an absolute must-have for my book collection.
I vividly recall the immense praise and attention The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield garnered upon its publication in 2006. However, it took me some time to embrace it. I used to be hesitant to read books that were generating all the hype. I’m still grateful for the opportunity to have read it. Certain scenes from the story remain etched in my memory, and I would be delighted to revisit this captivating tale.
I’m not entirely sure what makes Stephen King’s “Duma Key” so captivating, but I absolutely adored this book! There’s something undeniably appealing about a horror novel set in such a breathtaking, tropical location. I also love the Florida Keys and have vacationed there several times, so there’s a nostalgic feeling for me. I particularly enjoyed the semi-return to Duma Key in King’s recent short story collection, You Like It Darker. The short story “Rattlesnake Key” serves as a sequel of sorts to Cujo, while also maintaining an intriguing connection to Duma Key.
Another spectacular Stephen King novel is 11/22/63. It’s a doorstopper of a book that’s worth every page. It’s an amazing take on the assassination of JFK. I’m hoping my Constant Reader book club will want to reread this soon.
This list wouldn’t be complete without Joe Hill, the son of Stephen King. So far, Horns is my favorite book by Joe. One year, my wonderful husband gifted me a signed first edition of Horns for Christmas. I was fortunate to meet Joe twice at his signing events for NOS4A2 and Strange Weather when he visited Lexington, Kentucky.
Neil Peart’s “Ghost Rider” is the final book I’ll include for now. Regrettably, I only discovered Neil’s remarkable writing talents after his passing, and I only have his book on Audible. This book recounts the unimaginable losses of his wife and daughter and his literal journey to healing. It’s an inspiring and captivating read.
To conclude this delightful journey through my reading life, I present a picture of The Poisoned Pen bookstore from my visit in 2018.
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