We read hundreds of book reviews each month to select the works to
include in each issue. We seek a balance among three categories:
highly-rated books that received many reviews, highlyrated books that
received less comprehensive coverage, and lower-rated books that were
widely reviewed and well publicized.
The collective wisdom of critics
Each critic offers an individual perspective. We quote and
summarize the reviews studied to provide an informed, balanced critique
and to make sure that unique insights do not get missed. We apply a
rating to a book from each review we study--those ratings are assessed
to provide a final rating.
Spoiler-free book descriptions
We hereby pledge not to reveal the ending or revelatory plot points
when discussing a fictional work.
APPLYING RATINGS TO WORKS OF ART IS FRUSTRATINGLY REDUCTIONIST
It is also helpful in navigating through myriad choices. As with
any rating system, it is solely a guide--a summing up of several
informed perspectives. There is no substitute for reading the book
yourself and forming your own opinion.
RELATED ARTICLE: RATINGS
***** CLASSIC
A timeless book to be read by all
**** EXCELLENT
One of the best of its genre
*** GOOD
Enjoyable, particularly for fans of the genre
** FAIR
Some problems, approach with caution
* POOR
Not worth your time
COPYRIGHT 2007 Bookmarks Publishing
LLC Reproduced with permission of the copyright holder. Further reproduction or distribution is prohibited without permission.
Copyright 2007, Gale Group. All rights
reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.
NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.