On Ratings

Its probably about time I gave a brief explanation of my rating systems.
I give ratings on a scale from 0 to 10 including half integers.

0 : would be something I'd have to have an awfully compelling reason to finish. I'm stubborn but not that stubborn. Zero is something I probably wouldn't even want to wipe my ass with for fear of contamination.

1 : is about as bad as it gets, for example: Pillars of Creation by Terry Goodkind I'd rate a 1

2 : very bad

3 : is a bad book, but it probably has some redeeming qualities, a cool character or a impressive concept that was just poorly executed.

4: below average

5 : an average book. I probably enjoyed parts of it, but its probably nothing I'd ever pick up again or recommend to anyone.

6 : a bit better than average, has several positive qualities.

7 : a good book one I would recommend to people and that I might re read given time.

8 : a very good book something that any serious fan of the genre should put on their to be read list. Must be exceptionally well written, be incredibly enjoyable, or be in some way a ground breaking work.

9 : a great book. One that people should read as soon as possible

10 : As good as it gets. I don't give out 10 to many books. The only 10 that I can think of that I've read would be A Storm of Swords.

These ratings of course are subjective, but I do try and insert some objectivity into them. I realize that not everything is going to be my cup of tea. If something is well written or groundbreaking, but I just don't care for it that much, I will not downgrade it substantially. For example Neuromancer. A groundbreaking seminal sci -fi work, I just didn't care for it that much. Not a style I prefer, but I still recognize its significance so it still gets a very good rating.

Some may notice that to this point I haven't given any bad grades. Well I don't grade on a curve. Many of the books I've read this year have won major literary awards, or they have come heavily recommended. I haven't been reading a lot of run of the mill books lately. When I get caught up with some long over due classics and books I've been waiting for, I may get into some more mediocre works.