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Do you normally read books with less than 4 stars? (programming.dev)
submitted 1 week ago by cactus_head@programming.dev to c/books@lemmy.world
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I struggle with this a bit. Even if the book is 3.98 stars, i view that as not passing lowest bar. I consider most 4 stars books to not be there time, but rather the number of stars is how i filter out bad books

Also, how do you use your stars? Do you change your rating often?

For me, it generally goes like this:

  • 1 Star -Either its so bad that its offense or i dnf it
  • 2 Stars - Either bad or mediocre, not really work any time
  • 3 Stars - An okay book with a couple of redeeming points
  • 4 Stars - A great book with some flaws that bother me
  • 5 Stars - An excellent book, i am jumping in my sits.
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[-] dogslayeggs@lemmy.world 5 points 1 week ago

I just finished a two book series that was objectively awful. It had some of the worst writing I've read, although the world building was great. It has a 4.2 rating on goodreads. If you read the reviews, though, you can see that the 5 stars are just "I liked this fun book!" The negative reviews delve deeply into WHY it was so damn bad.

My favorite series also has a 4.2 rating. The difference is the 4 and 5 star ratings have deep reviews saying why the series is so good.

Going by ratings is a terrible way to go through life.

Also, you view a 3.98 as not good enough? You are missing out on a world of great experiences, even if somewhat flawed.

this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2026
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