As the 20th best reviewer on Goodreads (out of 150 million users!), Maddie shares the truth about book ratings, how reviews impact our reading experiences, and why they might not be as objective as we think. Kristen, on the other hand, is overcoming her doubts about whether reviewing books is worth the effort. We break down how we rate books, the difference between popularity and quality, and whether our ratings actually change over time. Whether you're a dedicated reviewer or just want to know if that viral book is actually good, this episode is for you!

Mentioned in this Episode

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

Realm of the Elderlings by Robin Hobb

Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson

A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

Artificial Wisdom by Thomas Weaver

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang

Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang

Brandon Sanderson’s lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUh_y1IFZY

Timestamps00:00 – Intro

00:13 – Maddie is the 20th top reviewer on Goodreads!

01:56 – Kristen’s reluctance to write book reviews

02:40 – How writing reviews helps Maddie think critically & guide readers

06:07 – Why good reviews include both strengths & weaknesses

08:58 – Maddie’s reading tracking spreadsheet: why she made it

10:16 – Maddie’s rubric for rating & reviewing books

14:25 – How reviewing books helps you learn your taste

16:30 – What earns 5 stars in the character category?

21:20 – Are popular books actually good? Does hype = quality?

25:04 – How we rate plot differently

28:36 – Can ratings change over time? Are reviews even objective?

33:08 – How we analyze themes in books

41:18 – Final thoughts on rating & reviewing

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