Mark's Book Blog

Welcome to Mark's Book Blog!

Why did I set this up? Several reasons.

1. I'm constantly asked for book recommendations. I often cannot remember what I've read recently and, consequently, struggle for a recommendation. This will keep me up to date.

2. We're all busy. Sometimes I forget what I liked and what I didn't like about a book I read a month or two ago. As a result, this blog commits me to memorialize a book shortly after reading the book.

3. I, too, want book recommendations from those I trust (so I may or may not read your recommendation). From this blog, you can see what I've liked--you may not like my taste, may never come back to the blog--that's ok. If, though, you like some or all of what I like, tell me. And, more importantly, tell me what else I'd like!

Here's my recommendation scale--I will rate all books I read (subject to my ability to rate a book that I stop reading for good reason).  The recommendation scale has gone through many iterations since inception of the blog (but before going "live").  I will use plusses and minuses for differentiation purposes.

A - Strongly recommend; if you are a reader, you should enjoy.

B - Recommend to certain readers or recommend with a caveat. If I give a book a B, I enjoyed the book.  However, I didn't find the book "perfect."  I didn't love the ending.  The middle dragged.  The characters were not believable.  For non-fiction, I didn't need/want the pages and pages of useless description.

C - Not recommended.  I may have enjoyed the book, and I may even recommend it to some readers.  For instance, I may follow an author or a series.  I may still rate the book a C, but others who follow the same author may enjoy the book (and may enjoy it more than I did).

D - Ay yi yi--why did I finish this book? Just stubborn, I guess.

F - Couldn't finish the book. Life's too short.

Despite Reason No. 2 above, I will also populate this blog with the following:

"Quick Hits": Ratings and short commentaries on books read recently but before inception of the blog.

The "Classics Never Die": Ratings and short commentaries on books read at any time. Whether a book is a "Classic" is decided only by me. For instance, "The Stand" by Stephen King is a Classic. Excellent story, extremely well written, memorable characters=Classic.

Mark