This is a scale that I created for reviewing books. It is based on a 5 star rating system, only in a more creative manner. A cupcake rating is given to a book based on the genre of the book. The type of publishing is not considered, nor is a factor when rating the book.
When I rate a book, it is based on how I view that book within the book’s genre. It is understood that a 5 star rating in Chick-lit will certainly look very different to a 5 star rating in Historical Fiction. There are elements in each genre that I look for when I am rating the book.
Occasionally, a book will transcend it’s own genre and be a book that is so incredibly wonderful that I give it an Ultimate Cupcake Supreme (or a 5+) rating. This means that particular book is not only a 5 star rating in it’s own genre, but overall.
If I decide to read a book and finish it (not a DNF rating-which you can read about below), regardless of who requested I review the book (author, publisher, blog tour host), I will give it a rating and there have been times the rating is not a 3 or more (on a 1-5 scale). However, it is only my opinion and as a courtesy, I will not post my review on any other sites, since it is subjective and I do not want to be disrespectful to any author.
For books that receive a 4 or 5, I will post a partial review on Amazon & Barnes & Noble. As always, I post my reviews on Goodreads, Library Thing, Twitter, Books in the Burb Facebook Page, and Books in the Burbs on Facebook (two different things on FB). I do my best to promote a great book!
Finally, I have received many compliments on my cupcake scale. It is my own creation and I do not give permission for any other blogger or company to use it. It is copyrighted and I ask that be respected as it is my own work.
My Cupcake Scale
Burnt cupcake!- The storyline is too predictable, the writing was not enjoyable for me, the characters are not developed, and overall not a book that held my attention. I would not recommend this book to anyone. 1/5
***************************
One bland cupcake!- The story started good, but then just falls flat. The characters and plot are not fully developed, which made it challenging for the reader to be completely engaged. Not a book I’d recommend. 2/5
***************************
A good cupcake with a little icing.- Good storyline, could connect with the characters, but it was missing something….sprinkles! I was left with questions that the book did not answer. This is a book that I’d recommend to those who like this particular genre, but with caution. 3/5
***************************
A great cupcake with sprinkles on top!- The plot is original, interesting, and fully developed. I connected with the characters and could understand their personal struggles/experiences because of the author’s wonderful writing style. It is one of those books that I really liked and would recommend to others. 4/5
***************************
An excellent cupcake with sprinkles AND a cherry on top!- Storyline, characters, plot, and writing style are superb! I could not put the book down and shared it with everyone I know. I found myself thinking of the characters long after I finished reading the book. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone!! 5/5
***************************
The Ultimate Cupcake Supreme! - Every once in awhile, I come across a book that is not only amazing, but it deserves special recognition. This book is the cream of the crop, undoubtedly one of my top favorites, and a must read for anyone! 5/5 and is one of my Personal Favorites!
*****
What is a DNF Rating:
*Overall book- Did not hold my interest
*Characters- not fully developed, predictable behavior, too much dialogue (reads like a theater script and not a book)
*Plot-too bogged down with details (reads like a History book) or too little information that doesn’t set up the scene adequately, very simplistic, too predictable ( I can read the first few chapters and know what is going to happen)
*Language- is not relevant to the time period or character, has too many obvious grammatical errors, too explicit
*If I were to finish the book, it would most likely receive a 1 or 2 rating. However, this does not mean that a DNF book is a 1 or 2 rating, it simply means that based on what I have read so far, the rating would not be positive.
***
