Are Book Reviews Trash?! We Have Thoughts…
Are Book Reviews Trash?! We Have Thoughts…  
Podcast: Kris and Mads
Published On: Thu Mar 06 2025
Description: 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 EpisodeLord of the Rings by J.R.R. TolkienRealm of the Elderlings by Robin HobbStormlight Archive by Brandon SandersonA Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. JensenWhen the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. ParkerArtificial Wisdom by Thomas WeaverThe Grace Year by Kim LiggettThe Sword of Kaigen by M.L. WangBlood Over Bright Haven by M.L. WangBrandon Sanderson’s lectures: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUh_y1IFZYTimestamps00:00 – Intro00:13 – Maddie is the 20th top reviewer on Goodreads!01:56 – Kristen’s reluctance to write book reviews02:40 – How writing reviews helps Maddie think critically & guide readers06:07 – Why good reviews include both strengths & weaknesses08:58 – Maddie’s reading tracking spreadsheet: why she made it10:16 – Maddie’s rubric for rating & reviewing books14:25 – How reviewing books helps you learn your taste16:30 – What earns 5 stars in the character category?21:20 – Are popular books actually good? Does hype = quality?25:04 – How we rate plot differently28:36 – Can ratings change over time? Are reviews even objective?33:08 – How we analyze themes in books41:18 – Final thoughts on rating & reviewingLet’s connect!Join our Patreon read-and-watch club: patreon.com/KrisandMadsSisterhoodHave a business inquiry? Email us: contact.kris.and.mads@gmail.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kris.and.madsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/krisandmadsAll our other links are here: https://linktr.ee/kris.and.madsTo check out our brother C.Ray's music which we use in all our episodes, you can find him here:https://www.youtube.com/@SeeRayHardly#BookTube #FantasyBooks #BookClub #Reading #Books #BookReview #Goodreads #BookTok #BookPodcast #BookRatings #ReadingCommunity #BookLover #Bookish