Lidkarmiel

My library includes only non-work-related books that I have read cover-to-cover or am currently reading. I have included reviews for books read from 2011 to present and ratings for books read 2010 or prior. As I have time I will add the remaining books read in 2010 and those books physically present on my shelves read before 2010. I have been reading heavily from the books actually on my shelves, which includes some that have been there for quite awhile and that I would not likely select for myself at this point. Some notes regarding ratings:

I do not attempt to rate a book for its historical or cultural value. Instead, I rate the book in relation to my experience of reading it.

5 Stars: This is an essential book for me, possibly for idiosyncratic reasons. I return to read sections of it regularly and it is physically present in my library. It has everything described in the 4 star section plus something that is difficult to define. This is a book I would not want to be without.

4 Stars: This is a book that moved beyond "adequate for its purpose". It presented some idea that was new to me or framed it in some new way. I was also able to forge some emotional connection with the content or a character. I liked it in some way beyond intellectually appreciating it.

3 Stars: This book was adequate for its purpose. I appreciated some aspect of it. Most books fall in this category, and it is not a negative rating for me.

2 Stars: There was some flaw in this book that prevented it from reaching its purpose and made it somewhat unenjoyable. There was still some value in reading it and it may have met some more limited purpose.

1 Star: There was something blatantly offensive in this book. I didn't enjoy the reading experience. If the reading experience had value it was only because it provided the context for understanding what others are saying about this book.

Hello! I am excited to begin adding books, reviewing, and discussing in Library Thing.