In December 2022, I started a bookish account on Instagram. Growing frustrated with the fast-moving, temporary, and impermanent nature of the algorithm after 2.5 years, I wanted a space where recommendations, reviews, lists, and all my random bookish thoughts are searchable and easy-to-find.
Welcome to Eclectically Bookish.
let's read together
✿
let's read together ✿
All about reviews…
Star Ratings for Fiction
★★★★★
I had very few, if any, qualms. I would definitely reread and probably already have plans to get it on my physical or digital shelves. It sparkled.
★★★★
I really liked it. I would likely reread and/or own it. I would recommend it to readers with similar taste.
★★★
I liked it, but probably would not reread or own it. I may have skipped multiple scenes or felt the plot got lost. I may or may not continue reading this author or series. I might recommend it to the right audience.
★★
I probably finished because I thought I “should'“ or because I kept hoping it would get better. Would not recommend.
★
Rarely, if ever, used because I likely will have abandoned the book before disliking it this much.
*Captain Obvious, here! Half- and quarter-stars fall between the above ratings.
Fiction Rating Considerations
In my view, comparing books of different genres is like comparing apples to oranges. Ratings are not all created equal. I try to give genres space to be themselves. Literary fiction does not equal thriller. Thriller does not equal romance. Romance does not equal science fiction. And I don’t expect them to. I’m not objective, by any means, but I’m attempting to be a little less arbitrary in my approach and have, therefore, become a lot more generous in my ratings.
When rating I consider the pace, characters, my personal enjoyment, the writing craft, and my gut feeling on a title.
Star Ratings for Nonfiction
★★★★★
I loved it and would highly recommend. My outlook on the topic was significantly impacted.
★★★★
I appreciated ideas and concepts but felt like there was something missing.
★★★★
A decent read. I may not have been the right audience. Nothing new or exciting.
★-★★
I probably finished because I thought I “should” or because I was hoping it would get better. Would not recommend.
*Captain Obvious, here! Half- and quarter-stars fall between the above ratings.
Nonfiction Rating Considerations
When I rate nonfiction, I keep the following ideas in mind: the levity and humility in the writing style, the information provided, the transformation I experience as a reader, and my overall gut feeling.
Other Review Information
In my reviews I also try to include the following information when possible:
the blend of genres
my personal cry factor
my personal laugh factor
the romance steam level
if I would reread it
if I would buy it
What else to expect—
What will I find here?
I publish book reviews, recommendations, round-up lists, and more. As of the launch of this site (July 2025), I’m including reviews for this calendar year. An indexed complete archive of everything I’ve reviewed since 2022 is a work in progress. Access to this will be available for a one-time fee (cost TBD).
Do you read audiobooks?
I’ve been a slow adopter of audiobooks, mostly because I’m picky about narrators and I don’t have much uninterrupted time for them. I don’t commute and I have young children. So… if you see an audiobook reviewed here, you’ll know the narration was top-notch. If it wasn’t superb, you’ll hear it from me.
What kind of books do you read?
Eclectic is in the name; I read a little of everything, but my top genres are romance, literary fiction, + spiritual nonfiction. But it’s a small margin. My favorite books make me laugh, sob, gasp in surprise, or think deeply.
Why don’t you post on Friday-Saturday?
I’ve been actively working toward creating and holding boundaries around my time online, which includes social media and this website. I don’t always succeed, but I want to keep that precious personal and family time as sacred as possible.
What is an ARC/DRC?
Sometimes I review books before their publication dates. Access to these books come from NetGalley or other galley distribution channels. I will label these as ARCs (advance reader copies) or DRCs (digital review copies) and note the publication date.
Do you post negative reviews?
I’ve gotten way better at choosing books that I know will be a good fit for me, but occasionally I’ll finish something and rate it 2.5-3.5 stars. These reviews will tend to be shorter than others and give the reasons why the book didn’t work for me, but might work for another audience. I also include any books I DNF (did not finish) in my monthly summaries.
What I’m up to on Bookstagram…
Yeah, despite my frustration, I’m still active there. I’ve just decreased my effort and intensity to recapture the fun.
follow along @eclectically_bookish
