Here's how 5* Elements work. . .

5* Elements are a way to show in more detail what I like about the books I read. Sometimes it doesn't come out very clearly in my review. Sometimes I spend more time focusing on what I didn't like, even though there are some definite positive things about the book. To solve this problem, I have introduced the 5* Elements!

For each book review I post on Smiling Shelves, I’ll include a list of those things that I absolutely loved about the book (well, only if it deserves them). For an absolutely amazing book, this will show what was so absolutely amazing about it. For a just plain good (or maybe not-so-good) book, this can show the redeeming features, things that were absolutely amazing even if the book as a whole is not. In other words, it doesn't have to be a five star book to have some 5* Elements.

Here are the general categories so far:

• Lovable or fascinating or well-developed characters
• An interesting or twisty plot
• Learning (for the nonfiction books)
• Voice (I’m a sucker for a first-person narrative with a good voice.)
• Wonderful writing
• Atmosphere (This means a bit more than just the setting to me, but setting is a large part of it.)
• Deeper meaning

So how do the 5* Elements help you? Well, you know your own reading preferences. If you read books because of the characters, then look for my book reviews with a 5* Element of Character. If you love plot twists, look for that 5* Element. If, like me, you’ll pick up a book just because someone said they loved the character’s voice, then the ones with a 5* Element of Voice are for you! I’ll also be tagging my reviews with the various 5* Elements, so you can eventually click on the tag and have a whole list of books with that particular element.

Feel free to leave a comment with any questions or suggestions. Enjoy exploring the 5* Elements!

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