Are you aware that you can vote on books other readers have submitted?  This allows you to voice your opinion on a book without having to leave a comment.

First Log In and then click on the Browse Books tab.  At the bottom of each reviewed book there is a set of stars.  Move your cursor over the stars of a book you have read and would like to rank.  If the stars turn green, you have not yet voted on that book.  If the stars remain yellow, you have already ranked that book in a previous session.  Your votes are automatically tabulated.  Top vote getters can be viewed on my side bar under Highest Rated.

November 2007 I welcomed the world to my new Bookbound website and blog.  Unfortunately, I failed to do what everyone who acquires a new domain name should do.  That is, check to make sure that your clever, well chosen name is not already trademarked.

This past March, I was contacted by Bookbound Publishing and made aware that I was in violation of trademark infringement.  To their credit, they were willing to allow me to keep using the name, but under certain conditions.  In the end, for a number of reasons, I felt it better to move away from their trademarked name.

I want to thank all the friends who helped me brainstorm on possible new dot com names.  Some of my favorites were Book, Fine and Stinker; Bookalooka (already taken); The Great Booksby (aka The Great Gatsby); Book Hooker (sorry Joan, this one was never really was in the running); Helen Says (already taken) and finally, because this site is my view of what’s good to read Helen’s Reads (thanks Bonnie!).

So, I invite everyone to sign up and tell me what you’re reading and loving, rate books that others have recommended, leave thoughtful comments, subscribe to my blog and above all… keep reading!

I hope it isn’t the word ‘review’.  Websters defines ‘a review’ as an essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or play).  This is not what is needed here.  There are so many other sources on the web for that type of information.  The book reviews for this site are meant to be short statements (pro or con) as if you were talking about a book with a friend.  “Give this book a chance.  After the first 100 pages, I swear you will be hooked.” is an example of a great book review.  Click the ‘Preview’ button to review and then click ‘Send’.  Don’t forget to return to ‘Browse Books’ to give your book a star rating (1to 5) after you submit.