The Next Best Book Club discussion

I don't usually post anything anywhere, but I would like some input from other prolific readers as my friends just believe I'm overthinking this. In full disclosure, I think I'm very much a mood reader and often have many books going at the same time for this reason.

I’ve been reflecting on something lately: how often do we dismiss a book as “not for us” when it might just be our mood at the time? I’ve had books I couldn’t connect with initially—only to revisit them later and fall in love. It makes me wonder: Is it the book, or is it me?

For those who review books, how do you handle this? Do you:

Re-read before judging? Some books reveal their depth on a second try.
Acknowledge your mood? I try to note if my reaction feels situational rather than a true critique of the book itself.
Separate subjective vs. objective flaws? Some critiques (like pacing or prose) feel more concrete, while others (tone preferences) are purely personal.
I aim to ground reviews in observable qualities (e.g., pacing, character development) rather than fleeting feelings, but it’s tricky. Maybe fairness means admitting when a book deserves another chance—or when our biases are at play.

Thoughts? How do you balance mood and objectivity in reviews?

P.S. If you’ve had a book you initially disliked but later adored, share it below! I’m collecting redemption tbrs.