@PiperMcDermot These star thingies are dreadfully important - but only in the WP universe.
People read your book. This is good. If they like what they read they push the little star button. It's an 'I like it' expression. A lot of people leave it at that. For me the main relevance of WP is the feedback - of engaging with fellow wordies all over the world. And not only is it enjoyable, it's also useful. So I tend to read what I like and I hope that what I have to offer in my own book is attractive enough for others to want to read. Does not always work that way.
Now, the real challenge on WP - is to find readers! Yes, following people is a good idea and some, like myself, might even come and have a luck. But ultimately you need to be visible. And you only get visible via reads, comments - and little stars. There are quite a few books on WP and @KatherineArlene who I see you also followed has written a really good one.
And once you have readers in your books - you need to keep them there. That's even more challenging.... Hope this helps a bit!