I do give half star ⭐️ratings too, just depends how I feel the books falls in between the ratings!
*pinch screen to zoom in
I usually wouldn’t finish a book if it was 1 star but say maybe you are reading a book in a buddy read or book club or for a class and have to finish it lol
... Read moreYou know that feeling when you finish an amazing book, or one that just didn't click? Having a solid book rating scale is such a game-changer for me! It helps me make sense of my reading experiences, articulate my thoughts for reviews, and even helps me recommend books to friends more accurately. I've personally found a 1-5 star book rating scale to be the most intuitive for my reading journey.
My personal rating system, which I like to think of as my own 'reading rating scale chart,' isn't just about a number; it's about the whole experience. So, what defines each star and that crucial 'DNF' (Did Not Finish)?
5 Stars: AMAZING! This is reserved for books that absolutely blew me away. They're unforgettable, thought-provoking, beautifully written, and left a lasting impact. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m probably still thinking about it weeks later. These are the books I'll shout about from the rooftops and reread without hesitation.
4 Stars: I loved this book! It was fantastic, highly enjoyable, and I’d definitely recommend it. Maybe there was a tiny element that kept it from being a 5-star, or it didn't quite resonate with me on that deepest, most impactful level. Still, a truly excellent read!
3 Stars: This is a solid, good read. I enjoyed my time with it, but it might have had some minor flaws, felt a bit forgettable, or just didn't stand out from the crowd. It was a perfectly fine way to pass the time, and I don't regret reading it, but I probably won't be raving about it.
2 Stars: I struggled with this one. I didn't particularly enjoy it, but I powered through and finished it. Perhaps it had some redeeming qualities or an interesting premise that kept me going, but overall, it wasn't for me. It might be a book I finished out of obligation for a book club or if I was buddy reading.
1 Star: BADDDDDD. This book was a real miss. I actively disliked it, found it frustrating, poorly executed, or problematic. It’s rare for me to finish a book that falls into this category, but if I do, it’s usually because I had to for some external reason. Otherwise, this is often a candidate for DNF.
Speaking of DNF – sometimes a book just isn't working, and that's okay! My 'DNF' rating means I literally 'Did Not Finish' the book. This isn't a reflection of the book's quality necessarily, but more about my personal engagement with it. If I'm not connecting with the characters, finding the plot slow, or the writing style just isn't for me, I give myself permission to put it down. Life's too short to read books you're not enjoying!
Having a consistent 'how to rate something' system isn't just for books. The principles can apply to movies, games, or anything you want to critically evaluate. For books, it really helps me track my preferences over time and refine my taste. While I stick to a 1-5 star scale, I know some people prefer a 'book rating scale 1-10' for more granularity, or even a 'rating love scale' for more emotional connection to their reads. Whatever system you choose, the goal is to make your reading experience more meaningful and easier to share!
Love your ratings. I haven’t figured out how to rate. Just started really reading books this year. So I’m still a newbie