How I Quickly Rate Books I Read
My basic rating system for books is on a five-star scale. I like to share quick reviews that encourage readers to pick up the books I genuinely loved. I won’t waste my time or yours talking about books I didn’t enjoy. I also choose not to write negative reviews, since each book is an author’s work of art. It might not be right for me, but it could be just right for someone else. Reading is subjective!
My 5-Star Rating System for Books Explained
The first star is given when I open a book and start reading it. I can’t rate a book I didn’t finish, so a one-star rating means I didn’t even make it to the end. I have no problem with the concept of DNF, meaning “did not finish.” If I don’t connect with the book or its characters, I won’t finish it. Occasionally, I may pick up a book, put it down, and then decide to try again later.
The second star indicates that I finished the book, but didn’t like it. I wouldn’t recommend it, and I wouldn’t reread it.
The third star means I finished the book and either felt neutral about it or generally liked it.
A four-star rating means I loved the book. I’ll talk about it, recommend it, and read more from this author. I will likely watch a tv show or movie based on the book.
A five-star rating means I adored the story. I won’t forget the book, and I’ll highly recommend it. I’ll definitely want a copy on my shelf to reread or share with friends. It may touch on poignant issues, feature lovable characters, or include a brave, formidable protagonist.
What I Love about Reading
I love books that feature neurodiverse characters, especially those who struggle with anxiety, as I relate to those characters. I enjoy reading about topics I don’t yet know much about. When an author captures my interest, I often find myself looking up information about a certain time period, war, or setting. One of the beauties of reading is how it expands your knowledge while also reminding you just how much there is still to learn.
I believe reading makes us better people. We learn empathy, gain knowledge, and connect with others near and far across the globe. Much like traveling, trying new foods, or immersing ourselves in an unfamiliar culture, reading introduces us to new worlds and experiences we might never have encountered otherwise. I love reading, and I hope to inspire others to pick up more books by sharing the ones I love.
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