How I rate books!

 Let's talk about rating systems.

This doesn't actually cover how I rate books.

6 stars:

"This is a six-star read for me—one of those rare and unforgettable books that stays with me long after I’ve turned the final page. It’s the kind of story that lingers in my mind, echoing in my thoughts and emotions. Books like this don’t just entertain—they leave an imprint that’s hard to shake, whether it’s a deep, enduring scar or the rhythm of a beating heart that continues to pulse long after the story ends. These are the kinds of stories that I can’t help but return to, time and again, because there’s something about them that resonates so deeply within me. I often find myself revisiting certain scenes or moments, even when I’m not actively reading. As a result, I end up collecting these books in every format—hardcover, paperback, digital—because I just can’t get enough of them. It’s more than just the story; it’s the emotional connection, the way it changes me, that compels me to keep these books close."

5 stars:

"Five-star reads hold a special place, almost on the same level as my six-star favorites, though there’s a subtle difference between the two. With five-star books, I find that I can separate my emotions from the story a bit more easily, even though they still manage to leave a mark. The characters tend to linger in my thoughts, but not as strongly or as frequently as those in a six-star book. They come to mind occasionally, in quiet moments, like old friends who pop into my head now and then but don’t demand my attention. Even so, these books are ones I’m deeply fond of, and I often end up purchasing them in every available format. It’s a way of keeping them close, even if I don’t feel the same intense connection as I do with my six-star reads. There’s something about them that sticks with me, enough to make me want to preserve them in various forms, just in case I want to revisit them down the line."

4 stars:

"A four-star read is the kind of book that I would describe as a solid and enjoyable experience. It’s the type of story that brings me a sense of satisfaction and happiness while I’m immersed in it, with characters or moments that resonate and leave me with a pleasant aftertaste. It’s definitely the kind of book I’d feel comfortable recommending to others, knowing they’d likely enjoy it too. However, despite all its merits, it’s not the kind of book that calls me back for a second or third read. While I may remember parts of it fondly, I don’t feel the need to revisit it repeatedly. I might even consider buying it in paperback, especially if it’s something I’d like to have on hand, but that decision tends to depend on how much it sticks with me once the final page is turned. Ultimately, it’s a book I’m happy to have read, but not one that lingers deeply in my thoughts."

3 stars:

"A three-star read, to me, falls into that middle ground—it’s good, but just that. It holds my attention enough to see it through to the end, and I may even appreciate certain aspects, like the writing style or a character or two. But it doesn’t stir anything deeper in me. It’s not the kind of book I’ll find myself thinking about days later or recommending enthusiastically. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it—it simply lacks that spark that makes a story linger in the heart or mind. I might remember reading it, but not much more than that."

2 stars:

A two-star read is a book that, while not entirely disappointing, fails to live up to any real expectations. It’s one that I may have started with hope or curiosity, only to find myself struggling to connect with the story or characters. It’s not necessarily awful, but it lacks that spark of creativity or depth that makes a book memorable. The plot might feel predictable or underdeveloped, and the characters often fail to evoke any strong emotions—whether positive or negative. I may finish the book, but by the end, I’m left feeling indifferent, without any desire to revisit it or even really reflect on it. It’s the kind of book that fades quickly from my mind once it’s done, and while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, I can see how it might appeal to someone with different tastes.

1 star: 

A one-star read is a book that, unfortunately, falls far short of my expectations in almost every way. From the very first few pages, I can tell it’s not going to be a good fit—whether it’s the writing style, the plot, or the characters, something just doesn’t click. As I push through, I find myself disengaged, frustrated, or even bored, questioning why I’m continuing. It’s the kind of book that feels like a chore rather than a pleasurable escape, with flat characters, an incoherent plot, or poor pacing that only adds to the disappointment. By the end, I often feel a sense of relief rather than satisfaction, knowing that I’ve finished something I truly didn’t enjoy. A one-star read is rarely a book I’d recommend to anyone, and it’s one I won’t be thinking about once it’s over. It simply doesn’t leave a positive or lasting impression.