Rating books are a very personal way of saying how much you like a book. The way a person rates one book can be vastly different from another. Even two of the same star ratings can mean something different to those who rated.

As readers, we use the five star rating system a lot. Especially if one uses Goodreads. It’s not an ideal system, but one we make do with.

I saw several people on bookstagram and other places explain their rating system so I thought I’d give it a try!

Five Star Reads

Five star reads are books that I have absolutely loved. While reading them, I would forget everything around me. I would be completely immersed in the book, laughing and commenting and crying at what’s happening. It’s a book that I am so eager to read, that I would take it out in the little pauses between slideshows during a class, because I literally can’t wait to read more. These books are ones I can read for hours on end and not feel it. Books that stay with me for a long time after.

Such amazing books are:

• Warcross by Marie Lu
• A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
• Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
• Save the Date by Morgan Matson
• Alex, Approximately by Jenn Bennett

These are phenomenal books that you must (if you haven’t already) read!

Four Star Reads

Four star reads are books that I have fairly enjoyed. There were many aspect of it that I loved, but there was just something lacking for me. Something that didn’t allow me to enjoy it and be completely in the book, like a five star read. These could have easily been five star read, some maybe even were that I changed later on as I thought about it (I usually rate right after I finished a book and sometimes they’re off). For these books, I have the ability to put them down. I’m not as eager to keep reading. Sometimes it’s not the book’s fault, but rather just my own life interfering with my enjoyment. They’re still great books, and I would often continue if it’s part of a series.

Such books are:

• The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West
• A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
• Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
• Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson
• The Emerald Sea by Richelle Mead

These are still great books that you must (if you haven’t already) read!

Three Star Reads

Three star reads can be described using one word: meh. They are meh. I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I felt like I didn’t care for most of the book. I wasn’t as invested. Sometimes my expectations are too high coming in and it doesn’t live up to it. There would be some parts that I did enjoy and so it’s a three star. I would debate continuing if it’s a series.

Such books are:

• Ever the Hunted by Erin Summerill
• Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
• Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Sohl
• The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman
• The Moon and More by Sarah Dessan

Two Star Reads

I did not like this book. There might have been a few things that saved it, but for the most part, I could not wait for it to be over.

Such books are:

• Mirage by Somaiya Daud
• Unite Me by Tahereh Mafi
• Lord of the Flies by William Golding

One Star Reads

I absolutely hated these books. I could not stand them. The only reason I continued it because I’m that stubborn or it’s for school. It also might be that there’s something I absolutely hate in these books, or they’re problematic. Those are defiantly DNF worthy.

Such books are:

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• 99 Days by Katie Cotungo

So that’s how I rate books! What about you? Let’s talk in the comments!

Thank you for reading and see you next time ❤