How I Rate Books on Goodreads
Tags: Self Improvement, Books, Goodreads, Books And Authors, Reading

How I Rate Books on Goodreads

Do you have a way to rate books? Are you an avid reader who likes to judge book impartially? Do you follow an internal check list to star books you read?

I do.

In this short post, I share my steps for rating fiction and non-fiction.

This is the process I follow on Goodreads and Amazon as well.

5 Stars:

If I loved the concept and was completely engrossed by the narrative- I will star a non fiction book 5 stars.

Usually, they have multiple points that blew my mind or I jotted down to implement. Sometimes, and these are the best, that I add to a special list to revisit every few years.

If it a fiction, then the plot usually has me poring over it trying to finish before life interrupts. (Aka a voice that shouts Mommy!) I am usually sorry that the story ended and I have to part from the drama that unfolded, and occasionally, the characters are so strong, they stay in my cerebrum for a day or two. (And then of course, cranial blazes aka the kids again take over!)

In either case, these are the books I can’t stop raving about and recommending to all and sundry. And hence, 5 stars.

4 Stars:

So, these are stories that are compelling but not masterpieces. They might want a little in the narrative and there are definitely some portions I skim.

Fiction or non fiction, certain points are either not delved in enough detail or repeated once too often. Think the original premise being stretched for too many pages or the addition of one too many cliches, depending on the genre. Sometimes, it can be an annoying character or phrase that has popped up too many times. In that case, 4 stars it is.

3 Stars:

These are the books that are good but not worth consuming devotedly, with rapt attention. These are the books that will deliver value but without the focused concentration or emotional connection that a 4 starrer or 5 starrer requires.

In short, these are the microwaveable goodies that you pick off the shelves, great to eat, quick to make, don’t require much prep or effort- they are even healthy but definitely nothing like the made from scratch goodies or good ol’ momma recipes. And they should definitely not be considered for long term, all time consumption.

2 Star and 1 Star:

I never give those out.

I simply stop reading and move to my next reading.

I have a genuine reason.

If I am about to rate a book less than 3 stars, it means one of two things:

the author wrote it for a demographic that does not include me. So, why bother? I have far more books to read on my TBR list than time. Hence, I promptly move on to a book that serves me better.

to a book that serves me better. I am not ready for the book. I will be honest. There have been many books I read before I had the empathy, education, experience and sometimes, all three to fully understand and appreciate the book. Thankfully, I had the good sense to not only leave those books when I began initially but also to retry those books at a later point. (A lesson instilled by my mother dearest for which I remain eternally grateful) It is also the reason why I faithfully quit books I do not enjoy. (See point above)

To sum up, this is how I rate books-

Wonderful , can’t stop sharing about it means 5 stars

, can’t stop sharing about it means 5 stars Great but not unforgettable means 4 stars

but not unforgettable means 4 stars Good but have read better means 3 stars

but have read better means 3 stars Nah, means stop reading and maybe come back later.

How do you rate books? Do you give out 1 or 2 stars?

Let me know!