My Rating System (Inspiration Provided by Jane Austen & Pepper Basham)

I know, I know, this post is long overdue. I have finally decided to add a rating to my reviews here on the blog. I was waiting for a pure stroke of genius to explain how my brain works when rating a book. And a couple days ago...I had an "Apostrophe...Lightning just struck my brain!" 

Last year I pretty much gave EVERYTHING I read 5 stars, because I was so excited to be reading books I enjoyed and LOVED them all. This year, I am taking a more pragmatic view on book rating. Most books this year have earned 4 stars with a few 5 stars in there. I have to credit my dear friend Abi with helping me decide on which quotes to use! Now, without further ado:

While it is highly unlikely that I will use this rating very often...It is necessary to include it. I will be saving one star ratings for the books that I absolutely can not finish. Those that produce the feeling of utter dread when I go and pick up the book.  

Again, I do not anticipate using a two star rating very often. I have become much better at picking out the type of books that I know I will enjoy. This level of rating will be reserved for the books that I find tolerable, but did not truly enjoy.

The three star rating is very daunting for me. It does not love, does not despise. This is reserved for books that I look upon with pleasure, but do not produce the feelings of complete adoration. However the books that find themselves with three stars, I will most likely not read again.

A four star rating is for the books that I loved! The ones I will probably read again. The ones that I will talk about and recommend. But don't QUITE make my top reads list.

And last of all, a five star review is for the books that I can not live without. These make it to my top favorite books list. I will heartily recommend these books to anyone who will listen. These books become a part of me and will be revisited time and time again. 

Amendments:

5½.
Having JUST finished reading (July 2017) A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White, I HAD to add a half star rating. 

"Fiction is truth...in a pretty wrapping."

6.
I recently read (October 2016) The Thorn Keeper by Pepper Basham (read my review HERE). This book touched such a special place in my heart that it quite literally begged for it's own rating. So naturally, I had to comply. I wish I had a movie clip to go along with this one, I suppose we will just have to wait for the movie to be made hehe!   

★★★★★★

The books that earn a six star rating on my blog are the ones that go beyond an excellent story and beautiful writing. These are the books that touch the very depths of my soul. The ones that reached into my chest, grabbed my heart...and won't let go. 

A six star book can be found on my forever shelf.

I hope this post was not only entertaining, but helpful information for my future reviews. I understand how much time, work and love authors put into each book I read. And I strive to be encouraging while remaining honest in my reviews.

All opinions expressed are mine alone. Quotes found in the 1995 and 2005 versions of Pride & Prejudice.

All videos embeded from YouTube.