I have a confession. I'm notoriously stingy with my five-star ratings. 😂

In 2024, I read over 200 books, and only 5% earned five stars. In 2025, I read over 300 books, and that number barely budged to 6%. So when I give a book five stars, I REALLY mean it. But here's what I've been thinking about lately, not all five-star books are created equal.

Some books earn five stars because I physically cannot put them down. I'm neglecting responsibilities, staying up until an ungodly hour, and thinking about the story every second I'm not reading it. Golden Son by Pierce Brown is a perfect example. That book had me in an absolute CHOKEHOLD.

Others fundamentally alter my brain chemistry. They challenge how I think, change my perspective, or leave me sitting in silence trying to process what I just experienced. Once an Eagle by Anton Myrer is one of those books. I genuinely don't think I'll ever be the same after reading it.

Then there are books where the writing itself is the magic. The kind of prose that makes you stop and reread a passage because you can't believe someone managed to string those words together so beautifully. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien immediately comes to mind.

But you know what else? Sometimes a book is five stars purely because of the VIBES AND THAT'S OKAY. 👏

Maybe the plot wasn't particularly groundbreaking. Maybe the characters weren't exceptionally complex. Maybe you could predict every single twist, but you had the BEST time reading it. It delivered exactly what you needed at exactly the right moment, and you closed that book feeling ridiculously happy. Why shouldn't that be worth five stars?

I know some readers use structured rating systems like CAWPILE, which evaluates seven elements: characters, atmosphere, writing, plot, intrigue, logic, and enjoyment. I can absolutely appreciate the appeal of having a consistent way to evaluate books, but I've never used it...not because I don't care about those elements. I absolutely do! I'm constantly thinking about character development, pacing, worldbuilding, prose, and whether a story actually delivers on its premise.

I just don't believe every book needs to excel in every category to earn five stars. A literary masterpiece and a ridiculously entertaining popcorn thriller can BOTH be five-star reads, even if they earn those stars for completely different reasons.

I think that's where book ratings get really interesting. Are we rating a book's technical execution, our personal enjoyment, or some combination of the two?

For me, it's a combination, but the balance changes depending on the book. I can recognize that a book is exceptionally well-written and still not connect with it. I can also recognize a book's flaws and love every single second of reading it.

Sometimes the difference between four and five stars isn't something I can neatly explain. It's just that little extra SOMETHING that makes a book unforgettable, which is probably why I'm so stingy with my ratings. A four-star book can be fantastic, but a five-star book has to give me something more, even if that something is just a feeling.

The best part? Your five stars don't have to look anything like mine. That's what makes discussing books so much fun.

💬 Let's talk about YOUR rating system!

Are you a vibes-based reader, a meticulous ratings person, or somewhere in between? Do you use CAWPILE or another system? Most importantly, what's a book you gave five stars to, and what made it earn that rating?

I'm especially curious whether you're generous with your five stars or as stingy as I am. 😂🖤