Before diving into any book reviews, I’d like to clarify that the rating scale I use is entirely personal, based on my own experiences and preferences. I evaluate both fiction and nonfiction separately, and I do not use half stars—each book is rated with a full star only.
Nonfiction Book Rating Scale
5 Stars
For a nonfiction book to earn 5 stars, particularly if it is Christian-based, it must be theologically sound, aligning closely with my beliefs. The book should deeply move and convict me, leaving me with a desire to explore the topic further. This is a book that I would not hesitate to recommend to family, friends, or anyone seeking to learn more about the subject.
4 Stars
A 4-star nonfiction book has moments of inspiration or conviction, but there may be areas where I have doubts or questions. While I might not fully agree with every point made, it’s still a book I would recommend to others, as it offers value and insight.
3 Stars
A 3-star rating indicates that the book contained some encouraging or thought-provoking moments, but overall, it didn’t resonate deeply with me. I may have disagreed with some of the content or struggled with the author’s writing style. I would only recommend it to specific individuals who might find it helpful.
2 Stars
A 2-star rating means that I did not enjoy the book overall. While it might have had a few valuable insights, I likely disagreed with much of the content or found the writing style difficult to follow. If the book lacks theological soundness or practical value, I would not recommend it and will generally avoid writing a full review unless specifically requested.
1 Star
A 1-star rating is reserved for books I did not finish (DNF). I generally won’t write a review for these books, but if you’d like to know why I didn’t finish it, feel free to reach out to me directly.
Fiction Book Rating Scale
5 Stars
A 5-star fiction book is one that aligns with my values, often featuring uplifting or faith-based themes. It should be free from inappropriate content and offer a compelling, enjoyable reading experience. This is a book I would wholeheartedly recommend to others.
4 Stars
A 4-star fiction book may or may not have a faith-based focus but still offers a solid, engaging story without any inappropriate content. It’s an enjoyable read, but perhaps not the absolute best. Still, I would likely recommend it to others.
3 Stars
A 3-star fiction book is typically one without a faith-based storyline, but it may still offer some redeeming qualities. It could lack a strong plot or engaging characters, and there may be elements that detract from the overall experience. There’s little to no inappropriate content, but I might not recommend it to everyone.
2 Stars
A 2-star fiction book generally has no faith-based elements and does not appeal to me in terms of plot, character development, or writing style. It might contain flat characters, poor writing, or fail to engage me in any meaningful way. This is not a book I would recommend, and I will typically refrain from writing a review unless specifically asked.
1 Star
A 1-star fiction book is one that I did not finish (DNF). In these cases, I usually find issues like inappropriate content, poor writing, or a weak plot that makes it impossible for me to continue. I do not write reviews for these books, but if you’d like more details, I’m happy to share my personal thoughts to help you make an informed decision.
Final Thoughts
This rating scale is a reflection of my personal preferences and values, and I hope it provides insight into how I approach book reviews. While I aim to be as objective as possible, my ratings are always influenced by my own experiences and beliefs. If you have any questions or would like to discuss a book further, I welcome you to reach out to me here!
If you’re interested in exploring more of the books I’ve read, feel free to check out my Goodreads profile here.