"I don't rate books because everyone has different tastes."
Ok, first off, I get that. Totally do. But I have a system for MYSELF that I like to use and explaining it will show you a glimpse into my why, so please don't get sassy (*ahem* random lady on Instagram that doesn't even follow me)!
First off, I used to only do star ratings - DNF/one through five. I've never given a one-star rating, but I have DNF'd a few. I've also probably given more five-star ratings than I should have because, at the beginning of this journey, I was just happy a book held my attention so, I would automatically give it five-stars. But as I've grown on my reading journey, I'm realizing the star-rating-only system isn't quite cutting it for me anymore since I'm trying to write more reviews and are participating in more ARC tours.
Here is my old rating system:
5⭐️ - This book is literally perfect to me. I will definitely re-read it. The story and the writing style had me enamored and emotional. Tears were probably shed, laughs were probably laughed, and I felt like I was a part of the story. Definitely recommend it to any and everyone.
4⭐️ - This book was almost perfect but there was just something about it - either a setting, character, or plot detail - that didn't do it for me. I still enjoyed it and will recommend but probably won't re-read it.
3⭐️ - I still mostly enjoyed this book but needed more. There may have been setting or plot discrepancies or the characters may have needed more development. I may or may not recommend based on the reader.
2⭐️ - I disliked most of this book. Either the writing style, characters, or plot had too many flaws for me to enjoy. I would definitely not recommend it.
1⭐️ - I will probably not give a book a 1 star, I'll probably just add it to my DNF pile and not even rate it. But for the off chance I push through, 1-star books mean I absolutely did not enjoy this book, at all, and will definitely not recommend it.
DNF - If I DNF a book, I have given it to at least 30-40% before giving up, but it just wasn't for me and I won't revisit it again.
I will now follow the CAWPILE review system that I've seen floating around.
Whoa, what is that, you ask?
Let me explain!
It's a more detailed, critical look at all of the pieces of each book. It's more than just "did I like it or did I not?" It stands for:
Characters
Atmosphere/Setting
Writing Style
Plot
Intrigue
Logic/Relationships
Enjoyment
Each is rated out of 10 then the total is divided by 7 giving you the final rating. If it scored 1.1-2.2, that’s one star; 2.3-4.5 is two stars; 4.6-6.9 is three stars; 7-8.9 is four stars; 9-10 is five stars. Credit for this system goes to Book Roast and I read about it on Book Riot first but I loved it so much, I needed to start using it.
Side note: I also try not to rate non-fiction and classics, so you won't see many of those rated or reviewed.
I'm tweaking mine to have more important-to-me categories weighted differently after liking what Susan Lynn Knits and Reads had to say. Here's what I look for in each category:
Characters (weighted x2)
Mostly, I'll look at the overall picture of the characters as a collective whole, but if I'm really trying to critically review, I'll rate each main character individually and then average the ratings. I'll be looking at whether or not they were memorable to me and if I was emotionally invested in their stories and personalities. I also need easy or not cheesy names (looking at you CoHo) so that's taken into consideration too. Let's break it down:
10 = No character/s is/are better; they are literal perfection
9 = I think of this crew often
8 = I need these people as friends
7 = Some of the characters are great; some of their traits are great
6 = Some of the characters are ok; some of their traits are ok
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = only 1-2 characters aren't horrible; this character only has 1-2 redeeming qualities
3 = I do not care about these/this character/s
2 = I hate these people
1 = These characters need to die (think Joffrey in GoT)
Atmosphere (weighted x1)
I like books where I feel like I'm a part of that world and the scenes are convincing/compelling. I'm also not one of those people who have movies playing in their mind while reading so if the book makes me visualize well, then that's bonus points.
10 = World was totally unique; not much is like it
9 = I need more books set here
8 = I really like this world
7 = It's pretty good
6 = Some aspects are cool
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = A few aspects are good
3 = Haven't I been here before?
2 = Boring!
1 = Horrible/Forgetful
Writing (weighted x1)
I love an author who writes beautifully, but the writing is more than just that for me. Some classics are written beautifully but I have no idea what is going on. Others aren't written beautifully but I just love the story. The writing needs to be easy to follow and enjoyable. The dialogue-to-narration ratio needs to be well-rounded and flow effortlessly. Lastly, would I read another book by this author? A perfect example of a 10 writing style for me is Taylor Jenkins Reid. I will read anything written by her because, not only are her books great, but her writing is beautiful as well. Another would be Meghan Quinn. Although her writing isn't as pretty as TJR's, I love her stories.
10 = Amazing! Nothing is better!
9 = Superb!
8 = Very good
7 = Liked it better than some
6 = Pretty good
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = Say what? I had to re-read parts or things were repetitive
3 = Needs edits
2 = I'm so confused!
1 = This person needs to go back to school
Plot (weighted x2)
It's really hard for me to figure out if I'm more of a character or plot-driven reader as I read and like both. I'm looking to see if the plot is paced well and not rushed or dragged on. I like to feel like the plot was worth reading and unique. I also love a plot that leaves me wanting more, in a good way. I'll ask myself if it was too complex, too bland, or just right?
10 = Amazing! Genius! Nothing like it!
9 = Unique in its own ways
8 = A little different than the typical book and enjoyable
7 = Not unique but still liked it
6 = I liked some of it
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = One part was good but the rest sucked
3 = too predictable
2 = confusing
1 = was there a plot?
Intrigue (weighted x1)
I love a book that holds my attention consistently and I don't want to put it down. I feel curious of the direction the story will take and to see what happens to the characters. Does it live up to the hype if there is any?
10 = I stayed up way too late reading this!
9 = I didn't want to put it down, but I had to
8 = I need to read more by this author/from this series!
7 = This will live rent-free in my head
6 = There were a few things I liked
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = I felt forced to pick it back up
3 = Boring!
2 = Could have definitely been shorter
1 = I regret reading this
Logic (weighted x2)
I've always been a very logical person, although I do have quite an imagination as well. I like a clear motive that makes sense and has no plot holes. I dislike when things are assumed and details are left out, but I also dislike when too much detail is given to add word count. I need every piece to fit together and will look at if the world-building was sufficient, overwhelming, or clear.
10 = Please let me live in this paradise!
9 = This would be a cool place to visit
8 = I understood everything
7 = Nothing was missing but meh
6 = A few details were missing
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = There were huge gaps
3 = Confused about most parts
2 = Important things never explained; I needed to assume
1 = was this in another language?
Enjoyment (weighted x3)
Since I'm not a professional reviewer/editor (yet!), I'm still going to rate and review books mostly based on their enjoyment level for me. Again, as said at the beginning of this post, this is my review scale for ME. I'm not some literary agent or writing critic. I need a consistent feeling of enjoyment throughout the story.
10 = This will be a re-read!
9 = Sad it was over
8 = Great read
7 = Glad to have read this because I liked it
6 = Glad to have read this because of hype (FOMO NoMo)
5 = I'm indifferent
4 = Meh
3 = Thank God it's over
2 = Why did I pick this up again?
1 = That was a waste of time!
How do the numbers and weighing work?
Since characters, plot, logic, and enjoyment are most important to me, I weighted those differently giving the former three double points and the latter triple points. I'm not a math person, but this makes sense to me.
Character Rating (x2) + Atmosphere Rating + Writing Rating + Plot Rating (x2) + Intrigue Rating + Logic Rating (x2) + Enjoyment Rating (x3) /12 = CAWPILE Rating
Let's take a look at One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid as an example.
Characters = 6
Atmosphere = 7
Writing = 10
Plot = 8
Intrigue = 6
Logic = 7
Enjoyment = 6
(6x2) + 7 + 10 + (8x2) + 6 + (7x2) + (6x3)
12 + 7 + 10 + 16 + 6 + 14 + 18 = 83
83/12 (weighted categories) = 6.92 CAWPILE Rating
Let's convert CAWPILE to Stars
0 to 1.1 1-star
1.2 to 2.2 1.5 stars
2.3 to 3.3 2-stars
3.4 to 4.4 2.5 stars
4.5 to 5.5 3 stars
5.6 to 6.6 3.5 stars
6.7 to 7.7 4-stars
7.8 to 8.8 4.5 stars
8.9 to 10 5 stars
For rating sites like Goodreads or StoryGraph, I'll always round if needed.
So, there you have it. Do you use any specific rating system?
Comments