How I Rate The Books I Read

A simple rating scale

On average, I read 20 books every year — more than some people I know but way less than my friend Giorgia, who reads about 100. (The TV is usually off in Giorgia’s house).

How do I rate what I read? Because I mostly read nonfiction, I judge books based on the ideas they present and how those ideas affect me.

This is the scale I use:

1 Star: The book didn’t inspire me at all. None of my beliefs were challenged. I learned nothing so I can’t apply anything from it. Reading it or not reading it doesn’t make any difference. Waste of time.

2 Stars: The book reminded me of things I already knew, some of which I know well but keep forgetting. Nothing new in the book really. But I don’t mind having read it.

3 Stars: Good book. It gave me some new ideas and perspectives. Now I see a problem, a concept, or an idea in a new way. I may or may not take action to implement what I learned. Either way, I’m glad I read this.

4 Stars: Really good book. I learned many things I didn’t know! Wow! Completely new ideas and insights. I will definitely experiment with what I learned.

5 Stars: This book changed me and my life completely. Now I think and act differently. I’m a better person. I’ve evolved. And I will keep talking about what I read for many years to come.

Of course these are general criteria that might not apply to every single book I read.

But they help me reflect on what and how much I learned.