An Argument Against the 5-Star Book Rating System
By Diana Tramontano
My take on the long-standing debate of rating books is…go deeper than 1-5 stars!
I now stand firm in this belief, even though I used to contribute to the 5-star system as a reader and a reviewer. I liked being able to absorb information quickly by glancing at a rating, or briefly summarize my thoughts about a book.
Ultimately, I came to realize that I was doing more harm than good.
Authors spend their time, energy, and emotions creating a story for us all to enjoy. The least we can do is return the favor with thoughtful reflections and conversations, instead of reducing their art into a simple rating. The beauty of taking the time to review a book is in the freedom to express how we feel about it. In this pursuit, we build community and support authors. But a superficial rating limits our thought process and discourages the conversations among readers that are so vital to the life of a book.
Books are so deeply personal that it’s almost impossible to say one is objectively bad.
You might not enjoy a particular book, but that doesn’t mean your friend won’t either. We all have our own reasons for reading and seeking out stories, whether it’s for entertainment, guidance, or an escape. These quick-hit ratings often reflect how we felt in one isolated moment. But our opinions change over time. Maybe one element of a book that you didn’t initially like or understand takes on new meaning as you have new experiences.
No matter the genre, books are meant to make us feel something and allow us to experience new ideas and stories. There’s a power in books to spark something special in both authors and readers. We can criticize the writing or maybe dislike plots or character development, but if you’re like me, you can find at least one thing that resonates with you in every book you read.
After working with authors and seeing the dedication and heart it takes to bring a book into the world, I’ve learned to take a step back and appreciate that singular achievement. Instead of labeling books in the categories of “good” or “bad,” let’s try instead to get them to the right readers. If you’re a book lover, keep talking and never stop reading. If you encounter a story you don’t like, get to know the author and think of someone who might feel differently. It’s just as important to support a book you don’t love as it is to rave about one you do.
I hope you take a moment to reflect on all the amazing books and authors you’ve encountered in your life. I encourage you to remember all the wild journeys, emotions, tears, and laughs that your favorite books have given you. And next time you decide to rate a book, think twice about it, and start a conversation instead!
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Diana Tramontano is a graduate of The College of William & Mary, where she competed on the Division 1 swim team, and the post-grad publishing course at Columbia University. She is a consulting editor for Zibby Mag and the associate publicist at Zibby Books. She lives in New York City. Follow her Instagram account for more book reviews and recommendations: @99livesofabookgirl
