My Rating Scale
5 stars • ultra rare • reserved for the few books that will live on my bedside table forever
4.5 stars • rare • truly excellent, blew me away, unforgettable
4 stars • a definite keeper, highly recommended, totally gripping and very well done
3.5 stars • very good, probably a keeper, recommended, generally enjoyable/entertaining
3 stars • good, somewhat recommended, mostly well done, maybe a keeper
2.5 stars • okay, readable but with some weaknesses/concerns, less likely to keep
2 stars • mediocre, definite weaknesses/concerns, not satisfied, unlikely to keep
1.5 stars • rare • truly disliked, strong negative reaction, major problems
1 star • ultra rare • reserved for the few books that I find deeply repugnant and indefensible