I was looking at some of my old reviews and got to wondering: What made me give a book 4 stars instead of 5? Or, what made me give it 5 stars instead of 4? Some of the books I gave 4 stars were books I LOVE, so why not 5?
- Characters: I might LOVE a plot, but struggle with a character. Either that person is a douchecanoe, a whiny brat, or otherwise annoying AF. Even if the character is redeemed by the end of the story, I tend to still hold a grudge.
Example: Matt from Hard Sell by Lauren Layne. He said some really ignorant things to Sabrina and it just pissed me off!
- Unnecessarily long: If I find myself skimming, or at the end I think “Well, that was 200 pages too long”, I usually give it 4 stars instead of 5. I don’t know if an author feels like they have to have 400 pages in a book or if they just think that giving us every detail of that character’s thoughts is crucial to the story.
Example: Pretty much any Kristen Ashley book. I almost ALWAYS find them way too long and filled with drivel.
- Angsty AF: I just do not love the angst. I hate the pining, the lack of communication, the drama llama crap that just serves to make you emotional. I want a book with a plot that is gripping on its own, not one that relies on melodrama like a daytime soap opera.
Example: From Here to You by Jamie McGuire. Ugh the angst. Overall, it was a good book-the fire, the crazy government place he worked for. But the angst…ugh.
- Abrupt ending: I like a book to feel finished! I like when all the details are wrapped up, everyone is happy, and if I get an epilogue I am in heaven. Books that have a ton of build up but the actual end is quick and dirty is a major let down and I feel cheated. Also, I find that if there is no epilogue, I am not as likely to give a book 5 stars. I know this is just a me thing, but in looking back at my ratings, it is totally a trend for me!
Example: Rescuing Sadie from Susan Stoker. I think this one did have an epilogue (I can’t remember) but I did note that the ending was a tad abrupt compared to the build up. Also, I think this was partly due to the crossover nature of the book, but my thoughts still stand!
So, those are 4 of my reasons I rate a book 4 instead of 5! What makes you lower your rating on a book you loved? Share with me in the comments!
My reasons are mostly the same as yours. I don’t like pointless angst or books that feel too long (or too short). I give a book 4 stars if I get bored with bits of it. A 5-star book keeps me engaged the whole way through.
Difficult to pin it on one reason. It’s something “missing” that makes for a great read but not an exceptional one. I do tend to give 5 stars to books who have gutted me or really moved me deeply.
Great post, Sam. My reasons for the two grades are listed here in your post. Mostly 1, 2, and 4. I don’t mind the angst, if it’s done right.
Yeah, the angst thing is just a ‘me’ problem. I think because I teach HS, I have had my limit of angst daily!
I have definitely deducted stars for unsatisfying endings. I am an ending-ho. I require a lot of closure, and am often found complaining about endings. I don’t like the high angst books either. I will never give 5-stars if there is too much angst.
I feel the same why you do in your opinions on 4 and 5 stars. Great post.
My biggest reason is a five star read is the type of book that I loved everything about, will be re reading it in the future and a four star read is a book I enjoyed quite a bit but either didn’t captivate my attention 100% or I had issue with one of the characters.
A 4 star is a book I enjoyed a five is a book I will reread. A 3 is a good read but I will probably forget the deets.