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The Ann-otated Books Grading


It’s time, everyone! I have officially changed and solidified (for now) my book rating system. I get a lot of questions about why I score so many books as 4 and 5 stars. The reason? I tend to DNF books I would rate lower unless I have promised to review them, and round up from any half ratings on GoodReads and Amazon specifically. If I’d score a book a 1 or 2, I may leave a review but without the stars.

This is for the author’s sake. As someone who dabbled in creative writing, writing a full novel is a HARD endeavor. Books are so wonderfully subjective that I would not want to drag a new author's average rating because it personally was not my cup of tea.


Having said that, most books I commit to reading are generally books in genres or with premises I think I will enjoy. I’m picky about this because I want an engaging read so I can support that author.


Without further ado, here is the new Ann-otated Books grading scale. Below are ten categories with ten possible points each. The points are summed and the results give me a letter grade. The letter grade equates to stars. Got it?


Category 1: Characters

  • Do I like the main characters?

  • If they are intentionally unlikeable, am I rooting for them anyway?

  • Do I like the voice the author uses for them?

  • Do I appreciate their perspective?

  • Do they develop?

  • Is the cast of characters diverse?

  • Are they relatable on some level?

Category 2: Premise & Originality

  • Was this a unique, cool idea for a story?

  • If it was a familiar premise, was there something new and exciting?

  • I need something different that will stick with me to give this a 10.

Category 3: Plot & Execution of Premise

  • Did the author pull the premise off?

  • Was the author too ambitious?

  • Did the author play it too safe?

  • Was there enough focus on the cool premise or did it end up being something in the background?

Category 4: Writing Style

  • Can this person write coherently?

  • Was I highlighting sentences thinking “Wow, so profound!”

  • Was I rolling my eyes at all the dialogue?

  • Were there more ellipses than words?

  • Was there a lot more telling than showing?

Category 5: Pacing

  • Did the story move at an appropriate pace? I tend to like a faster-paced book so keep that in mind when checking my ratings out.

  • Pacing points get docked in my book when the author takes unnecessary detours in the plot.

  • Did the author give unnecessary exposition that slowed the book down?

Category 6: Enjoyable

  • Did I LIKE reading this?

  • Did I feel like I was dragging myself through it?

  • Even if it was dark, did it still keep me captivated?

  • Note- I read a lot of horror books and psychological thrillers, so what I enjoy is subjective!

Category 7: Unputdownable

  • For me, not wanting to put a book down is the ultimate best quality.

  • Was I avoiding responsibilities to read this book?

  • Did I finish it in one sitting or did it take me a few weeks?

Category 8: Ending

  • Was everything wrapped up?

  • Any cool twists?

  • Was it too ambiguous or just ambiguous enough to enjoy?

  • Was the falling action after the climax an appropriate length? Way too long?

Category 9: Memorable

  • Will I remember this book?

  • Did it leave an emotional impact on me?

  • Is it already blending in with other recent reads?

Category 10: Stakes

  • Were there noticeable stakes here? Even if they were emotional instead of world-ending or saving?

  • Was there some YEARNING in this?

  • Were the characters fighting for something?

Bonus points: Obviously, some elements may help a book out so much they are worth bonus points. This could be a great use of a trope, being exceptionally swoon-worthy, being universally likable, and more

We use the following grading scale here at Ann-otated Books



Ann-otated Books Grading Scale

97-100: A+

93-96: A

90-92: A-

All A’s receive 5 stars on review sites.


87-89: B+

83-86: B

80-82: B-

All B’s receive 4 stars on review sites.


77-79: C+

73-76: C

70-72: C-

All C’s receive 3 stars on review sites.


67-69: D+

63-66: D

60-62: D-

ALL D’S receive 2 stars on review sites, or a review without any stars.


59 and below: F

Most likely, I would not finish a book like this, but if I did any F would receive 1 star on review sites or a review without any star. On StoryGraph, I will likely use the ability to score with decimals to show plusses and minuses (one of many reasons we love StoryGraph. I'm still a GoodReads girlie but StoryGraph is AMAZING!)

Things are always subject to change in the book world. Now you will have a better idea of what to expect from Ann-otated Books and our reviews!


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