Ever wondered what a 9 out of 10 really means here on Book Summary Insight? Here’s a breakdown of how I personally rate each book and what I take into consideration when assigning scores. This helps keep reviews honest, consistent, and transparent for the reader.
What I Consider When Rating
My ratings aren’t just gut reactions — I evaluate each book based on several key aspects:
1. Writing Style
Is the prose elegant, clear, and engaging? Does the author have a distinctive voice or use language creatively?
2. Plot and Structure
Is the storyline well-constructed and coherent? Are there plot holes, or does the pacing feel off?
3. Themes and Depth
Does the book tackle meaningful questions or ideas? Is there philosophical, emotional, or intellectual weight behind the narrative?
4. Character Development
Are the characters layered and believable? Do they grow over time, or remain flat and stereotypical?
5. Emotional Impact
Did the book make me feel something — joy, sorrow, awe, discomfort? A great book lingers in your mind.
6. Originality
Does the book offer a fresh perspective or unique voice? Or does it feel like a rehash of tropes we’ve seen too often?
The Review Scale (1 to 10)
| Score | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 10 | Masterpiece. Deeply moving, thought-provoking, unforgettable. A book I will revisit. |
| 9 | Excellent. Nearly flawless, compelling, and powerful. Just a hair away from perfect. |
| 8 | Very good. Strong and enjoyable with only minor issues. Highly recommended. |
| 7 | Solid. Worth reading, though not particularly groundbreaking or moving. |
| 6 | Decent. Some good moments, but uneven or lacking in key areas. |
| 5 | Average. Fine, but forgettable. Didn’t leave much of a mark. |
| 4 | Below average. Disappointing, with several flaws that hurt the experience. |
| 3 | Weak. Struggled to finish. Poor execution despite a possibly good idea. |
| 2 | Bad. Nearly unreadable or fundamentally broken. |
| 1 | Terrible. No redeeming qualities. Likely abandoned halfway through. |
I don’t rate books lightly. Even when I criticize, it comes from a place of respect for the craft. My goal is to help you discover books that are not only worth reading — but worth remembering.
📚 Happy reading,
Satie Hayrapetyan