Why 4 and not 5?

[Rushali, Head Mod]

Some would say, there's a very thin line between 4 stars and 5 stars and often it becomes difficult to rate a book you almost loved, 4 stars because you are debating whether it actually deserves 5 stars.
But others might contradict and say, there's a huge difference between a 4 star book and a 5 star one, that the ending and the characters could've been better, the title could've been more creative, and for some, the book that they would end up rereading and swooning over would be 5 stars.

So what's your take on this? Why 4, and not 5?
Let us know below!

[Rushali, Head Mod]

Tamara wrote: "In my case I know it's 5 stars for me when I am totally obsessing, and I can not stop to read it, even when I do I still spin films in my head about what I read. There are some books that make you ..."

I agree with you...this mostly happens to be the case.

[Rushali, Head Mod]

When I have to rate a book which I almost loved, I am usually stuck between 4 and 5. For me, the books with 5 star rating have to be perfect and the ones, which stick with me, the ones which I would absolutely recommend to almost everyone. 5 star reads for me, are the ones with fine writing style and unique plot.

4 star reads, on the other hand, are the ones I loved but weren't upto the mark, the ones which could've been better in terms of plot and narration, the occurrence of events in the book. Mostly, I like the plot but if it's repetitive, it's a 4 star read for me.

So when I rate a book 4 stars instead of 5, it's implies that if you are a fan of this genre, you should read this book and it has a good story which won't disappoint you, but it might not be for everyone.

[Fabitha]

It's a fine line for me too

I agree with both your sentiment, and I want to add that 5 stars are usually the books I reread, or plan to reread because they were so good I wouldn't mind already knowing the ending, that they are likely to teach me some more or suck me in nonetheless, or the characters were so good I can't bear to part ways from them and need the comfort of their company a little more (yeah, even the ones that broke my heart. Especially them.)

[Dreamer]

I don't know how to explain it. It's like... I give 4 with my mind, but 5 with my heart. I just know it when to put 5.

[Rushali, Head Mod]

Fabitha wrote: "It's a fine line for me too

I agree with both your sentiment, and I want to add that 5 stars are usually the books I reread, or plan to reread because they were so good I wouldn't mind already kno..."

Oh so relatable! The books that suck you in are definitely 5 stars for me. And the characters I loved!

[Rushali, Head Mod]

༺ Lady Night ༻ wrote: "I don't know how to explain it. It's like... I give 4 with my mind, but 5 with my heart. I just know it when to put 5."

This also seems to be right...we just know when it's 5 stars.

[Shawna]

It's really easy to distinguish between a 4 and a 5 star for me. If I wouldn't look someone in the face and say that the book was one of my favorite books, then it isn't worthy of 5 stars.

[Unknown]

4 not 5 because 5 is reserved for a book that gets everything right. Like not just plot, character and writing. It also has to get every details right, have impactful scenes, actually be memorable, also unique and fresh.

4 stars is for the books which get most of the stuff right but just didn’t have those extra details or maybe had a few flaws.

That being said, I sometimes give 5 stars just because it was special to me even if it had flaws.

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~]

5 stars are books that I will certainly reread if I can and I wasn't everyone to read. 4 stars are great books but not worth a second read for me. I actually mentally grate in increments of 0.25, so I have a whole range of ratings between 4 and 5. 😄