5 - transcendent, genre defining or defying. i used to give more 5s but i’m down to 2-4/year (out of 40-50 books read). Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake, Tinkers by Paul Harding, Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy, The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco. Books i will reread multiple times. Will recommend to anyone. 4 - amazing books, worth a reread. Seriously enjoyed but not as unique or masterful as 5. Will recommend frequently. 3 - enjoyed it. probably won’t reread. Will recommend if matches a prompt well. 2 - meh. probably won’t recommend. 1 - DNF.