Let’s talk about annotating and rating—the two things that helped me fall back in love with reading and get more intentional with how I engage with stories. This post isn’t just about writing in the margins or giving a book five stars. It’s about slowing down, noticing more, and understanding what kind of reader you really are.
How To Annotate Books: My 3-Level System
This definitely comes from my educator side, but it’s also just how I love to engage with a text now. I teach this to my students, and it’s helped me read slower and more intentionally in my own reading life. Here are the three levels I focus on:
1. Plot Summary Reads (aka The Vibe Check)
This is the surface-level read—the gasps, the drama, the cliffhangers. I’m reacting in real time here. I jot things in the margin like “LOL,” “PERIODT,” or just underline the line that made me scream. It’s fun, chaotic, and very me.
2. Real Life Implications Reads
This is where I start thinking about what the author might be trying to say about the real world. What themes are showing up? How does this relate to identity, grief, community, healing? How do I personally relate to it? This is where my highlighters come out and I write little reflections in the margins.
3. Author’s Craft / Literary Device Reads
This is my nerdy girl era. I pay attention to imagery, foreshadowing, tone shifts, and how the author is using language to shape the story. If I see storm clouds or symbolism, I’m writing it down. This is the layer where I feel like I’m reading as both a writer and a teacher.
Some books I annotate heavily in all three ways. Some just get the vibe check treatment. It depends on my mood and the book. But I love having a flexible system that helps me get more out of what I read.
I talk more about this system in my reader journey post. Check it out if you’re interested in how this all ties into my reader journey.
Also—let’s talk tools. I use fine point 0.5 pens because they’re perfect for writing in the margins without smearing or crowding the page. I color match the pen and highlighter I use to the book cover because I like things to look cute and cohesive (if I’m going to annotate books, I’m going to enjoy it). You can check out the exact pens and highlighters I use on my Amazon storefront.
I don’t annotate every book—but when I do, it makes the reading experience so much more engaging. Some readers also use a tab system where they color-code sections like spice, imagery, romance, or deep quotes. I don’t tab right now, but I want to start! It seems like a great way to add another layer of insight to what I’m already jotting down.
How I Rate Books: The Nerdy Babe Scale
I used to rate books purely on vibes. Now, I think about what truly makes a book a 5-star read for me. Here’s my personal rating system:
🌟 5 Stars: It changed me.
- I was emotionally invested from start to finish
- There were high stakes or intense emotional themes
- The pacing kept me hooked
- I connected deeply with the characters or writing
- Left me feeling wrecked, healed, or inspired
Examples: Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan, The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross, Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber, This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
⭐️ 4 Stars: Loved it, but something was missing.
- Maybe the pacing lagged
- Maybe the stakes weren’t quite high enough
- Still an emotional read, but not unforgettable
Examples: The Fine Print by Lauren Asher, One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, From Blood and Ash (3.5 rounded up) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
✨ 3 Stars: Enjoyable, but not memorable.
- Good enough to finish
- I didn’t fully connect emotionally
- Might have dragged or felt a little flat
Examples: Behind the Scenes by Christina C. Jones, A Cursed Kiss by Jenny Hickman, Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
📉 2 Stars or Lower: Not for me.
- The pacing was slow or chaotic
- I didn’t care about the characters or plot
- No emotional connection
Examples: Quicksilver by Callie Hart, The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty, Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon, Lightlark by Alex Aster
If you’re interested in reading more and deepening your reading journey check out my post, Read More 2025.
Do I DNF Books?
Rarely! My high school self would power through anything. But I’m learning to let go when something isn’t feeding me. Sometimes I’ll pause and come back. Other times, I’ll just move on. And that’s okay.
Annotating and rating aren’t just about organizing my thoughts—they’re how I connect with books on a deeper level. They’ve helped me become a more intentional, thoughtful, and fulfilled reader.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, annotating and rating books isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about being in conversation with the story, asking questions, reacting honestly, and capturing the little moments that hit you in the gut or make you giggle.
Whether you’re a chaotic scribbler, a color-coded tab queen, or someone just starting out, your way of engaging with books is valid. And more importantly, it’s yours.
So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by how to annotate books or unsure about what rating something deserves, let this be your reminder: there’s no one right way to read.
There’s only the way that helps you feel more connected—to the story, and to yourself.
✨ Don’t Miss a Thing! ✨
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Want more? Everything I mentioned — plus links to my favorite tools, routines, and Amazon faves — lives here on my Shop Page!
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