I consider a number of factors when it comes to rating a book that I’ve read. I think about the characters and their development, the progression of the plot, the author’s success (or lack thereof) in discussing or challenging certain themes, and much more. Over the past couple of years, I’ve tried to be more critical in my reading and to not hand out 5-star ratings to every book that merely keeps me entertained. However, I sometimes get an inkling when I read the synopsis of and reviews on a book that I am going to thoroughly enjoy it and thus give it 5 stars. This does not happen often but I always find it interesting how my gut instantly knows that I’ll love a book before I have even opened it. Here are a few books that I feel I will be giving 5-star ratings!