Minnie's Fiction Addiction

In the age of Goodreads, Amazon, and endless book blogs, star ratings have become a go-to shorthand for readers to share their opinions. But somewhere along the way, the meaning of those stars has shifted and “3 stars” has unfairly earned a reputation as a negative or dismissive review.

It’s time to rethink that. Here’s why a 3-star rating is not a bad review and why readers and authors alike should see it as a valuable part of the conversation.

Three stars mean “good,” not “terrible.”

Most rating systems, whether for books, films, restaurants, or products, are designed on a scale where:

• 5 stars = outstanding/exceptional
• 4 stars = very good
• 3 stars = good/solid
• 2 stars = fair/disappointing
• 1 star = poor/bad

In other words, 3 stars usually mean “I liked it” or “it was enjoyable, but not a favourite.” It’s not a punishment or a condemnation, it’s an honest acknowledgement that the book had strengths but didn’t completely wow the reader.

Many books fall into this middle ground, and that’s perfectly normal.

As someone who reviews a lot of books, I can say I’ve given plenty of 3-star ratings to books I genuinely enjoyed, they entertained me, kept me company on a rainy afternoon, or made for the perfect holiday read, even if they didn’t leave a lasting impact.

Three-star reviews are often the most balanced

A lot of readers trust 3-star reviews because they tend to offer a mix of praise and constructive criticism. These reviews often highlight what worked and what didn’t, which can be incredibly useful for both potential readers and authors.

Rather than gushing or ranting, a 3-star review might say: “Great setting and concept, but I struggled with the pacing” or “Loved the characters, but the plot felt predictable.”

That kind of thoughtful feedback helps readers decide whether a book is a good fit for them, and it can also help authors grow. As a reviewer, I actually enjoy writing 3-star reviews because they let me talk honestly about both the high points and the areas that didn’t fully land. It feels like a genuine conversation with fellow readers.

Not every book needs to be a five-star favourite

We all have limited time, and let’s be honest, not every book we read will change our lives. A 3-star book can still offer an enjoyable reading experience, fill a quiet afternoon, or provide the perfect holiday escape.

Sometimes a book is “good enough” and that’s still a win! Not every book needs to earn a place on the “best of the year” list to be worth reading. Some of my most satisfying reading moments have come from 3-star books, they might not have been unforgettable, but they were exactly what I needed at the time.

There’s an ongoing debate on social media

In recent months, platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Threads, and Bookstagram have seen lively discussions around whether a 3-star review counts as “good.” Some authors have even asked readers not to post reviews if they rate the book below 4 stars, arguing that lower ratings can hurt visibility and sales due to algorithms on sites like Amazon and Goodreads.

On the flip side, many readers and reviewers push back, saying that honest, balanced reviews, even with a 3-star rating, are vital to building trust and credibility in the book community. After all, not every reader will have the same taste, and reviews should reflect that diversity of opinion.

But many authors actually appreciate 3-star reviews and understand their value. As author Jaz Pate (@jazpate_writes) recently shared:
“As an author 3 stars is good 👍 it wasn’t the best thing ever for them to read but it was good. I love a 3 star I have on my first book because that reader HATED one of my characters and I thought it was hilarious 😂.”

This perspective shows that not all authors see 3 stars as a blow, some even welcome the humor or honesty they bring.

Variety in reviews creates a richer conversation

If every review were five stars, reviews would lose their meaning. Diversity in opinions helps create a vibrant, honest conversation about books. A 3-star review tells part of that story and adds nuance to the overall picture.

Authors benefit from fair, thoughtful reviews

Many authors will tell you they appreciate genuine, balanced reviews more than automatic praise. A 3-star review can highlight areas of strength and identify opportunities for growth. It shows that the reader engaged with the book and took the time to reflect on their experience, and that’s valuable feedback.

Final Thoughts

Three-star reviews are not insults they’re often thoughtful, fair, and constructive. They acknowledge both the strengths and weaknesses of a book and contribute to a more honest reading community.

So the next time you see (or leave) a 3-star rating, remember: it’s not a sign of failure. It’s a sign that the book was good, enjoyable, and worth talking about even if it didn’t become an instant favourite. And from my experience as both a reader and reviewer, that’s something worth celebrating.