The Healthy in Heart Rating System: What the Hearts Mean
At Healthy in Heart, I believe a good book should do more than just entertain—it should stir your soul, challenge your thinking, or inspire you to grow. That’s why I use a unique Heart Rating System to review books. With our heart rating, each book is evaluated based on how deeply it connects on a spiritual, emotional, or intellectual level.
This simple 1-to-5 heart scale gives you an honest, at-a-glance sense of how much a book resonates:
- ❤️ 1 Heart – Hard Pass
- ❤️❤️ 2 Hearts – Some Value, But Missing Something
- ❤️❤️❤️ 3 Hearts – Worth a Read
- ❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4 Hearts – Strong and Stirring
- ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5 Hearts – Heart-Changer
Let’s take a closer look at what those hearts mean:
❤️ 1/5 Hearts – Hard Pass
This book was difficult to get through. It may have been poorly written, confusing, unoriginal, or lacked emotional or spiritual resonance. You kept waiting for it to get better—but it didn’t. Even the lowest heart rating speaks volumes, not recommended unless you have a very specific reason for reading it.
❤️❤️ 2/5 Hearts – Some Value, But Missing Something
There were a few good quotes or moments of clarity, but overall, the book didn’t deliver. The ideas may have felt repetitive, shallow, or underdeveloped. This heart rating reflects that it wasn’t a complete waste, but left you wishing for more depth, better editing, or stronger storytelling.
❤️❤️❤️ 3/5 Hearts – Worth a Read
A solid, average book. It delivered what it promised, though it may not have been especially original or emotionally moving. The heart rating suggests that you gained something from it, enjoyed parts of it, and would recommend it—but with caveats or only to the right audience. A decent read that served its purpose.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ 4/5 Hearts – Strong and Stirring
A well-written, engaging, and insightful book. It connected emotionally or spiritually, offered valuable takeaways, and held your attention throughout. While it may not have changed your life, heart ratings show it resonated deeply and would be a great recommendation for others. A reread-worthy book.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ 5/5 Hearts – Heart-Changer
Exceptional. This book touched something deep—spiritually, emotionally, or intellectually. It lingers with you long after the final page. The highest heart rating is reserved for books that are beautifully written, purposeful, and possibly even life-shifting, it’s the kind of book you highlight, quote, and share with everyone. A true gem.
Whether you’re looking for faith-based insight, personal development, or just a thoughtful read, this system helps you quickly spot which books are worth your time and heartspace. Because here at Healthy in Heart, we believe books—like food—should nourish the soul, and our heart rating ensures that.
