Smith's Scale of Literary Gumption
A rating scale, out of 10, for rating books. This scale may also be used to rate other forms of media. Each point of this scale represents a different meaning:
10 - Essential read. A life changing book. Should be read by everyone, even if you don't like reading.
9 - Exceptional. Must read regardless of whether you like the genre or not.
8 - Great. Must read if you love the genre.
7 - Good. Recommended if you like the genre.
6 - Okay. Read if you've run out of grease and good books in the genre and crave more.
5 - Whatever. Take it or leave it.
4 - Not for me. Didn't like it, but others might.
3 - Not good. Didn't like it and I don't think others would either.
2 - Bad. Don't read. Waste of time.
1 - horrendous. This book should not exist and everyone who has ever read it is worse off for the experience.
10 - Essential read. A life changing book. Should be read by everyone, even if you don't like reading.
9 - Exceptional. Must read regardless of whether you like the genre or not.
8 - Great. Must read if you love the genre.
7 - Good. Recommended if you like the genre.
6 - Okay. Read if you've run out of grease and good books in the genre and crave more.
5 - Whatever. Take it or leave it.
4 - Not for me. Didn't like it, but others might.
3 - Not good. Didn't like it and I don't think others would either.
2 - Bad. Don't read. Waste of time.
1 - horrendous. This book should not exist and everyone who has ever read it is worse off for the experience.
Hey, how would you rate that book? On the Smith's Scale of Literary Gumption, I would be rating it an 8, as this book was genre defining!
Smith's Scale of Literary Gumption by Graytr January 29, 2026
