Rating Books with Emojis: A Proposal

In honor of World Emoji Day, I have a new book review idea to propose: emoji ratings. Similar to the Facebook reaction system, the emoji rating system would have you to assign an emoji rather than a star rating to your book. When you start browsing for your next book, you could use other people’s emoji ratings to help you find the perfect read for your current mood. And I mean, who doesn’t love emojis? (No one. The answer is no one.) Reasons this would be helpful:

1. It's more nuanced than a star rating
2. There's no chance of spoilers
3. You can quickly find that inspiring, insert emoji here> title for your next read

Here are some examples:

❤A Love Letter Life by Jeremy and Audrey Roloff

This book is adorable. Everything from first date to first kiss to their favorite spot by a trestle bridge (I mean, come on, is there anything more romantic than having a secret spot in nature?). If ever a book fell in to the heart emoji category, this is it.

🤣 The Wondering Years by Knox McCoy

Y’all, this book is hilarious. Seriously, I was listening to it in public, laughing out loud and getting strange looks, and I didn’t care. It was that funny. Pop culture + faith + Knox’s flawless sense of humor makes this one of the best books I’ve read this year. I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a light-hearted read that deals with big questions and small questions and completely silly questions all at the same time.

😮 Misfit Table by Tiffani Kilgore

This beautiful book tells Tiffani’s story of learning to trust God to lead her out of some really difficult situations. It is written in absolutely gorgeous prose, almost poetry at times, and I couldn’t put it down. This mesmerizing story of grace, forgiveness, and redemption definitely deserves the “wow” emoji. If you want to be inspired, this is where it’s at.

😢 I Give Up by Laura Story

When I use the sad emoji, it’s in the bittersweet vein of sad. (Is this use subjective? Definitely. Does this make using emoji ratings more difficult? Maybe, but shh . . .) This is an amazing story of God meeting us in our heartache and unexpected trials. It’s beautiful and tragic and hopeful and gives you all the feels.

🤔 Shrewd Samaritan by Bruce Wydick

Here is a book that definitely makes you think. Bruce outlines ways to donate wisely to philanthropic causes with the goal of optimizing poverty-intervention outcomes. This book helps you to dive deeper into the best ways for you to give back, both by looking into the best concepts and by helping you think through your current giving. It’s a great read for people who like to analyze everything. 🙋

Am I onto something, or are emoji ratings one of those things I should quit forcing? You can let me know in the comments!

P.S. If you do think this is an awesome idea, please share your favorite book/emoji pairing below!

Sydney is an avid dog-lover and avocado-addict engaged in a never-ending battle with her TBR pile. When she isn’t reading a book, listening to a book, or working on a book, you can find her playing with her cocker spaniel, Leo Tolstoy. Sydney’s big claim to fame is that she’s read nearly every middle grade or YA horse book – but if you have one for her, shout it out in the comments! Page Chaser is operated by HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. (HCCP), the publisher of A Love Letter Life, The Wondering Years, Misfit Table, I Give Up, and Shrewd Samaritan.