Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links, so if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission.
I first came across Rated Reads several years ago, and it’s become one of my go-to tools when I want to quickly check the content of a popular “it book.”
I’ve also used when it when my boys are interested in a new book or author. Since I can’t read everything they want to pick up, Rated Reads helps me feel confident that what they’re reading aligns with our family’s values.
If you’ve ever wondered how to check book content before reading, this resource might be exactly what you’re looking for.
To learn more about how it works, I had the opportunity to interview Cathy Lim, the founder of Rated Reads, about why she created the site and how it helps readers today.
What is RatedReads.com?
What is Rated Reads?
Rated Reads is a website dedicated to providing content ratings for books.
While it does include brief reviews, it’s main purpose is to help readers understand what kind of content is is inside a book – before they start reading.
What led to the creation of Rated Reads?
The idea came from a simple gap in the market.
We have rating systems for:
- Movies
- Music
- TV shows
- video games
…but not for books.
Cathy decided to fill that gap, even in a small way. She launched Rated Reads and has been running the site for over 18 years, helping readers make informed decisions about what they read.
How does the rating system work?
The rating system is intentionally simple.
Rated Reads uses a structure similar to movie ratings, making it easy for users to understand at a glance. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Cathy chose a familiar format – and it’s been consistent since day one.
How Rated Reads Helps Readers Choose Books
Why do content ratings matter for books?
Not every reader is concerned about content – but many are.
Cathy estimates that about 20% of readers actively want content information before choosing a book. And while that may sound like a minority, it’s still a significant numbers of people.
Readers may want to know:
- What type of content is included
- How frequently it appears
- Whether it aligns with their personal preferences or values
Rated Reads doesn’t tell people what to read – it simply gives them the information they need to decide for themselves.
How to use Rated Reads
The easiest way to use the site is by searching by a book title or author.
👉 Tip: Use the dedicated search fields for Author or Title—they tend to give better results than the general search bar.
Do certain genres have more content warnings than others?
Romantasy is a newer sub-genre that has come on the scene just in the last few years, and Cathy shared it seems like the expectation in this sub-genre is that they are “spicy.”
Rated Reads vs. Goodreads: What’s the difference?
These two platforms serve very different purposes:
| Goodreads | Rated Reads |
| Great for tracking reading | Focuses specifically on content ratings |
| Use crowd-sourced ratings (like 4.2 stars) | Helps readers understand what’s inside the book |
Both are useful – but for completely different reasons.
Behind the Scenes of Rated Reads
How are books selected for review?
Cathy keeps it simple – she reviews what she wants to read.
She also has a small team of contributors (usually 3-4 active reviewers at any given time), who rate books they’re currently reading.
She has a checklist she maintains while reading the book that helps determine which rating it gets when she’s done and says it’s usually clear what category a book will fall into.
While there’s no strict set reading list, there is a focus on:
- New releases
- Getting information out quickly to readers
She also shares “Rapid Ratings”, which is a quick search of the eBook version for language, sexual content or violence.
Can anyone become a reviewer?
Yes! Rated Reads is always looking for more reviews to help expand its database.
👉 If you’re interested, you can apply here.
With so many reviews scattered across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, Cathy’s long-term goal is to create a central, searchable hub for book content information.
Questions About Books and Reading Culture
Are readers more interested in content transparency today?
Surprisingly, Cathy doesn’t think the percentage has changed much.
While social media has made content discussions more visible, she believes interest in content ratings has stayed relatively steady over the years.
How do you avoid spoilers in content ratings?
Avoiding spoilers is a top priority.
In most cases, content warnings don’t reveal major plot points. But when they might, Rated Reads includes a clear warnings so readers can choose whether to continue.
Why don’t books have an official ratings system?
Cathy shared a few key reasons:
- Books aren’t visual in the same way movies are
- There’s a long-standing cultural reverence for books
- The sheer volume of books makes standardization difficult
She also noted an important concern: A format rating system could potentially lead to book banning, which is not her goal.
Instead, she hopes for a collaborative, centralized resource where readers can access content information freely.
Where to find Rated Reads
You can explore Rated Reads and follow along here:
- Website: www.ratedreads.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ratedreads
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stories/ratedreads/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ratedreads
Final Thoughts
Rated Reads fills a unique (and often overlooked) gap in the reading world.
It’s not about judging books – it’s about giving readers the information they need to make the best choices for themselves and their families.
Let’s Talk
Do you wish books had a standardized rating system?
Are you someone who checks content before reading – or do you prefer to go in blind?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
💡 Join the daily bookish conversation on my Facebook page or Instagram!
Leave a Reply