What's the lowest average rating you would consider reading?

I give most books I read a 3 star rating, but I was searching for books the other day and realised that I didn't add books to my TBR if they had a rating of less than 3.5, so I'm wondering if I need to rethink my rating system.

Update: I'm so glad I asked this question, your responses have helped change the way I approach my reading choices. I've always known what I like, but I've found it hard to own my feelings for fear of judgment. I let the numerical value of books impact whether I am proud of liking them. Also, I've felt awkward about holding my hand up and stating that I didn't like a book if it's popular because I didn't want to rain on anyone's parade. Hearing everyone here being so confident about liking what they like, and accepting the subjectivity of books has really helped me challenge the black and white thinking holding me back from book joy. Thanks 😊

Anyone else want to try and eat a serviceberry now? 😋

How did you choose a book to read?

I know there are things we had to read for school or work, but outside of that, when it came to enjoyment, how did you decide without outside voices weighing in? Im talking before social media, before endless algorithms pushing things into your viewing eyes.

For me, I followed a version of the five finger rule I learned in kindergarten for picking a book that wouldn’t frustrate us:

Look at the cover. Do a picture walk if you can. Glance at the words. Start reading. If more than five words don’t make sense, try something else.

Over time, I made it my own.

When I went to a library or Borders (I miss Borders), the cover had to catch me. If it didn’t, it was over before it began. Then I’d open to a random page and read a paragraph somewhere in the middle. If it hooked me, I was in. If not, back on the shelf it went without a second thought.

I caught myself doing this again the other day at the library, after grabbing books I’d been looking for. Just wandering and trusting my own instincts to find some random reads.

I’ve even started teaching a version of it to my toddler, which has been really fun to experience now as a mom.

So now I’m curious, with all the information we have at our fingertips, when you don’t check reviews or look for recommendations, how do you choose a book for yourself?