I can't believe how many of these apply to me XD (especially the "piles" one.) My rule of thumb: I know it's a really good book if the sad part almost makes me cry. (Examples: The Light in the Mist (Warriors, The Broken Code), the Wondla series,)
I'm so glad I found this :) Note: I don't know what a "book token" is, but I always get [insert favorite bookshop] gift-cards, and I always put books on my list.