39. Should I DNF my book?
the pros and cons of common reader debate, highly anticipated book releases this week, and a very inspiring author, Coco Mellors
To DNF or to not DNF - the lifelong question as a reader. This is one I have gone back and forth on throughout my life, and I think it can also be a bit more nuanced than one might think at first glance.
Not everyone is going to like every book they read. People have vastly different opinions on the same books. That is more than okay, that is welcomed. Without different readers and perspectives, where would we be now in the world?
The issue lies in: do I continue reading the book or do I cut my losses and stop?
I used to always continue reading. It didn’t matter how much I wasn’t enjoying myself - I always, always finished my book.
This past year, I have decided to DNF when I want to DNF. Why? Reading is something that brings me joy. Why would I spend time choosing to not enjoy it?
But by today, I have realized it is a bit more relative to each situation. What about the money that I spent? What about the book do I not enjoy?
For example, I just finished an audiobook I borrowed from Libby. (note: everyone needs to get Libby. All you need is a library card and you can borrow audiobooks and ebooks to read. It is magic.) By 60% through, I wasn’t really enjoying the writing anymore. However, I still finished the book because it was a mystery, and I honestly wanted to know what happened.
I purchased a highly anticipated release last fall that I truly, extremely, deeply disliked. It makes me mad to think about. The writing was beautiful. The characters and their decisions and how the plot turned out? I was genuinely mad about it! However, I finished the book because I purchased it. Looking back, I wish I didn’t. Why waste energy on something I don’t enjoy? I often donate books - this is one that I will take with me on my next “un-haul”.
Sometimes, you don’t enjoy the writing, but you are still intrigued by the plot. Other times, you are torn because you spent money on this thing that was supposed to bring you joy but instead its become a chore.
My stance? It definitely depends on the situation, but I will DNF a book that I don’t like. And that is okay.
What are your opinions about this?
Ten books releasing this week. Some highly anticipated ones to start the month off. Also: affiliate links!
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen (Fantasy): September 3, 2024
Capture or Kill by Vince Flynn, Don Bently (Thriller): September 3, 2024
Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver (Romance): September 3, 2024
The Life Impossible by Matt Haig (Fiction): September 3, 2024
Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon (Mystery): September 3, 2024
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors (Women’s Fiction): September 3, 2024
The Bee Sting by Paul Murray (Family): September 3, 2024
Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker (Thriller): September 3, 2024
A Dawn of Gods and Fury by KA Tucker (Fantasy): September 3, 2024
The Monstrous Kind by Lydia Gregovic (Fantasy): September 3, 2024
Books I’ve compiled from mainly the NYT Bestsellers List, but also the B&N Top 100 and Amazon Bestsellers in no particular order. I’ve decided to simply add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult (Women’s Fiction)
This is Why We Lied by Karin Slaughter (Thriller)
Spirit Crossing by William Kent Krueger (Thriller)
Tom Clancy: Shadow State by MP Woodward (Thriller)
Outside of seeing her gorgeous website, I don’t know much about Coco Mellors.
Coco is a relatively new published author, but both of her books have been highly praised. You might have heard of them: Cleopatra and Frankenstein and Blue Sisters.
I have yet to read both, but I can’t wait to get my hands on Blue Sisters when it releases in the US on Tuesday. As a sister, I see this deeply resonating with me. Her debut was an instant bestseller and is currently being adapted for TV. Honestly, I’m sure I’ll read it, but I always have to be in the right mindset for literary fiction.
Coco grew up in London and New York (how cool!) and got an MFA in fiction from NYU. Currently, Coco lives with her husband and son in New York. I feel I learned the most about Coco through her published articles: one in the New York Times, The Stack, and Vogue. She is vulnerable and relatable. Her writing style is beautiful and flows constantly. Coco spent years writing her first novel, years experiencing rejections yet trying again and again and again because she knew it was part of her soul and a story worth sharing.
It is easy for someone like me - a somewhat writer with little experience who doesn’t really know what she is doing at all - to be jealous of Coco (read: I was jealous of Coco). By taking the time to read her articles and get to know her, I see that she was me. She is a reflection of a person I might decide to be in ten years. She shows me that despite all the pessimism surrounding the publishing industry, there is still beauty in it.
You can learn more about Coco Mellors on her website and Instagram.
Just a reminder to comment any recommendations or email me: thesundayreads@gmail.com!
That’s all for today. Much love
Izzy
Life is too short, and there are too many books, so I believe in not finishing a book that isn’t working for you and moving on to a better one. The money you spent is a sunk cost—you won’t get it back whether you finish the book or not. In fact, continuing to read a book you’re not enjoying will cost you more in wasted time. Plus, you can always donate the book, and somebody else might enjoy it.
Yes to DNFing! I feel a little guilty ditching a book that I've purchased but at least it can make for a nice decoration in my home?