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.
I recently got The Handmaid’s Tale on Libby (I heard about it in reference to Project 2025). The first half of the book was so grim, I almost stopped reading. Then it finally got interesting (when you start to see the grim underside of this fundamentalist society), and I was hooked till the end. I’m glad I persevered. If I can’t get into a book, I usually quit in the first few pages.
Oh this book scares me because of how horribly real it has become in some ways. I’m glad you persevered though! Some of my favorite books I have found that way.
I’ve DNF’d three books this year so far. I’ve gotten better at knowing what I might like, but sometimes a book sounds good but isn’t😂 And my TBR is too long to be reading something I don’t love.
I'm similar, sometimes I'll keep reading out of curiosity of how it ends. If it's a popular book or series, though I'll 100% cheat and go to wikipedia or something to see how it ends and then DNF. If I'm not at all curious how it ends, I totally DNF because my time is precious and I am not included to spend it on a book I don't enjoy. 0 guilt :)
You are so right about the anger and frustration! Often when I find that I'm forcing myself through a book, I just start to get irritated, or outright angry. Recognizing this has helped me to let go of the guilt and just stop reading books when I'm not enjoying them anymore.
I like to think I would happily DNF a book but in reality, by the time I've given it a good chance I feel like I have already invested so much time, I don't want that to have been for nothing. And I also usually still like to know how it ends. I seem to be more inclined to DNF non fiction. Over the passed 2 years I have DNF'd 3 books all of which were from the library.
DNFing with zero guilt is simply the best. Perhaps it goes in a maybe later pile or perhaps you decide to gift it to a friend. Either way it frees up your time for a book that may be better suited for you and what you need in that moment.
I DNF! but there are two types of book that I DNF. One is a really bad book that I couldn’t get into and the other one is an okay book but I’m not just feeling it right now book that I can shelf now but have the intention to read later. The last one is not a waste of money because i still plan to read it later on.
Overall, I'm a DNF-er. But I agree that sometimes I really struggle to! I think if I've bought it and particularly if it's hardback it feels like a real kick in the teeth to give up.
I completely feel that! It’s harder to DNF one that I’ve purchased, but at the end of the day if I’m not liking it I’ll just donate it (easier said than done!
I have a real issue with DNFing. It's a 'me' problem that I really need to work on, but in July I DNFed a book for the first time in *years* and it felt amazing. The writing was terrible and the plot was even worse, and it felt so freeing to just... stop!
I've not read anything by Coco Mellors yet but I adore her cover designs, they're so eyecatching!
I have learnt this year to dnf - for the same reasons as you, reading is my joy, it teaches me but also it's for enjoyment... If not enjoying, move on and find something you do enjoy... Some one else (if you donate, which I do) will enjoy hopefully.
At my book club we do a book swap table, where we each take 2/3 books others can borrow, have, pass on after and I've found this a brilliant way of passing on books AND hearing others' feedback!!
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.
I completely agree!
You are so right about the cost element!
I've never thought of the fact you don't get money back even if you do finish it... Books are an investment, read, to read or did not finish!!
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?
Yes exactly!
I recently got The Handmaid’s Tale on Libby (I heard about it in reference to Project 2025). The first half of the book was so grim, I almost stopped reading. Then it finally got interesting (when you start to see the grim underside of this fundamentalist society), and I was hooked till the end. I’m glad I persevered. If I can’t get into a book, I usually quit in the first few pages.
Oh this book scares me because of how horribly real it has become in some ways. I’m glad you persevered though! Some of my favorite books I have found that way.
I’ve DNF’d three books this year so far. I’ve gotten better at knowing what I might like, but sometimes a book sounds good but isn’t😂 And my TBR is too long to be reading something I don’t love.
Yes such a good way to figure out your tastes!
I'm similar, sometimes I'll keep reading out of curiosity of how it ends. If it's a popular book or series, though I'll 100% cheat and go to wikipedia or something to see how it ends and then DNF. If I'm not at all curious how it ends, I totally DNF because my time is precious and I am not included to spend it on a book I don't enjoy. 0 guilt :)
Haha that is so true!!!
You are so right about the anger and frustration! Often when I find that I'm forcing myself through a book, I just start to get irritated, or outright angry. Recognizing this has helped me to let go of the guilt and just stop reading books when I'm not enjoying them anymore.
- S
Yes so true! Thank you for sharing :))
I like to think I would happily DNF a book but in reality, by the time I've given it a good chance I feel like I have already invested so much time, I don't want that to have been for nothing. And I also usually still like to know how it ends. I seem to be more inclined to DNF non fiction. Over the passed 2 years I have DNF'd 3 books all of which were from the library.
That is so interesting!
DNFing with zero guilt is simply the best. Perhaps it goes in a maybe later pile or perhaps you decide to gift it to a friend. Either way it frees up your time for a book that may be better suited for you and what you need in that moment.
Love this 🩵
Life is too short to read books that aren't working for you, that's how I feel.
I typically pop unfinished books that I won't revisit in the Little Free Library that I manage in town! The perfect way to give it a new life (:
I love that!
I DNF! but there are two types of book that I DNF. One is a really bad book that I couldn’t get into and the other one is an okay book but I’m not just feeling it right now book that I can shelf now but have the intention to read later. The last one is not a waste of money because i still plan to read it later on.
I’ve done that before too!!
Overall, I'm a DNF-er. But I agree that sometimes I really struggle to! I think if I've bought it and particularly if it's hardback it feels like a real kick in the teeth to give up.
I completely feel that! It’s harder to DNF one that I’ve purchased, but at the end of the day if I’m not liking it I’ll just donate it (easier said than done!
I have a real issue with DNFing. It's a 'me' problem that I really need to work on, but in July I DNFed a book for the first time in *years* and it felt amazing. The writing was terrible and the plot was even worse, and it felt so freeing to just... stop!
I've not read anything by Coco Mellors yet but I adore her cover designs, they're so eyecatching!
Good for you!
I have learnt this year to dnf - for the same reasons as you, reading is my joy, it teaches me but also it's for enjoyment... If not enjoying, move on and find something you do enjoy... Some one else (if you donate, which I do) will enjoy hopefully.
At my book club we do a book swap table, where we each take 2/3 books others can borrow, have, pass on after and I've found this a brilliant way of passing on books AND hearing others' feedback!!
Here's to finding books that bring joy 📖❤️
The book swap table is such a great idea!
I totally feel you! And I’m so excited to read her books!
I find yours kinda relatable ;)