Personally, I am not someone who likes to mark a book as an DNF. In total, I have DNF’d probably 5 books in the last 3 years, and some of those I have picked back up and hate read it. Is this healthy? No, it leads me right into a reading slump buuut, it’s hard to resist when I want to understand the hype!
So, how do I know that I should DNF that popular book everyone is falling in love with? How do I know that you should DNF that book you desperately want to love?
You Are Avoidant & Not Excited
The number one clue for me to DNF a book is when I am actively avoiding it! I will make up excuse after excuse for why I can’t read. “I’m reading another book already”, “I’m too tired”, “I’m not in the mood.” Although all of these things can be true, if I am actively saying it every single day about the same book, I have a pretty good idea regarding whether or not I need to DNF.
You’re 25% Through & Hate It
If I am 25% through a book and am being avoidant or I’m not excited, then I will DNF it. Sometimes, I wait until I’m 50% through to make the decision, especially if it is a well loved book or one of my favorite authors. To be quite honest, I shouldn’t have to wait until 50% through to be intrigued by a book that should have got me within the first few chapters!
You’re Bored Or Confused
On top of you not having any excitement for the book, you’re bored or confused which is not how you want to feel while reading! It’s okay to be confused about something, and it’s okay if there is a part of the book that doesn’t catch your attention, but it’s not okay if the entire time you are bored or confused.
You Don’t Care About The Characters
If there isn’t one character that I remotely care about, then what is the point? There has to be some sort of emotional connection for you to want to move forward with the story, and when you just… don’t care about the characters, it makes the story drag on.
The Writing Style Isn’t For You
Sometimes the writing style isn’t for you, and that’s okay! I personally hate info dumping, clunky writing and slow pacing (I can get behind it when it comes to a slow burn romance though!) It’s important to me that I enjoy the book and the writing style so I don’t end up in another reading slump!
It Is Triggering Or Upsetting
Say it after me: “You don’t owe the book (or the author) your well-being!” More than anything, your mental health comes before a book! For a long time, I had My Little Life on my tbr, but only recently decided that I think I agree that it is trauma porn and there isn’t a good reason for me to put myself through that pain and suffering. Reading should be an escape, above all else.
You Don’t Like It
Seriously though, this is reason enough to drop it. For instance, I really enjoyed Icebreaker, but Wildfire? I hated it. I DNF’d it pretty early on and I stare at it longinly because I wish I had liked it. That was the moment I had my first author x reader breakup.
With all that said, there is some good reasons to continue reading on! It may be beniefical in these scenerios:
- It’s a slow start, but reviewers you love swear it picks up!
- You’re reading for a specific purpose (like for school, a book club, etc.)
- It’s outside your usual genre, and you’re trying something new.
Although, it may still be hard to get through or to start, it is worth it at times!
Life’s short. There are too many good books, but not enough time. DNF guilt is real, but you’re allowed to walk away. You can always come back to it later—or not.
Recent Posts
It’s a good day to have a good day!
Living With B 
What are your thoughts?