If you want to split a room full of readers, just ask them ….. would you continue to read the book your reading, even if you hated it ?
DNF is Did Not Finish …… and I have several on my virtual bookcase on GoodReads. I also have many unread books on my actual shelves (these haven’t been read yet)
So …… would I finish a book, even if I hated it ? Read on and find out …….
(1) I WASN’T ENJOYING THE BOOK …..
That is my own personal reason. If I’m not enjoying the book (and die hard readers will understand my pain) if I’m not making notes on scraps of paper. (I’ve just started up a blog and I’m writing reviews for books I’ve read) then I’m not enjoying it, I usually find it easy to immerse myself into the world I’m reading. But if the subject matter is a little hard going (rape, humiliation, degradation) then I can’t go on. I read because I enjoy it, so if I’m not enjoying the book, then it goes down. I have several DNF on my GoodReads shelves, and in fact I also have a couple of DNR (Did No Read) they were part of a series I had in book form, I couldn’t read the first one, so didn’t see the point in reading the other two)
I accept there are books we all NEED to read in life (study books) cook books if you want that perfect cupcake 🧁 lol
And some reviewers feel they HAVE to read it all to give an honest opinion.
So ….. if after 100-150 pages, if your not loving it, then don’t feel guilty, put it down, send it to a charity shop or hospital, and if it’s a kindle download, delete it…..
(2) IT’S NOT THE RIGHT TIME TO READ THIS STORY …..
There could be a number of reasons why is not the right time …. death of a loved one, then you read it in a book. Some people find it hard to read unless it’s totally quiet (so maybe a holiday you thought would give you time to read didn’t) how about the book everyone is reading? You don’t have to read it because everyone else is (books are a personal pleasure)
Sometimes I’m not in the right mindset for a particular book, I’ve set many a book down, left it for a few months, then returned. Sometimes it works, other times it doesn’t. If you really want to read it, then pick it up when your ready.
I have read where reviewers or people say they owe it to the author to finish the book, if you’ve paid for the book you feel that you have to read or you don’t get your money’s worth. Or feel the need to read the “popular” books.
Reading is meant to be fun. It’s meant to be fun, for relaxation, it’s exciting to browse and pick the books you want to read. I do understand those who review for a living. Those who get paid to read.
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