I'd never really DNFed a book before until recently, I always managed to get through it however bad i thought it was. But, in the past 6 months or so I've marked as DNF 2 books. Which isn't a lot if you think about it but for someone who has never DNFed before it's a big number.
I'm a very persistent person, so I will do my hardest to finish a book even if I'm not necessarily enjoying it but even I have my limits. In both cases (Ashes + House of Secrets) I spent a good 3 months trying to get through the book at hand, until I finally decided it wasn't happening.
The worst thing about DNFing a book, and the reason I try avoiding it, is the sense of failure you get when you don't manage to finish the book. Maybe it's different for everyone else but that's what I felt when I put down House of Secrets. But I've come to understand that it shouldn't be that way because, nowadays, almost everyone have a very busy schedule and when they do manage to make time to read they should read books that they'll enjoy.
For example, I'm a high school student and for me this year was exceptionally hard and busy so when I did have time to read a book I wanted it to sweep me off my feet. With these two books it didn't happen and struggling to get through them made fall into a huge slump..
So, I decided from now on to give every book I read a 100 page limit. When I reach it, if I feel invested in the story I'll continue reading but If I still can't get into it I'll just put it aside.
Do You DNF Books or Do You Try To Read The Entire Book?
I've only ever DNF'd one book, and that was because I really just couldn't get into it. Other than that, I've never not finished one because I keep reading in the hopes that it gets better. However, as my to be read pile gets larger, I may have to start DNFing if I'm not enjoying myself. Also, when I force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, it tends to cause a reading slump. :/
ReplyDeleteKrystianna @ Downright Dystopian
In the past I always tried to finish a book too, even if I wasn't liking it. But, with my Tbr having reached a number over 100 I don't really have the luxury of risking a reading slump anymore... My reading slumps tend to last months sometimes!
DeleteI definitely DNF books -- I'm actually about to make a post about some of the ones I've put down this year! For me, if I'm 100 pages or so into a book and still aren't excited to get back to it, that's a sign that it isn't working for me. I read so much for an editorial internship that any book I read on my own time needs to capture me!
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
I'm really trying to get into this routine as of now but it's still a bit difficult for me to put a book down because I feel that I might not be giving it a fair chance.. But reading is something you should enjoy doing and I really think it's not worth finishing a book you don't like because at the end of the day you won't get anything from it except a mild case of reading slump!
DeleteI'll be sure to check out your post when it's up! :D
I actually started accepting the fact that it is okay to DNF books, you know it could lead to a terrible slump. I think its better to simply DNF a book or just put it down and pick something up that you know you'd really enjoy. I don't think of it as failing (or not anymore anyways)- I think of it as not wasting my time on a book that I don't like while I can spend it on books that I'd enjoy WAY more. Idk the topic is controversial, but don't feel bad because you DNFd books. It's okay hahaha♥
ReplyDeletePS, I'm a new follower of yours :)
Have a great day!
Jumana @ Books by Jay