How often do you force yourself to finish books that you’re not enjoying? I used to do that a lot. Well, in this post, I give my reasons why a reader should not feel guilty about DNF-ing a book.
DNF stands for Did Not Finish—a term book lovers use when they decide to stop reading a book before reaching the end. When I started reviewing books, I used to power through every book I picked up, thinking I had to finish what I started. But somewhere along the way, I realised: life is too short to read books that simply don’t excite me.
🛑 Why I DNF Books
1. The Book Just Doesn’t Hold My Interest
The primary reason I would DNF a book is that it just stopped being interesting. If it feels like a chore to read through, then it is a clear sign that the book isn’t worth my time.
2. The Writing Style Doesn’t Work for Me
You would be surprised how many books I have read that had 4-star ratings, which I ended up DNF-ing. Where some writing styles are too descriptive, sometimes it is the pace that is slow. The plot may be amazing, but if the narrative is not fit for the genre, then it is a ‘NO’ for me.
3. I’m Not in the Right Mood
Now this might be a ‘Me’ problem. I am a moody reader, and if I am craving a thriller, then I cannot do justice to a slow and descriptive drama. Instead of ditching the book entirely, I come back to it at another time.
4. Problematic or Triggering Content
I have a strict policy of not reading anything in the horror genre. I accept that I have read a few, but then they are not the stay-up-at-night kind of horrors. I would say that reading the trigger warnings before diving into a book is a good idea if you have reservations like mine.
5. Too Many Books, Too Little Time
I am a book hoarder- I mean, who isn’t? However, with so many exciting releases, I would rather jump right into them instead of wasting my time with books that don’t add value.
I have learned the hard way that not all books are my type. Now, I value my time and only pick up books that I am eager about. Authors also know that their work isn’t for everyone. Instead of trashing a book, I’d rather read exciting ones and shout from the rooftops to support the authors. So you see, DNF-ing isn’t the bad wolf after all.
📌 Final Thoughts
Reading is a personal journey—and DNF-ing is a tool to protect your joy as a reader. If a book doesn’t resonate with you, let it go. Your perfect read might just be waiting on your next shelf.
Have you DNFed a book recently? What made you stop? Share your experience in the comments!
