Today’s discussion is about DNF’ing books and how I feel about doing it. I have a shelf on my Goodreads title “abandoned,” for books that I DNF’ed. Now, since I started this blog, there are only two books that I have marked as abandoned or DNF. There are times when I have almost DNF’ed books but I actually made myself push through them. I almost DNF’ed Illuminae and The Magicians, but I made myself push through them, I guess I pushed through Illuminae to see what all the hype was about, and the same thing with The Magicians. The last book that I marked as abandoned was actually a more recent read, and I DNF’ed it at 98 pages, I know that’s not far into the book, but I just couldn’t get through it. The First book I DNF’ed was at 141 pages, which is better than 98. Also, with books that I DNF/abandon I set them aside in a stack to be donated to either goodwill or a local library, that way other people can enjoy them.
What are your thoughts about DNF/abandoning books?
Inside My Minds 
I don’t DNF a lot of books, but when I do I feel like I go on a spree. I initially drop books because of writing style. But if I drop it later it’s usually due to plot, characters etc.
I totally believe in DNF-ing. Too many other books to read for me to waste time with a book I don’t like. If it’s for review I really try and finish it. But if it’s something I picked out on my own then I put it down.
I haven’t had too many review books that I struggled through.
I like the idea of having a GR shelf for DNF books. I’m thinking I might have to use your idea. I’ve only ever DNFed two books before too and they were both before I started blogging. I’ve yet to have it happen to me since I started blogging because I’ve been too stubborn 🙈. I had a recent read I nearly DNFed a few times but pushed through because it was a review book and I wanted to know how it ended. I honestly think it takes a lot for me to DNF books. The two that I have before were books I dreaded every time I thought about picking them up again and just wasn’t enjoying them at all. Great discussion!! 😊
Thank you! And definitely go for creating a DNF shelf on your Goodreads.
I don’t usually DNF books unless I’m REALLY not enjoying them, they have to be pretty bad. I try to push through most books even if I have to resort to skimming through some parts, especially if they’re ARCs since I get them in order to review and I feel guilty if I DNF them. I usually give the book the first 100 pages to get better before I call it quits but I’m all for DNFing because there’s nothing worse than forcing your way through a book you know you aren’t going to enjoy.
Exactly!
I used to never DNF but I’ve been doing it more and more lately and honestly I’ve never been happier about a decision. I just don’t have the time or the patience anymore to put up with stuff that I know I won’t enjoy even if I reach the end of the book. I’m also a slower reader in English since it’s not my first language and it’s just not worth it for me. The only case I might push through is if I feel like DNF’ing something very hyped.
I’m all for DNFing. I don’t think we should force ourselves to read a book you’re not enjoying. I decide pretty quickly whether I want to keep reading a book (usually within the first 30 pages). The only books I’ll make myself read all the way are ARCs and books I’ve bought. I’ve never DNFed an ARCs before (even though I’ve wanted to) and not finishing a book I’ve bought feels like a waste of money.
I don’t normally DNF books because I always ended up liking them or loving them. Just need to pass the bump but for the first time, I had to inform NetGalley that I couldn’t finish reading a book because I couldn’t get into it. I dislike DNF’ed because I know how hard authors write their books and there is a lot of emotions for them.
I’m not going to love every book that I read, if it’s taking me too long to get into a book, I’m not going to waste my time reading it knowing that I could be reading something I know that I’ll enjoy.
I know. That’s the problem with me right now. I feel guilty if I do that.
I didn’t feel guilty DNF’ing the two books I DNF’ed. Authors know and understand that every book they write isn’t going to be for everybody.