We're a little more than halfway through the year, and today I want to talk about not finishing books. I've mentioned my DNFs throughout the year in my Amanda Reads posts, but I want to talk about it more generally. What makes me DNF a book? What might make me pick them up again?
All of these books were provided to me by the respective publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. That did not affect my opinions in any way.
2017 DNFs
Everything Belongs to Us by Yoojin Grace Wuertz
What made me DNF this book?
I was bored.
I was having trouble connecting the beginning of the book, told from the point of view of a man, to the supposed plot of the book, which is about two women. When I DNFed, we hadn't even met one of the women yet - that was at 15%.
I couldn't connect to the voice.
Would I pick it up again?
Yes, I would. I want to read this book. It sounds interesting, and I've heard wonderful things from people who have finished it. I'd love to take more time and get through it.
The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco
What made me DNF this book?
I kept falling asleep while reading.
I wasn't sure what the story was about. I was at 20% when I DNFed.
The writing was a little bit flowery for what the story was supposed to be. This made it hard for me to follow.
Would I pick it up again?
Definitely. This is one I really want to read, and I've heard it's really good! I just have to get to the good stuff, I guess.
Get It Together, Delilah! by Erin Gough
What made me DNF this book?
It was completely unrealistic.
I hated the characters.
I have no idea what the story was about. I DNFed at 24%.
Would I pick it up again?
No. This wasn't a case of me being bored. This was me not liking the characters. At all. I cannot get behind someone who condones stalking and assault. So yeah, no, I'm going to always pass on this one.
The Football Girl by Thatcher Heldring
What made me DNF this book?
I was so flipping bored.
I couldn't connect to the voice.
I felt absolutely nothing for the characters. I DNFed at 17%.
Would I pick it up again?
No. If a book with this same concept was rewritten where the characters were sixteen rather than thirteen, and the girl was the badass I wanted her to be, then come find me. I'm about that life. But as this book stands? I'll pass.
There are many reasons I might decide not to finish a book, but there is always a reason. Reading has always been an escape for me, and as soon as it feels like work, I'm not interested. That's what it comes down to with most of these DNFs - I had to work too hard for what I thought the book would be worth in the end. I do plan on returning to some of these in the future, and I'm sure I'll write all about it when that day comes. In the meantime, I might DNF some more books. I guess we'll have to see.
What books have you DNFed? What are your reasons for doing so?
Happy reading!
-A.