books I did not finish in ‘24 📚🙅♀️
I give a book until about 20% to wow me or keep me interested and these weren’t up to par. What books were you unable to finish in 2024?
We all have them, don't we? Those books we start with great anticipation, only to find ourselves staring blankly at the page, wondering if we should just give up. DNF (Did Not Finish) books are a reader's dilemma, a silent battle against the urge to complete every story we begin. I know the feeling well, and like the original post mentions, sometimes you just have to call it quits. But when is it okay to DNF, and what are some common culprits that lead us to put a book down for good? From my own reading journey this year, a few patterns emerged in the books I just couldn't finish this year. One common reason? Pacing. Sometimes a book starts too slow, taking forever to get to the point, leaving you feeling bored. Other times, as I've experienced, the pace can be 'too fast,' sacrificing crucial character development or world-building for adrenaline, making the female main character (FMC) feel superficial or annoying, and not giving you enough time to connect with the story. This often leads to a lack of genuine character depth, where even protagonists feel like two-dimensional cutouts rather than real people you can root for. Another frequent offender is the dreaded 'insta-love' trope. While some enjoy the immediate spark, for many of us, it feels rushed and unbelievable, robbing the romance of its natural progression and emotional impact. And then there are themes. I love a good dark romance, but there's a line. Sometimes a book can venture into territory that's just 'too dark,' crossing from thrillingly intense to genuinely disturbing, making it impossible to continue without feeling uncomfortable or emotionally drained. It's important to know your own boundaries as a reader. Setting a 'DNF rule' can be incredibly liberating. The original post mentioned a 20% rule, which is a great guideline. For me, it might be the first 50 pages, or sometimes even less if the writing style just isn't clicking. The point is, you don't owe any book your time if it's not bringing you joy or intellectual stimulation. There's often a sense of 'reader's guilt' that comes with abandoning a book – feeling like you've failed, or that you're missing out on something amazing if you just pushed through. But honestly, life is too short for books you're not enjoying! Instead of forcing yourself through a book that isn't working, consider it a learning experience. What specifically made you want to put it down? Was it the plot, the characters, the writing, or a particular trope like insta-love? Understanding your DNF reasons can help you make more informed choices for your next read, guiding you towards books that genuinely resonate with your preferences. Don't be afraid to move on to something that excites you. Your reading journey should be enjoyable, not a chore. So, let go of the guilt, embrace the DNF, and find a book that truly captures your heart. What are your personal DNF rules or common reasons you give up on a book?
