316 followers

Follow

Follow

Follow

1/2

0 saved

5

14

It’s okay to DNF a book

Unpopular opinion… it’s okay to DNF a book. If you’re not feeling the vibe, DNF. If you’re just not into the writing. DNF. If you just aren’t connecting to the characters. DNF!

A lot of people will push through, and kudos to you. I just cannot do that. This book I put down two chapters in. I wasn’t feeling it, and I wasn’t connecting to the characters.

I used to feel bad. Kind of like when Andy wouldn’t play with his toys anymore. But life is to short to read books that we don’t enjoy.

#lemon8contest #AskLemon8

2025/6/11 Edited to

In the world of reading, the idea of putting a book down can be controversial. Many readers feel an obligation to finish every book they start, fearing they might miss out on a hidden gem. However, it's essential to recognize that reading should be enjoyable, not a chore. This mindset of embracing the DNF approach allows readers to prioritize their enjoyment and connection over blank pages. Recognizing when a book fails to engage you can be an act of self-respect and awareness. Factors like writing style, character development, or even the story's pacing can all affect your reading experience. If a book doesn't spark joy or interest within the first few chapters, it’s perfectly reasonable to move on. After all, life is too short to spend time on narratives that don’t connect with us. In addition, if you're someone who frequently DNF books, you're not alone. Statistics show that a significant portion of readers abandon books before completion. This practice can lead to a more curated reading list, allowing you to invest time in books that truly resonate with you. You may even find that this intentionality in your reading habits leads to a more fulfilling book journey overall. Embracing DNF isn’t about giving up; it’s about making informed choices that enhance your reading life.

14 comments

This is how I felt with Harry Potter books, I just could not get into those books

See more(1)

The Traveling SAHM Mom 💖

I have a series that I’ve been trying to finish since 2020, I hate it! But I’m so invested! Im sure I know what happens in the end, but I need to actually know…I’ll never pick the series up again after I’m finally done

See more(1)

Related posts

DNF | What it really means…

Started it. Didn't like it. Closed it. 📖 BookTok 101: What DNF really means? #BookTok #viral #fyp #dnf #lemon8bookclub #tiktokpartner #books #read #Bookish #bookrec #howtostartabooktokaccount

117 likes

Let’s talk DNFs

what makes you put a book down for good? Slow start? Annoying characters? We want to know! 🖊️👇 #booksoflemon8 #lemon8bookclub #books #dnf #read

101 likes

A white mug with the text 'wake up. BE AWESOME. repeat.' filled with a dark beverage, sits next to the book 'You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay. The book cover features a red heart design and states it's an international bestseller.

Do You Push Through a Book… or DNF It?

Do you give books a fair try just to see what you can learn from them, or do you automatically move them to your DNF stack? I’m currently working my way through this one, and it’s not hitting like her first book — and maybe it’s not supposed to. Sometimes a book meets you where you are, not wh

12 likes

It’s okay to DNF (Do NOT FINISH) a book y’all! I know, I know it’s hard to pull the plug on some books especially those books that come from our favorite authors, BUT if you don’t like the book just put it down 🤣 I had to learn that the hard way fr. I have pushed through too many books that

20 likes

A person stands in a library aisle, holding a tote bag that says 'support your local library.' Text overlay reads 'i READ 12 BOOKS in may AND DNF'D ONE...', surrounded by star and flower graphics.

A collage titled 'My Favorites' displays four book covers: 'A Sorceress Comes to Call,' 'Babel,' 'Dreams Lie Beneath,' and 'Seek the Traitor's Son,' categorized as Gothic Fantasy, Dark Academia, YA Fantasy Romance, and Dystopian Sci-fi/fantasy, with star ratings.

A collage titled 'Honorable Mentions' features four book covers: 'Nettle & Bone,' 'Rites of the Starling,' 'A River Enchanted,' and 'Red Queen,' categorized as Dark Fantasy, Romantasy, and YA Fantasy, with star ratings.

2 five ⭐️’s and 1 DNF, lots of good reads 📖

May was so good to me! Despite a few disappointments I read some of my fav books last month! Did we read any of the same books? #maytbr #readsofmay #readingwrapup #fantasybookrecs #booktokbooks

119 likes

A shelf of books with text overlay "Popular Booktok Books And why I DNF'd them SWIPE" and a thinking emoji. The image introduces a discussion about not finishing popular books.

The book cover for "Kingdom of the Wicked" by Kerri Maniscalco, featuring a skull and snake, is shown on a grey blanket. A review explains the book was DNF'd at 62% due to a flat plot and disliked trope.

The book cover for "Ninth House" by Leigh Bardugo, featuring a snake, is displayed on a grey blanket. A review states the book was DNF'd at 25% because the plot was confusing and drawn out.

Cancelled For DNFing Popular Booktok Books? 😔😩

Well, maybe not cancelled… but it definitely is a weird feeling when everyone is raving about how much they loved the book you just couldn’t finish reading for whatever reason! 😓 I feel like many readers struggle with DNFing (stands for Did Not Finish) books especially the ones that Insta and Bookt

64 likes

A hand holds an e-reader displaying Aron Beauregard's 'PLAYground' horror novel cover. A cat rests in the background. A 'NO' speech bubble is overlaid, visually representing the reader's decision to DNF the book.

This book has been on my TBR since I first got my kindle over 2 years ago. I finally bought it & downloaded it on my kindle. I wanted to like this book SO bad. I have ZERO triggers. Absolutely none. I did not DNF this book due to gore. I DNF’d this book because the storyline just wasn’t there

2 likes

A physical copy of "The Only Purple House in Town" by Ann Aguirre lies next to a Kobo e-reader displaying the same book cover, both resting on a pink fluffy blanket.

A Kobo e-reader displays a page from "The Only Purple House in Town," with highlighted text, resting on a pink fluffy blanket. The screen shows chapter two of the book.

A close-up shot of the physical book "The Only Purple House in Town" by Ann Aguirre, featuring a purple house illustration and various floral and celestial elements on its cover.

giving a book i dnf a second chance

my ADHD has been the cause of many dropped books lol. but now that I'm on medication I figure I could go through my dnf books and see if I actually like them after all. most of the time I drop a book it's bc I find something else that grabs my attention 🤭 so far I'm enjoying myself!

27 likes

A person holds 'IMMORTAL DARK' by Gest Girma, a book with a dark cover showing a hand holding a gothic building and a Chloe Gong quote. Overlaid text asks 'Should I DNF??', surrounded by emojis including a sleeping scarecrow, witch hat, cauldron, and a pumpkin-bodied teddy bear with a knife.

Should I DNF?? Is it worth the finish??

Okay, readers—help me out! I’m getting bored with this one. Should I finish it or just DNF and save my sanity? 📚💀 #dnfbook #booktok #BookReview Update: I decided to DNF it and I will try again another time.

19 likes

A bookshelf displays numerous books, some standing upright and others stacked. A white text overlay reads "Books that I have DNF'ed," indicating these are titles the author did not finish reading.

The book "The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England" by Brandon Sanderson rests on a patterned pillow and teal blanket. An overlay explains it was DNF'd because it was a simulation, not a time machine story.

The book "Things We Never Got Over" by Lucy Score, featuring daisies on its cover, lies on a patterned pillow and teal blanket. An overlay states the author lost interest despite its popularity.

Books I didn’t expect I would DNF 🥺

I was super bummed about DNF’ing all of these books 😭 most of them are super popular and everywhere in my feed!!! I have such a specific style of reading that I prefer. I’ve noticed that I tend to have a hard time reading books that are written by English/Irish/Scottish writers since they tend

520 likes

A stack of books with yellow sticky notes, overlaid with the title "Books I wish I NEVER read/DNF'd SWIPE," set against a blurred background of green plants. This image introduces a list of books the author regrets reading or wishes they had not finished.

The book "Soul Liquid Chambers" by Nozomu Tamaki, with overlay text stating the depiction of the child female main character was inappropriate and the plot made no sense. It is placed on a wooden stand with a plant background.

The book "Master of One" by Dani Bennett, with overlay text expressing love for the book but disappointment that the sequel is permanently unfinished. The book rests on a wooden stand, framed by green plants.

Books I wish I DNF’d ❌

This was before I knew how to DNF a book and… I wish I had with these. My main reasons were either the book was way too unrealistic for a thriller/unbelievable, not age appropriate or just straight up boring 🥱 No hate if you liked these! They just were my cup of tea and that’s okay! ✨

113 likes

Whomp whomp ah book review

Hey book lovers! So, I recently finished The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest, and… whew. Let’s just say, this was not the cozy, feel-good slow-burn I was hoping for. 😬 I went into this book so ready to fall in love. A romance with email pen pals, awkward charm, and a promise of that sweet slow

86 likes

DNF'd at 32% I was intending on actually reading this whole thing, to see if it was any better than the 1st book. Sadly I feel like it just got worse in my opinion. I hate most of the characters (namely: Feyre, Rhysand, and Tamlin), and the ones I don't hate I'm completely indifferen

7 likes

A stack of books with the overlay text "Books I dnfed And/or hated" in pink and gray, introducing the topic of books that were not finished or disliked.

The cover of the book "Rain of Shadows and Endings" by Melissa K. Roehrich, with overlay text indicating the user "Couldn't get into it."

The cover of the book "That's Not My Name" by Megan Lally, with overlay text explaining the user "Was bored often and didn't like the ending," and "Skimmed the ending so not technically a DNF."

Books I DNF’ed/Hated😭💀

These are some books so far that just really did not give for me. What books have yall DNF’ed? #dnfbook #bookish #booktube #bookgirlie

92 likes

“ DNF ” & HERE’S WHY…

Book: The Princess & The PI Author: Nikki Payne Genre: Romance, Romantic Suspense 🌶️ level: Not sure because i didn’t finish. 🌸: Hey Bookish Babes, *Sighs* I decided to DNF The Princess and the Pi around the 40-page mark. While I went in excited by the premise, the story ultimately di

27 likes

Watch me DNF the Inheritance Games😢✨📖

Don't hate me lol🫶🏾❤️ the problem is me, not the book…I think I would have enjoyed it more at 14 or 15 idkkk, I think my expectations were too high from the start🥹 but I will say it helped me confirm why I do not like love triangles all over again… Unless it is The Shatter Me series ofc or The

100 likes

Books I had to DNF 😬

#books 🫶🏼 #dnf #reading #lemon8bookclub #book

114 likes

A hand holds a digital e-reader displaying "DNF" in white text, with an overlay "Books I did not expect to". The background is a black and white floral pattern with decorative stars and hearts.

A hand holds a digital e-reader showing the cover of "Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity" by Geneva Lee, featuring ornate dark and gold floral designs. The background is a black and white floral pattern.

A hand holds a digital e-reader displaying the cover of "The Exception to the Rule" by Christina Lauren, with a yellow background, blue speech bubbles, and white and blue text. The background is a black and white floral pattern.

Books I DID NOT expect to DNF

📚 Books I Didn’t Expect to DNF 😭💔 I went in ready to love them. The hype was loud, the covers were cute, the vibes were vibing and then somewhere along the way, I tapped out 👀 ⭐️ Pucking Around – I wanted a hockey romance and spice, but it just kept going and got very messy. ⭐️ The Spanish

650 likes

DNF🤦🏾‍♀️

I’m sorry I just could not get through this book, I tried to like it, matter of fact I wanted to like it. I heard so many good reviews on TikTok but it disappointed me so bad. I just didn’t like how Winter was so grown at an early age🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️. What are your thoughts? #lemon8bookclub #blac

197 likes

Don’t feel guilty to dnf a book 🌸

#dnf #read📚 #books 🫶🏼 #booktok

7 likes

My first DNF book

I’m usually one to finish a book even if it gets slow but this book I can not and will not finish!!!! It started off great but then I got confused and it turned into something strange. It went from the girl doing palm readings trying to help an old guy friend find his missing child to the boy turni

2 likes

Two books are displayed on a white surface. The book 'IMMORTAL DARK' by Tigest Girma has a dark cover with a hand holding a gothic structure. Beside it is a dark book with red text: 'SEEK MIND ABOVE BLOOD, AND IF YOU MUST BLEED, USE IT AS INK.'

An open book reveals its decorative endpapers and a library card pocket. The pocket is labeled 'PROPERTY OF: GRAND SOLOMON LIBRARY' with borrower details. The endpapers feature a red and black pattern, and a partial synopsis for the fantasy vampire book is visible on the left page.

A hand holds the fore-edge of a book, which is red with white swirling patterns. The text 'NO SOUL CAN ENTER WITHOUT AN INVITATION' is printed in red on the book's edge.

A pretty book, but a DNF

This book is so so pretty, I love the details of the cover and edges. Too bad I DNF’d it 👀😅😂 #fantasy #fantasybooks #letschat #booksummary #vampires

3 likes

DNF Fantasy Series

These Fantasy/Romantasy series are extremely popular, but I just couldn't finish them. #fantasybooks #dnf #books #readin g #booktok

36 likes

I Finally DNF'd on Purpose

It was liberating not slogging through that monstrosity of a book anymore. #booktok #dnf #bookishthings #booktokcommunity #bookwormsoflemon8

102 likes

Let me know, why you DNF a book!?

Okay readers! let’s talk about the dreaded DNF 😭 We’ve all been there - you pick up a book with high hopes, get a few chapters in & suddenly you’re fighting for your life to stay interested. I’m curious: What’s your top reason you decide to DNF a book? I'll go first, its usually ju

22 likes

A disappointing DNF

I wanted to absolutely LOVE this book! I mean Harry Potter meets Gilmore Girls! What’s not to love?!?! The concept is there! But I DNF’d for these reasons: 1.) too many people introduced at once, I couldn’t keep up with who was who 2.) mythical creatures that I couldn’t picture/ description w

677 likes

Books I DNF’d!

Please check triggers before reading these books! 📕 Satan’s Affair by: HD Carlton 📕 The Offering by: Layla Moon 📕 There are no Saints by: Sophie Lark 📕 Blood Orange by: Karina Halle Ok ok DO NOT COME AT ME! Or do I don’t really care😜 I want to say I am a HUGE mood reader and there is a

43 likes

To DNF or not to DNF? Let’s talk about it 📚

Let’s talk about series commitment… because sometimes, you just get too far in to quit! I used to be so bad about fishing a series just because I already started it. Here are the series I’m currently in the middle of, and my honest thoughts on whether I’m actually going to finish them: ACOTA

15 likes

A hand holds the book 'Seven Days In June' by Tia Williams against a blue sky. The cover features two people embracing, a 'Reese's Book Club' sticker, and 'THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER' text. An overlay reads 'I DNF A POPULAR Booktok Read'.

I DNF Seven Days In June by Tia Williams😅

HEAR ME OUT! If there’s a book that I don’t necessarily feel the excitement for reading & it doesn’t catch my attention by chapter 3 or 4, I DNF it 🤷🏽‍♀️. Some books are just not for everyone & I’m not saying she’s not a great author, i just think THIS book wasn’t for me. Nothing wrong wit

54 likes

DNF CHALLENGE🖤

A book I wished I DNF: The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave this book was so boring and anti climactic 😭 A book I DNF: A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole Don’t even get me started on this book. You cannot convince me to pick this up again. Just read The Fault in Our Stars it will be a bil

8 likes

Started Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell and… I don’t think this one’s for me 👀 might end up being a DNF. Anyone else read it? Should I push through or just move on?📚 #dnfbook #books #currentlyreading #dnf #thriller

1 like

books i DNF-ed 🚫📚

if you’re not sure what DNF means, it means Did Not Finish! i really try to make it a habit of always finishing whatever i’m reading, but these two just have never made me want to pick them back up again! 🌐 Crossings by Alex Landragin: On the brink of the Nazi occupation of Paris, a German-Jewi

231 likes

The image shows two copies of the book "Haunting Adeline" by H.D. Carlton, part of the "Cat & Mouse Duet." The dark cover features a skull, butterflies, and thorny branches. A date stamp and a Lemon8 watermark are visible, with the books appearing to be the subject of the post about being too heavy.

I unfortunately could not finish this series. It is way too heavy for me. They are being given to my mom. #booktok #books #fyp

2 likes

A stack of popular romance novels, including 'Reckless' and 'Secretly Yours,' next to a vase of pink and white tulips, a candle, and a small jar. The image is captioned 'popular books i dnf'd'.

A person holds the book 'Carrie Soto is Back' by Taylor Jenkins Reid on a sandy beach, with black sandals visible. The image is captioned 'didn't like the main character'.

An open copy of 'Funny You Should Ask' by Elissa Sussman lies on a white bed, accompanied by white earbuds and black glasses. The image is captioned 'couldn't get into it, slow'.

popular books i dnf’d

i hate to dnf books, but these were some i just couldn’t get into for different reasons! no judgement if you love any of these, it’s just my opinion! #dnf #want to read #lemon8bookclub #books #booktok #reading #bookrecs

207 likes

I really tried to give this book a chance.. What Lies Beyond the Veil by Harper L. Woods. The beginning was interesting, but then it went downhill. it felt like I was starting to read a Wattpad story instead of an actual book. The writing was a bit..off. A lot of "I said, he said, I expl

2 likes

Unhinged DNF👀

Let's stir the pot! What unhinged reason did you DNF a book? ☠️ #letsstirthepot #viral #trending #fyp #booktok

5 likes

A book titled 'THE FURY' by Alex Michaelides, featuring a large blue evil eye design over a sandy landscape on its cover. The text overlay reads 'I am trying to get in to this', indicating the user is struggling to read the book.

Dnf but determined to finished

🌟Have you ever just had a book that you were just not into? I have heard so many good things about this book , I just can’t get into it? 🌟This might be #dnf for now! But I am no quitter! I still want to finish, I just don’t know if I’ll be satisfied at the end of all of this! ⭐️Let me kn

7 likes

I won’t hold you, I tried it in audiobook form as well & I couldn’t get into it. Idk what it was but I know I instantly lost interest in this book. Maybe I’ll try again later but as for now ? 0/10 for me.. #dnfbook #eeeyuck #reading #books #dnf

42 likes

When you want to DNF a book

#dnf #dnfbook #books #booktok #bookish

245 likes

BOOKS THAT I DNF AND WHY 💀

3 books that I don’t finished and why: - Starting strong with Fourth Wing, I bought it because of the hype on tt and I know some people love it, I read half of it but tbh Violet just makes me mad most of the time 😅 maybe I will try again sometime. - Zodiac, I love serial killers documentarie

129 likes

The front cover of "Disney Stitch! The Manga Collection!" featuring Stitch winking and a smiling girl, surrounded by pineapples and flowers. The title and a note about bonus chapters are visible.

The spine and top edge of the "Disney Stitch!" manga book, showing an orange spine with white patterns of pineapples, flowers, and Stitch.

An open page from the "Disney Stitch!" manga, displaying black and white artwork with a character saying "BUTTERFLY!" and the page number 113.

Unfortunately this one was not it. It is cute in it's own right but it is just not for me. The mini stories did not make sense and it was hard for me to distance myself from the original movies in order to read this. I am sure that some people love this collection and the art is amazing ☺️ I a

4 likes

When to DNF a Book 🚫

🙋🏼‍♀️ How do you decide when to DNF a book? Help! Why do I always feel so guilting stopping a book before the ending?🫣 But my reading time is precious and I want to read something I love! I’m about 30% into The Atlas Paradox, the second in the Atlas Six series, and I’m just not vibing with

34 likes

What book have you DNF?

Do you believe in stopping a book if you’re not interested? Or do you power through? Also second chances? (Sometimes the book isn’t hitting your mood. Might be readers flaw and not the book?) There are just a few I have powered through because I believed that I HAD to finish it. BUT recentl

171 likes

📚 Day 14: A Popular Book you DNF’d

9 likes

A book cover for 'The Love of My Life' by Rosie Walsh, featuring a raindrop effect and a pink 'BOOK REVIEW' overlay. It's a New York Times Bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club pick, with a quote from Laura Dave. A pink bookmark is visible at the top right.

DNF ‼️‼️

This is one book I could not Get through its to much going on to many characters is the wife telling even lieing like come on .., If you have read this how did you like it ??? #dnfbook #booktok #BookReview #books #book recommendations #bookshelf #bookish

3 likes

My first DNF of 2026 👎

I really wanted to like this book. Given Our History looked right up my alley. Unfortunately I just couldn’t get into because it goes back to the past and then the present. I think it’s just hard to follow the storyline sometimes when it’s written like that. I also had some anxiety and it was hard

5 likes

I hope there’s no DNF’s this month🤞🏽

#booktok #junehopefuls #bookcousins #bookwormsoflemon8 #books

23 likes

This is going to be a dnf

I just can’t take any of it seriously 💀 #fantasybooks #dnfbook #romancebooks #fantasyromance #jenniferlarmentrout #readersoflemon8 #booklemon8

11 likes

See more