Books I’ve DNF’ed & Why!

Deciding to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book is often a personal choice influenced by various factors such as writing style, character development, pacing, and story engagement. From my experience, some books just don’t resonate despite the hype or popular reviews. For example, I found Colleen Hoover's 'Verity' disappointing due to the plot and character issues, while Rebecca Yarros's book lacked chemistry between love interests and felt repetitive with her portrayal of the main character. I’ve also learned that sometimes pacing plays a huge role in whether a book keeps me engaged. Books like 'Lore of the Wilds' by Analeigh Sbrana had great build-up but dragged on with muddy pacing, ultimately affecting my enthusiasm. Trigger warnings are important too; 'Ninth House' by Leigh Bardugo featured intense traumatic themes and dense writing that made it difficult for me to continue despite loving the overall plot idea. Historical fiction is another genre where my personal preferences dictate my reading. For example, Gabe Cole Novoa’s book didn’t capture my interest due to a disconnect with characters’ backgrounds and twists on familiar stories like Pride & Prejudice. However, I believe some of these books might work better for other readers looking for specific tropes or storytelling approaches. When it comes to blended book characters or stories that feel overloaded with personalities, it’s easy to lose track or connection, which has influenced my choices to stop reading several titles. In the end, DNF’ing isn’t a negative reflection but rather a way to respect one’s reading time and preferences. I encourage others to share their DNF stories and recommendations, as it helps build a community of honest book lovers navigating what truly works for them.