A book I had to DNF

I know I'm not alone in this feeling – sometimes a book just doesn't click, even if you adored the author's previous work. My current struggle with 'If Only I Had Told Her' after falling completely in love with 'If He Had Been With Me' has me wondering if it's okay to DNF a book. We've all been there, staring at a page, feeling like we're slogging through treacle, and wondering if the story will ever pick up. For me, the shift in perspective to Finny's POV in 'If Only I Had Told Her' has been a real challenge. After experiencing Autumn's raw emotions and heart-wrenching journey in 'If He Had Been With Me', diving into Finny's head feels... different. It's not necessarily bad writing, but it's just not resonating with me in the same way. The book cover, with its striking red rose, promises a certain kind of intensity, and while the story has its moments, I find myself disconnected from Finny's internal monologue. So, when is it truly okay to DNF (Did Not Finish) a book? I've heard so many differing opinions! Some say life is too short to read books you don't enjoy. Others believe you should always give a book a fair chance, pushing through a certain percentage before giving up. I usually try to make it at least 25-30% of the way through, but with this one, even that feels like a monumental task. I keep thinking about Laura Nowlin's ability to craft such profound emotional narratives, especially after 'If He Had Been With Me' left such an impact, and I want to believe 'If Only I Had Told Her' will get there. Perhaps it's about managing expectations. When you love a prequel so much, the sequel often has a lot to live up to. Or maybe it's just a matter of timing; sometimes a book just isn't what you need at a particular moment. I've heard of people setting books aside for months or even years, only to pick them up later and absolutely devour them. Maybe that's what 'If Only I Had Told Her' needs from me? A little break before I try to re-engage with Finny's perspective. Another thought I've had is about trying different reading methods. Sometimes, if I'm struggling with the pacing or a particular character's voice, switching to the audiobook version can make a huge difference. A skilled narrator can bring a whole new dimension to the story and help you connect with characters you might otherwise find difficult. Ultimately, reading should be an enjoyable experience, not a chore. If a book is causing more frustration than pleasure, sometimes a DNF is the kindest thing you can do for yourself as a reader. It frees you up to pick up something else that might capture your imagination instantly. But then again, what if I'm missing out on a truly beautiful resolution or a powerful character arc by giving up on 'If Only I Had Told Her' too soon? I'd love to hear from anyone who has navigated similar reading dilemmas, especially with books by Laura Nowlin. What are your personal rules for DNFing, and did you find that pushing through 'If Only I Had Told Her' was ultimately worth it for you?