DNF 👎🏽 did not catch my attention

2025/6/26 Edited to

... Read moreFor many readers, the term DNF (Did Not Finish) holds significant weight. It reflects the moment when the allure of a book fades, leaving readers frustrated and disappointed. Whether it's the pacing, character development, or simply personal preference, DNFs can be a common occurrence in a reader's journey. Understanding the reasons behind a DNF can be crucial for both readers and authors. Readers can benefit from analyzing their choices, helping them refine their tastes and expectations in literature. For authors, knowing the common pitfalls can guide their writing process, ensuring their narratives engage readers effectively from the start. In this specific case, I reached chapter ten before I decided to put the book down. Many book lovers will agree that the pacing can make or break a story. A slow burn, while often rewarding, can also test a reader's patience. Books that take their time to build intrigue may resonate well with some but can easily alienate others. The challenge lies in striking a balance that keeps the narrative compelling without forcing readers to slog through uninteresting content. Effective storytelling often demands a strong opening. Grabbing the reader's attention early can set the tone for the entire book. As I reflect on my experience, I realize that the introduction didn't provide the hook I was seeking, which might explain my inability to proceed. To wrap up, DNF experiences are valuable learning opportunities, shedding light on personal preferences and broader trends in literature. If you've encountered similar struggles or have books that took a long time to engage you, don’t hesitate to share your thoughts. The literary community thrives on discussion, and recognizing our diverse reading experiences enriches our understanding of literature.

2 comments

amber <333's images
amber <333

i hate when i have to dnf books. i don’t do it very often but sometimes it’s a must

See more(1)

Related posts

DID I CATCH YOUR ATTENTION?
You look like you lost your breath! #music #singer #countrygirl #countrymusic #country
Baylee Nicole Music

Baylee Nicole Music

2605 likes

Dnf edit
#fyp #dnf #dnfedit #dreamnotfound
☆Pixie♡Fairy 472☆

☆Pixie♡Fairy 472☆

1 like

The image shows four main actresses from "Pretty Little Liars" in black dresses, looking dirty, with one holding a finger to her lips. The show title is at the bottom, and a search bar for "Shows I DNF (Did Not Finish)" is at the top.
The image features the cast of "Gossip Girl," with a woman lying in the foreground. Overlaid text states, "Not a single character was likable. The story lines were repetitive and unbearable." The show's title and broadcast information are at the bottom.
The image displays five actresses from "Pretty Little Liars" in a lineup pose against a height chart. Overlaid text reads, "I think they lost direction. They didn't know who A was gonna be and it became too convoluted!" The show title is at the bottom.
Shows I DNF (Did Not Finish)
I’m not saying these shows are good, but they did get on my nerves 😭 You was dragged out completely! And Nah, Pretty Little Liars was doing anything towards the end! Bc wym Alison still alive, Spencer got a twin sister, A went from being one person to a whole group of people! #fandom #lemon8c
L a n a i s Li 🧚🏽‍♀️

L a n a i s Li 🧚🏽‍♀️

323 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
reagan westerly

reagan westerly

635 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
shannell fisher

shannell fisher

673 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
Amber

Amber

511 likes

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
jolieeggs_Books

jolieeggs_Books

116 likes

A book cover for 'The Surgeon' by Leslie Wolfe lies on a white textured surface, with text overlays highlighting themes like 'Cheating husband,' 'Jealousy,' and 'Successful surgeon loses her first patient.' A hand with heart-designed nails holds the book.
Almost DNF… but somehow I did🤷‍♀️
⭐️Overall rating: 2/5:⭐️⭐️ I hate to not like a book but I couldn’t wait for this one to be over. I picked this book up because I saw a review that said it was good but honestly the only good part was the last chapter. The entire book you are waiting for something to go crazy but you just continue
Maddy.walls

Maddy.walls

110 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!
Mercedes

Mercedes

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
Maraya

Maraya

100 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
Neshab

Neshab

197 likes

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
ayersellie

ayersellie

231 likes

The book cover for 'The St. Ambrose School for Girls' by Jessica Ward features a silhouette of a building and trees against a pink sky. It includes a quote from Lisa Gardner comparing it to 'Mean Girls meets We Were Liars'.
15th DNF of 2026
Her writing style is hard to get through and there were alot of grammatical errors that just made some parts completely nonsensical.
Christina

Christina

35 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! ✨
Tatiana | Books + More 💛

Tatiana | Books + More 💛

113 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
🌸: Your Fav Bookish Babe

🌸: Your Fav Bookish Babe

27 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
Alexzandra📚✨🐉

Alexzandra📚✨🐉

97 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
DRÈA

DRÈA

92 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.
DNF 😭
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
Kylee Schnorf

Kylee Schnorf

4 likes

Books I had to DNF 😬
#books 🫶🏼 #dnf #reading #lemon8bookclub #book
Sofi’s grwm 🌀

Sofi’s grwm 🌀

114 likes

Alzheimer’s Breakthrough: Semax Mimics BDNF to Reverse Cognitive Decay?
Researchers are examining how Semax mimics growth factors to stimulate neural repair and plasticity in animal models only. #AlzheimersResearch #Neuroscience #ScientificBreakthrough #PeptideScience #semax
Salem Savage (Chem Center Bio)

Salem Savage (Chem Center Bio)

0 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
Becoming Through Books

Becoming Through Books

11 likes

A stack of books on a concrete ledge with the pink text overlay "Every book I've dnf'd". A pumpkin is visible in the background. The top book is "The Portrait of a Lady" by Henry James.
The cover of "Beartown" by Fredrik Backman, featuring a snowy landscape. Text overlays state "Pages read: 296/482" and explain the book was DNF'd because it was too heavy, with a plan to return to it later.
The cover of "Cherry" by Nico Walker, a red book with white stars. Text overlays state "Pages read: 203/317" and explain the book was DNF'd because its relentless hopelessness became too much, with a plan to read something light first.
Every book I’ve DNF’ed (reading slump)
Sometimes, it’s not the book. Sometimes, it’s me. I hate not finishing books, but when a reading slump hits? Suddenly, even the best-written stories feel like a chore. These books?? I wanted to love them. Some of them I even got really far into before my brain just noped out and I never picked t
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

30 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
Bhoku 📚⚡️

Bhoku 📚⚡️

171 likes

This is going to be a dnf
I just can’t take any of it seriously 💀 #fantasybooks #dnfbook #romancebooks #fantasyromance #jenniferlarmentrout #readersoflemon8 #booklemon8
Bea🍉

Bea🍉

11 likes

The front cover of the novel "AWAY TO ME" by Patricia B. McConnell, featuring a house and trees against a vibrant yellow and orange sky. A quote from Sy Montgomery is visible at the top.
13th DNF of 2026
Nothing about this story held my interest. #AwayToMe #PatriciaMcConnell
Christina

Christina

11 likes

A brown puppy sleeps on a gray blanket on a couch. Text overlays read 'LET'S CHAT...', 'D.N.F Edition', and 'WHAT BOOK DID YOU DNF?', indicating a discussion about books not finished.
Two book covers are shown: 'FOX8' by George Saunders and 'Tell Me You Want Me' by Willow Winters. The accompanying text explains both books were DNF'd because the reader got bored quickly.
The book cover for 'In Five Years' by Rebecca Serle is displayed. Text explains the book was DNF'd due to an 'ick' about the main character potentially cheating on her fiancé with a random guy.
What book did you DNF?
These are just my personal opinions on these particular books. There are more books that I DNF’d last year, but these were kind of the top choices. Sometimes I just can’t get into a book because of how boring the start is or how uninterested I get by the first chapter or two. There was an audiob
Monique Gilder

Monique Gilder

4 likes

A book cover-style image for 'The Butterfly Garden' by Dot Hutchison, featuring a white butterfly on a dark, soil-like background. Overlaid text reads 'DNF Did Not Finish!' with a yellow 'X', and 'Emmmm...'. The image visually represents a book that was not completed.
DNF Did NotFinish!
I read over 100 pages but ultimately had to discontinue. The book failed to capture my interest and felt flat. I had anticipated more due to the positive reviews. Not everyone are going to like the same books 🤷‍♀️ #dnf #books #bookish #booktok #BookReview
CruzMaria Velazquez

CruzMaria Velazquez

4 likes

What On Your DNF List
im gonna start it off when DEEP END, i really did try with this book about 5 times but tbh i just couldn't get into it. honestly what got me what the cover it looked so tea and what not, but has i got to reading it i found myself just not really getting into it. just the fact that it was mostly
Cece 🩷

Cece 🩷

2 likes

DNFing books is NOT a crime 🙌🏼
Your time and energy are valuable and if you just aren’t vibing with your current read then put it down and pick up a different one! Life is too short and there are too many good books to give up time and energy on reads that just aren’t resonating with you! Happy reading my loves 💖 #lemon
✨Shannon✨

✨Shannon✨

9 likes

A vibrant pink book, 'Happy Place' by Emily Henry, lies on a white fabric background. Beside it are several pens and a color swatch card. Text overlays read 'Why I DNF' and 'Spring,' indicating the post is about not finishing the book.
I DNF Happy Place by Emily Henry
Yes I did DNF this book. I started it a few days before April started. I just couldn’t get into the book. I know a lot of people love this book and I so wanted to love this book also. But… I just hated the back and fourth of present day and the flashbacks. I get that it is a big component of this b
Hasina

Hasina

30 likes

Trying to catch Tangtang’s attention…
but Pudding pops up! 😹❤️ #lemon8diarychallenge #purrfect #catsoflemon8 #MeetMyFurBaby #ragdoll #cats #catlover #lemon8dairy #catmom
✨Tangtang🍭

✨Tangtang🍭

49 likes

I have already started “Such Quiet Girls” and I feel like this will be my first DNF 😅🫠
#booktok #fyp #bookrecommendations #goodreads #trending
Ari B.

Ari B.

0 likes

My brain would not let me DNF
The last one is probably a hot take but I don’t think it should be 🤷🏽‍♀️ #bookcommunity #booksididntlike #readersoflemon8 #romancebooks
Ris

Ris

8 likes

Let’s catch and KEEP his attention!
Yall.. I fell in LOVE with these two fragrances on my way back from Panama. They both give off a sultry, sexy vibe with a lasting effect. The Rouge is perfect for a late night get together and the edT is perfect for the 1st through 3rd dates. Enjoy! #travelwithme2024 #embracevulnerability #Lem
Keysha Keys

Keysha Keys

7 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
EnJae Rose 🥀✨

EnJae Rose 🥀✨

54 likes

did i catch your attention again?🤌🤌
Cece Ms.Mystery

Cece Ms.Mystery

1 like

A hand holds three books against a light background, with text overlay stating, "I DNF'D THESE BOOKS... HERE'S WHY." The image introduces a discussion about books the user did not finish.
A hand holds the book "The Boyhood of Cain" by Michael Amherst. Text overlays explain the user's reasons for not finishing it: "TRULY NOTHING HAPPENED" and "THE CHARACTERS WERE ALSO VERY FLAT."
A hand holds the book "Lucky Night" by Eliza Kennedy. Text overlays indicate the user's experience: "I TRIED TO GET INTO THIS BUT THE WRITING STYLE JUST WASN'T FOR ME!" and notes that "THE CHAPTERS WERE SHORT, AND THE PLOT SEEMED SOMEWHAT INTERESTING."
I’ve already dnf’d three books this year…
I guess I've decided that 2025 is the year I'm done wasting my time lol? I didn't set out to do this but I think I'm simply so busy that if a book doesn't draw me in by at least 30 pages then I can't find the motivation to keep going. However a DNF is not a DNF forever! What
bookrvws

bookrvws

39 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
joline

joline

207 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
Lauren 📚📖

Lauren 📚📖

64 likes

The book cover for 'Quicksilver' by USA Today Bestselling Author Callie Hart, featuring a man in armor with a tear, a sword, and two pink butterflies. A Lemon8 watermark is visible at the bottom left.
Quicksilver trying not to DNF
I’m trying, I swear but the more I read the more I can’t stand it aside from the very small interactions that are actually really good, someone give me a reason to keep reading, or to at least try and finish it because every 5 chapters and I’m only on 10 makes me question myself. And I’m not sure a
XxHannyxX

XxHannyxX

52 likes

DNF 🤦🏽‍♀️📚
Im not sure why but I want to love her books and writing but this is her 3rd book I did not finish. . . . . . #dnfbook #dnf #Lemon8Diary #book #booktok
Trendsbydaisy

Trendsbydaisy

8 likes

16th DNF of 2026
I just could not get into it. Maybe some other time
Christina

Christina

2 likes

Books I DNF’d (did not finish)
Here are 3 books that I didn’t finish! I may go back to them in the future but for now I’ve stopped reading! 🤷🏼‍♀️ The first is Heat of the Everflame, I did enjoy the first 2 but the 3rd book seemed to drag - there was a lack of character development and I found the mother to be utterly insuffer
Danielle📖✨

Danielle📖✨

5 likes

A close-up of vibrant purple flowers with green leaves, featuring text overlays "DNF LIST" and "BOOKS I COULDN'T FINISH," indicating a list of unfinished books.
The book cover for "The Lying Game" by Ruth Ware, showing a broken window pane design with bare branches, and text identifying the author and title.
A physical copy of the book "Nine Lives" by Peter Swanson, featuring a dark cover with yellow text, lying next to a tan wallet on a light surface.
DNF list
This isn’t to say either book is bad or not worth reading, but they weren’t for me. They were all over the place, couldn’t keep my attention, or just had so much going on that I couldn’t keep up (I can only read one book for a reason). I loved Ruth Ware’s ‘The Death of Mrs. Westaway’ which star
Ceaira Elzey

Ceaira Elzey

9 likes

dnf edit💚💙
#fyp #dnf #dnfedit
☆Pixie♡Fairy 472☆

☆Pixie♡Fairy 472☆

0 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
CanieshiaPowell

CanieshiaPowell

43 likes

See more