📚 Day 14: A Popular Book you DNF’d

6/15 Edited to

... Read moreI've often found that even the most popular and highly recommended books aren't for everyone, and it's completely okay to put a book down if it isn't resonating with you. For instance, a USA Today bestselling author like Kandi Steiner has written many books loved by many, but I personally had to DNF (did not finish) one of her titles because the storyline didn’t keep my interest. When you DNF a popular book, it’s interesting to think about what specifically didn’t work for you. Was it the pacing, the character development, or the writing style? Sometimes, personal taste completely changes the reading experience, no matter how many rave reviews a book has. I encourage readers to embrace their preferences and explore why a book might not connect with them. Sharing these experiences within a community, like this prompt encourages, helps others find books that truly match their tastes and reminds us that it’s okay to set a book aside without guilt. Additionally, understanding that a book being popular doesn't guarantee it’s the right fit for every reader can reduce the pressure we sometimes feel. Instead, it opens up space to discover hidden gems or authors whose style fits better with our personal preferences. So, whether it’s a bestseller or a lesser-known work, the important part is enjoying your reading journey on your own terms.

Related posts

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

508 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

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

Mae⚔️📚✨️

36 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

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

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

114 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

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

DNF'D Book Rant
👍Pros : Entertaining 🤔Cons: Too Entertaining Thoughts 💭: It's giving overkill with the cliches. It seemed like every other sentence contained a catchy phrase,  punch line or comedic joke. Not enough substance to make me want to keep reading. This was actually my second attempt at trying t
Paperbackqueen

Paperbackqueen

1 like

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

622 likes

What popular booktok book did you DNF?
What’s been a series or book that has been overly hyped on booktok that wasn’t worth it and you DNF’d? Mine: The Touch Of Darkness series by Scarlett St. Clair #dnf #booktok #reading
Halie Atkinson

Halie Atkinson

124 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

A hand holds a book, showing its spine, against a blurred background of a wooden floor and white rug. The text overlay reads 'My Honest BOOK REVIEW' with small heart doodles and 'lemon8 @kidneystrong'.
I dnf'd this popular book
Don't fight me in the comments! I was so excited to read this book because I was seeing it all over tiktok and I just could not wait to get it. I went to my local bookstore and it was sold out. So I ended up ordering it on Amazon. I start reading it and about 15 pages in I'm like. No,n
AlexisMiyoshi

AlexisMiyoshi

9 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
Alex🍒

Alex🍒

8 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
jolieeggs_Books

jolieeggs_Books

101 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

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

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

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📚✨🐉

94 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

What Books Have You DNF?
Welcome To The Grave of Abandoned Books! Drop em off here ! 🪦Mine is Haunting Adeline! I just couldn’t y’all - share your DNF books below, Ide love to know! #leftbehindbooks #dnfbooks #dnfseries #dnfbook No shame! Just curious ✨ I’ll update the caption as I add to my DNF pile!
✨ Izzie ✨

✨ Izzie ✨

151 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

670 likes

DNF that book
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
Haitia Lauryn📚💕

Haitia Lauryn📚💕

20 likes

I hope there’s no DNF’s this month🤞🏽
#booktok #junehopefuls #bookcousins #bookwormsoflemon8 #books
MangosNhotsauze📚

MangosNhotsauze📚

21 likes

Don’t feel guilty to dnf a book 🌸
#dnf #read📚 #books 🫶🏼 #booktok
Mybookishgarden

Mybookishgarden

7 likes

I Finally DNF'd on Purpose
It was liberating not slogging through that monstrosity of a book anymore. #booktok #dnf #bookishthings #booktokcommunity #bookwormsoflemon8
Author Alexa Shay

Author Alexa Shay

102 likes

Have you DNF’d a book already?
2025 and I’ve already DNF’d a book 😅 Anyone else? Let me know your most recent DNF! 📚 #DNF #read #letschat #lemon8bookclub #books
jolieeggs_Books

jolieeggs_Books

32 likes

When you want to DNF a book
#dnf #dnfbook #books #booktok #bookish
Amanda 💋

Amanda 💋

245 likes

Book lovers, what's a reason you'll DNF a book?
#bookrecommendations #booklovers #authorlife #bookishthoughts
moonsauthordiaries

moonsauthordiaries

3 likes

What are some things that might make you DNF a book?
What are some things that make you not want to pick up/ or read a book? I personally have gotten to a point where I don’t want to read about anything in a highschool setting or even a teenage pov. There are exceptions to this rule I dont mind feyre or Katniss. Their circumstances I think push
Karl

Karl

4 likes

Convince me to read these popular series
I usually don’t DNF any books but these are some series I am really trying hard not to DNF. ⭐️Are these series worth finishing? ⭐️I really need to stop buying a whole series before reading the first book but I will never learn 😅!! @Lemon8 Book Club #fyp #lemon8challenge #booktok #boo
Selena🎀

Selena🎀

439 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

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

Sofi’s grwm 🌀

114 likes

A graphic asking, "What is a book that you wanted to DNF'd but didn't even though it was not good book?" It features a yellow smiley face icon next to "Ask Lemon8" and a cartoon drawing of an open book with yellow pages, one showing a smiley face, held by hands.
What popular booktok book did you want to dnf?
I will go first. The book that I wanted to DNF but didn’t because I felt bad was “ Love and Other Words” by Christina Lauren. This was at the beginning of my reading journey that I created last year because I want to get back into reading and into consistently educating myself as well as having som
Monique Gilder

Monique Gilder

11 likes

5 Popular Books I’ve DNF’ed 📚❌
🐉 Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: I’m not a super big fantasy OR romance fan, so I was doomed from the start on this one. I couldn’t get past the first chapter. Not my thing. 🏠 The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell: I got about 50% through and realized I wasn’t paying a whole lot of attention betw
𝐸𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎 𓋼.𓍊‧𖤣

𝐸𝓂𝒾𝓁𝓎 𓋼.𓍊‧𖤣

13 likes

What popular book did you DNF?
Have you decided not to finish a book that is popular and extremely hyped up? Unhinged or not, comment what it was and why! 👇 #lemon8contest #AskLemon8 #dnf #bookwormsoflemon8
Liv

Liv

33 likes

A hand holds the book 'Butcher & Blackbird' by Brynne Weaver, featuring a dark cover with pink text and illustrations. Overlaid text reads 'ALMOST DNF' with eye emojis, a blackbird, and a knife, reflecting the book review.
Almost DNF
TBH the first half of the book was good … after a while it just got slow and overall boring.. i wish their game last longer .. it wasn’t dark enough for what the hype was .. #dnfbook #books #lemon8bookclub #lemon8diarychallenge
katie📚🖤

katie📚🖤

22 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

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
Alejandra📖

Alejandra📖

129 likes

DNFs from this week
DNF in the book world refers to “did/do not finish” these are books you started but ultimately decided we’re not worth your time in the end. I had a high DNF week. I read 4 books and I DNFed 4 books. Two of those books I did not start though because I read book 1 of the trilogy and decided not
wickedreads ❄️

wickedreads ❄️

34 likes

Sadly DNF
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
Amanda Lietz 📚

Amanda Lietz 📚

7 likes

My 2026 book bingo
A page in my reading journal is a book bingo! I saw the. Become popular last year, but this is my first time creating one for myself! I saw a lot having to do with specific genres or tropes. What are your favorite topics to list in a book bingo?
Amanda Kay

Amanda Kay

18 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
Analisia

Analisia

3 likes

A tall stack of colorful books is shown against a blurred background. Overlay text in white and red asks, "WHY DO YOU DNF BOOKS?". The Lemon8 logo and username "@_._abriel._" are visible in the bottom left corner.
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
Abriel

Abriel

22 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
amanda ✨ 📖 🐭 💅🏼

amanda ✨ 📖 🐭 💅🏼

34 likes

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

The Twilight Bookworm

5 likes

Day 6: A Book You DNF’d Recently
ReadWithShell💜

ReadWithShell💜

1 like

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

An open book with green foliage and a candle, featuring the title 'BOOKS I'VE DNF AND WHY!' and text 'SWIPE' indicating personal opinions on books the author did not finish.
The cover of 'Verity' by Colleen Hoover, surrounded by reasons for not finishing it, including 'not a fan of colleen hoover,' 'the writing was not the best,' and 'very problematic author.'
The cover of 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros, with reasons for not finishing it such as 'the pacing was terrible,' 'no character development,' and 'I HATED the MC.'
Books I’ve DNF’ed & Why!
These are my own opinions reasons why I could not finish the books. Do you agree with me? . . . . . . . . . #read read read #lemon8bookclub #reading #BookReview #blackgirlcreator #fyp #dnfbook #reader #blackgirllemon8 #booksbooksbooks
sage🌳

sage🌳

57 likes

See more