Do You Push Through a Book… or DNF It?

When I decide whether to keep reading a book or DNF it, my approach often centers on what I hope to gain from the experience. Sometimes a book doesn’t grab me immediately—especially if it follows a favorite author’s previous work that I deeply connected with. I recently encountered this with a book by Louise Hay, known for her bestsellers on healing and self-help, which has sold over 50 million copies internationally. It wasn’t hitting the same way her first book did for me. What I’ve learned from experience is to consider where I am personally when I pick up a new book. A book that didn’t speak to me last year might resonate now because I’ve grown or my perspective has shifted. Rather than forcing myself to follow through rigidly, I stay open and let the material speak in its own way. Sometimes the value unfolds subtly or in a different place than I initially expected. One practical tip is to set mini-goals, like reading a certain number of chapters or pages, then assessing if you’re getting something valuable out of it—whether insight, enjoyment, or challenge. If the answer is no, I remind myself that it’s okay to put a book aside; reading should be rewarding, not a chore. Ultimately, the decision to finish or DNF is deeply personal and depends on your reading goals at that moment. Being kind to yourself in this process helps maintain a positive relationship with reading. It’s less about finishing every book and more about what each book brings to your life when you choose to engage with it.