The Art of the DNF

Last week, I accepted defeat on my latest DNF, or Did Not Finish, book*. When I went to log the book on StoryGraph I saw that it had an average rating of 4.2, which caused a wave of shame to wash over me when selecting the DNF tag for my followers to see.

However, it didn’t take long for me to pull myself together and remind myself of the reasons I believe that DNFing books is an important and valuable practice:

1. Life is short, and books are plentiful.

2. Finished books are not trophies to collect; let’s not turn reading into an ego sport.

3. Pushing through bad books is a good way to end up in a reading slump.

I find that the more I’ve practised this habit, the easier it’s become to identify whether a book is worth finishing. But, if you’ve been a lifelong member of the “finish the book, no matter what” club, how do you know when a book is DNF-worthy?

To help you along the way, here are the 6 “do and don’t”-style rules that have helped me master the art of the DNF.

*it was Maggie O’Farrell’s Hamnet, if you’re interested

1. DO give it a fighting chance

Some books will be difficult to get into, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading. Maybe it’s a new genre

I almost gave up on Caleb Azumah Nelson’s Open Water because it was so unlike anything I’d read before. I’m so glad I stuck with it, as once I got used to the writing style, I flew through through it and it ended up being my first 5-star book of 2024.

My personal rule is to read a quarter to a third of a book before DNFing, but find a range that works for you — if a book really, really makes you mad within the first 20 pages, by all means, kick it to the kerb.

2. DON’T give up just because you disagree

There’s a difference between a bad book and a book you don’t agree with. If you want to diversify your worldview and experience growth through reading, then you can, and should, find enjoyment in reading works by authors you don’t always agree with. 

Now, I’m not suggesting you go out and buy deplorable books that sit on the wrong side of history, but don’t give up on opinions that challenge you. For example, I took issue with many of the points raised in Sheila Heti’s Motherhood, but I’m still grateful to have read her perspective.

3. DO stop reading if you’re triggered

There’s no use in forcing your way through a book that contains personally difficult or traumatising topics. Don’t listen to anyone who says you need to push through it because it’s an “important” book.

My favourite read of the year so far, Betty by Tiffany McDaniel, is a tragic and beautifully written novel that I will never stop recommending — but I would discourage anyone from reading it if any of their triggers appear on the extensive list of warnings. Only you know your limits — if a book passes them, put it down without feeling shame.

4. DON’T forget the book entirely

I often find that a DNF ends up being temporary. I tried reading Hanya Yanagihara’s infamous A Little Life years ago when it came out, but couldn’t get through it. However, it still sits on my TBR list all these years later, as I’m hopeful that one day I might be in a position to take in all it has to offer.

Maybe the book you’ve DNFed wasn’t meant for this season of your life but could end up being perfect for a moment later down the line.

5. DO read multiple books at once

I used to be precious about only reading a single book at a time, but now I have as many as 4 books on the go at once — a physical novel, a non-fiction audiobook, something on my eReader, and anything else that takes my fancy.

Before DNFing, think about whether the book might be a better fit for a different situation, and pivot as necessary. It might just be that a cosy romance novel suits a quiet evening better than the motivational non-fiction you enjoy during the morning commute.

6. DON’T be hard on yourself

There are so many reasons someone might not finish a book, beyond simply not enjoying it. Mental or physical illness, work, parenting, other hobbies — so much can unexpectedly get in the way.

Even reading your favourite book of all time can feel like a chore if you’re forcing yourself to do so. Ensure your basic needs are met first — the book will be waiting when you’re ready

What was the last book you DNFed?