to DNF or not to DNF

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Is staying the course worth it?

I have traditionally been a reading completist: If I start a book, I finish it. If I start a series, I see it through. If I read everything an author writes - you get the point!

But, as I come back to reading after all this life chaos, I’m finding that this is the one thing that’s slowing my mojo. When I’m loving a book, I love reading and it’s all I want to do. I truly feel like myself again…

…but, when I’m not vibing with a book, it feels like work to read (and I have enough work!); I just stop and avoid it - then, weeks go by, the holds pile up, and I’m hiding from a bookmark. 

I don’t know if my life has changed so much that I’m just not going to spend time reading things that don’t speak to me (which, honestly, feels really healthy!); I have a kid and a guy and friends and burgeoning hobbies and life is too short and precious to force-read…

…but, I’ve always felt there’s something to sticking a book out to see where it goes. Not every book is going to change my life, but usually there’s something that will grab me or get me, even if it’s a phrase or a plot twist or just how bad something is end to end. 

I don’t know what the answer is… For right now, I’m going to drop the ones dragging me down while I build up my momentum again; but, I wouldn’t be surprised if once I get going, I’ll swerve back the other way!

Nothing like getting locked out of your own blog for a week - oof! Glad to be back and comment responses to come!

Comments

  1. ElisabethMarch 30, 2023 at 4:45 AM

    I struggle with this, too. A few books lately have really felt like work, but also (they've been non-fiction) like effort I should be making. Like there was great information, but also a lot to process and then, theoretically, do. Sigh. I just re-ordered an old favourite from the library because I need something that is guaranteed to be easy and fun (and to show you how insanely boring I am, it's a book about minimalism; YES, this is my comfort reading).

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    Replies
    1. LindsayMarch 30, 2023 at 5:38 PM

      I love that it is a book about minimalism! Comfort reading is so personal, right? I have been thinking about grabbing an old favorite, too, just to enjoy something end to end. I think I have to accept that it's ok to walk away right now from books that aren't serving me. I'm the only person worrying when I don't finish a book, haha!

      Delete
    2. ElisabethApril 4, 2023 at 6:06 AM

      Mic drop! "I"m the only person worrying when I don't finish a book." How true! (And this applies to so many other tangential things in life. Like I'm the only person worrying about how messy my counters are or how I overcooked the pasta for company.

      Delete
    3. Lindsay42April 5, 2023 at 4:58 PM

      It really is such a freeing and expansive thought! These things that consume me really are consuming only me...

      Delete
  2. Life of a Doctor's WifeMarch 30, 2023 at 6:07 AM

    I always feel guilty when I DNF a book... but... there are SO MANY books in the world, and more all the time, and I would much rather enjoy reading than feel it's a chore. Plus, sometimes a book just doesn't speak to me at a certain point in time, but if I come back to it later, it is a joy to read. Which is all to say that I am an enthusiastic proponent of reading books that you enjoy, and putting aside those books that don't speak to you.

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    1. LindsayMarch 30, 2023 at 5:41 PM

      I love that philosophy! That is what I am leaning towards. There are no stakes to how much I read or if I'm caught up on a series (outside of my own anxiety-driven pride that I complete things, haha) and life is too short to use my free time to read like it's required! I can always come back to books and see if they grab me at a different time.

      Delete
  3. JennyMarch 31, 2023 at 6:43 PM

    Most people who read a lot DNF books all the time. Slogging through a so-so book takes such a long time, time that could be spent happily reading other books. Even though I agree with that, I personally have trouble DNF'ing books. I keep thinking it will get better, or maybe the ending will be amazing... a book has to be truly awful to make me stop reading it (and offhand I can't think of the last time that happened.) I know I could be reading more if I didn't read books I don't like, and I love that joyful feeling of zipping through a great book. You'll have to let us know if you start embracing the DNF philosophy, and how it works out for you!

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    Replies
    1. LindsayApril 3, 2023 at 9:49 AM

      It feels so WRONG! What if the book turns itself around in the last third and I never know?!?!

      Delete

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