Understanding the Term 'Did Not Finish'

Have you ever picked up a book, started reading with excitement, and then... just stopped? Maybe life got in the way, or the story didn’t quite grab you. Whatever the reason, you ended up with an unfinished book on your shelf or e-reader. I’m right there with you. It’s a common experience, and today, I want to chat about what it really means to Did Not Finish (DNF) a book, why it happens, and how to make peace with those unfinished reads.

Why Do We Have So Many Unfinished Books?

I’m curious - how many books have you started but never completed? I bet the number is higher than you think.

Here are some reasons why unfinished books happen:

• The story didn’t resonate: Maybe the plot was slow, or the characters felt flat.

• Life interruptions: Work, family, or just plain exhaustion can pull us away.

• Wrong book at the wrong time: Sometimes a book just isn’t what you need right at that moment in your life.

• Overwhelming TBR piles: Too many books, not enough time.

• Mood shifts: Your reading taste can change, and a book that excited you last month might not now.

  
  

I’ve got a confession: I have a few books I started and never finished. Some I might return to, others I probably won’t. And that’s okay!

The Emotional Side of Unfinished Books

Let’s be honest - there’s a bit of guilt that comes with leaving a book unfinished. It's taken me a while to get to the place I'm at now. I mean, we all want to be those readers who finish every book they start, right? But here’s the thing: unfinished books don’t mean failure. They mean choice.

Think about it. Life is too short to slog through a book that doesn’t bring you joy or insight. Sometimes, putting a book down is the best decision you can make for your reading happiness.

Here’s a little secret: many avid readers have a Did Not Finish list. If you want to see some of mine, check out this Did Not Finish page. It’s oddly comforting to know you’re not alone.

So, next time you feel that twinge of guilt, remind yourself:

• It’s okay to stop reading.

• Your reading time is valuable.

• There are plenty more books waiting to be loved.

  
  

How to Recover from a DNF?

1. Reflect on why you stopped

   Was it the writing style? The pacing? Or just bad timing? Understanding why helps you avoid the same pitfalls.

   
   

2. Give yourself permission to move on

   Not every book is meant to be finished. Sometimes, the best choice is to let it go.

   
   

3. Try an Always Author

   Crack open a book from one of the authors you can always rely on to give you a rewarding reading experience.

   
   

4. Set small goals

   Set your own goal — a few pages, a chapter, or whatever feels right — before deciding whether to stick with it.

   
   

Recovering from a DNF is about respecting your reading journey and making it enjoyable again.

Finding Your Next Great Read

So, what’s next after you’ve dealt with your unfinished books? Finding your next great read can be exciting and a little daunting. Here’s how to make it easier:

• Use personalised recommendations

Sites like Bookishreads offer tailored suggestions based on your tastes.

• Explore new authors or genres

Sometimes a fresh voice or style is just what you need.

• Read sample chapters

Many online retailers let you preview books before committing.

• Follow social media book groups

They often highlight hidden gems you might not find otherwise.

• Mix genres  

  Sometimes switching from a heavy drama to a light comedy can reignite your reading spark.

• Trust your gut

If a book’s cover or blurb excites you, give it a go!

• Track your progress  

  Use apps or journals to see how far you’ve come, which can be surprisingly motivating.

• Be kind to yourself  

  Remember, reading is for pleasure, not a chore.

I hope this little chat about unfinished books and the whole did not finish thing has made you feel a bit better about your own reading adventures. After all, the joy of reading isn’t about finishing every book - it’s about finding the ones that truly speak to you. And if you find yourself dragging your heels on reading your current book, then it's probably not the book for you.

HAPPY READING!