Nope. Not even close.
I used to feel guilty about not finishing books. If I started one, I felt like I had to push through, no matter how much I wasn’t enjoying it. But over the years, I’ve realized something important: life is too short to waste on terrible books.
There are too many incredible stories out there, and if a book isn’t working for me, I have no problem setting it aside. Some books deserve a second chance, but others? Not so much.
So, how do I decide when to quit a book? Here’s my approach.
1. The 50-Page Rule (or Sometimes Less!)
If I’m on the fence about a book, I usually give it about 50 pages to grab me. If I’m not engaged by then—if I find myself bored, frustrated, or forcing my way through—it’s a sign that it’s not for me.
That said, sometimes I don’t even make it that far. A book can lose me in the first chapter if:
- The writing is painfully bad.
- The characters are flat or unlikable.
- The story feels cliché or predictable.
- It includes content that doesn’t align with my values.
📖 Example: I once started a book that was marketed as “Christian fiction” but was full of toxic relationships and questionable theology. That one got tossed real fast.
If a book isn’t bad but just isn’t clicking with me, I might set it aside and come back to it later. Timing matters!
2. When a Book Feels Like a Chore
Reading should be enjoyable, not exhausting. If I find myself dreading picking up a book, avoiding reading altogether, or choosing to scroll on my phone instead, that’s a clear sign I should let it go.
📖 Example: I once read a historical novel that was beautifully written but so painfully slow that I felt like I was wading through molasses. I kept going for a while, but eventually, I had to admit I wasn’t enjoying it and move on.
If a book feels like homework, I give myself permission to stop.
3. When I Just Don’t Care What Happens Next
A good book should make me want to keep reading. If I reach a point where I’m completely uninterested in the characters or the plot, there’s no reason to force myself to continue.
📖 Example: I once started a popular fantasy novel that people raved about, but I just couldn’t connect with the main character. She made one bad decision after another, and I found myself rolling my eyes more than turning the pages. I finally quit halfway through.
If I don’t care how it ends, I stop reading. Simple as that.
4. When a Book is Morally or Spiritually Troubling
As a Christian, I’m mindful of what I read. I don’t expect every book to align with my worldview, but I do have boundaries. If a book is full of content that dishonors God, glorifies sin, or just makes me uncomfortable, I have no problem putting it down.
📖 Example: I once started a highly praised novel, only to realize it was full of explicit content that had no real purpose in the story. I shut it and moved on.
I believe stories matter—they shape our thoughts, emotions, and even our faith. So I try to be intentional about what I let into my mind and heart.
When I Do Push Through
That being said, I don’t quit every book that’s slow or challenging. Some books are worth the effort because they stretch my thinking, deepen my faith, or teach me something valuable.
I’ll push through if:
✔ The book is highly recommended by people I trust.
✔ The writing is difficult but rewarding (like classics or deep theology).
✔ The story has potential even if it’s slow at first.
📖 Example: The first time I read C.S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce, I struggled with the allegorical style. But I kept going, and by the end, I was deeply moved.
Sometimes, pushing through pays off. But if it doesn’t? No regrets.
Final Thought: It’s Okay to Quit Books!
Not every book is meant for every reader. Some books just aren’t good, some aren’t for me, and some just aren’t for right now. And that’s okay.
I used to feel guilty about quitting books, but now I remind myself: reading is a joy, not a duty. If I’m not enjoying a book, there’s no shame in setting it aside and picking up something better.
What about you? Do you finish every book you start, or do you give yourself permission to quit? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts! 📚✨
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Dnf’ing is every readers right.
I wish more would make use of it…
Wen I was younger, I never quit books. I would power through even the worst of novels. And then one day I asked myself why I was wasting time reading books that just weren’t for me. So now I have the opposite problem! I start way more books than I finish. I am trying to get better about that though.