Minnie's Fiction Addiction

For the longest time, I had one rule when it came to reading: if I started a book, I had to finish it. No matter how bored I was, how much I disliked the characters, or how much I found myself rereading the same sentence without it sinking in — I’d grit my teeth and force myself through it. I thought abandoning a book was a kind of failure. It felt like cheating on the author or betraying the commitment I’d made when I turned the first page.

“I used to think quitting a book meant failing as a reader — now I know it means respecting my time.”

But over time, I noticed a pattern: I’d get stuck in a book I wasn’t enjoying, and instead of pushing through, I’d avoid reading altogether. Days would pass. Then weeks. Sometimes months. When I finally picked the book up again, I’d forgotten half of what had happened — and I still didn’t care enough to re-engage with it properly. The magic was gone. Reading had turned into a chore.

“One book I didn’t like stole months of reading joy — all because I wouldn’t let it go.”

Eventually, I had to ask myself: what’s the point of reading if I’m not enjoying it?

Books are supposed to be a source of joy, escape, learning, and connection. Not a self-imposed punishment. So I gave myself permission to DNF — Did Not Finish — and it completely transformed my reading life.

“DNF-ing isn’t giving up. It’s choosing joy over obligation.”

Now, when a book just isn’t working for me, I don’t push through for the sake of it. I take a moment, ask myself why, and if it’s clear I’m not getting anything out of it — I move on. And you know what? That one choice has helped me read more, not less. I’m no longer stuck in a cycle of procrastination over a book I’m not enjoying. I’m always excited about what I’m reading because I only spend time on stories that actually speak to me.

“You don’t owe every book your time — just the ones that light you up.”

DNF-ing doesn’t mean the book is bad. It just means it wasn’t the right book for me, or it wasn’t the right time. Maybe I’ll come back to it. Maybe I won’t. But reading is personal — and life is too short to read books out of obligation.

“Your TBR is too full and your time too precious to waste on books you’re not loving.”

So if you’re stuck on a book that’s making you avoid reading, consider this your permission slip: it’s okay to DNF. Your TBR pile will thank you. So will your love of reading.