when you should stop reading

NEVER!

Just kidding, this post is actually about when you should put down a book you're reading. I used to think you should always finish every book you've started, but I've since changed my mind. Now I have a 'dnf' (did not finish) shelf on Goodreads, and I say, there is no shame in leaving a book unfinished! I'm not advocating giving up on every book you don't like, but I think there are times when it's okay to call it quits.

You should stop reading a book if...

1. you're over 50 pages in

Generally, I don't give up on a book unless I'm at least 50 pages in. I figure at that point, if I'm still not enjoying myself, it's not worth it to stick around (unless the book is really long--then I'll wait until I'm about 100 pages in to decide). If, however, I've only just started, I force myself to keep reading. Sometimes, the exposition really drags, but the book as a whole is worth it. If you've ever read anything by J.K. Rowling that isn't Harry Potter, you'll know what I mean.

2. the plot isn't going anywhere

If the book seems totally directionless and you're extremely bored, put it down. You don't deserve to read terrible writing. You deserve more! If the book doesn't have a compelling plot with fully-developed characters, a believable conflict, and other elements of fantastic storytelling, find yourself a better book. You don't deserve to read anything less than the best. And there are so many good books out there, so why read the bad ones?

3. you're in a reading slump

If the book you're reading is making you hate to read in general--if it makes you dread sitting down with a book, put it down. You're not doing yourself any favors by forcing yourself to slog through it. What will inevitably happen is that you will put down that book and be so disillusioned with reading that you won't read at all. Sometimes, it's okay to put a book down and pick it back up later, but don't force yourself to read something if it's ruining the pleasure of reading for you.

4. you just really hate it

This kind of goes with the above reasons, but if you can't articulate why you're not enjoying the book, but you know you hate it--stop. Do not make yourself read something you hate. If you're not in a reading slump yet, you will hit one. Put the book down and find something that you actually enjoy. Just because everyone else loves a book doesn't mean it's for you. For example, I DESPISE Wuthering Heights (which I did finish reading, just to see if it ever got better. Spoiler alert: it didn't), even though it's a renowned classic and many people love it. There is nothing wrong with hating a book!

5. it isn't required reading

Finally, if you're forcing yourself to read a book that isn't even required, what are you doing?! I'm putting this caveat in here because I know that some books meet the criteria above but are actually required for school. I am NOT advising you forgo your class assignments. But if the book isn't required reading, don't treat it as such. You probably have enough to read as it is, so don't add extra onto your plate. The reading you do outside of class should be for pleasure, not for some arbitrary requirement that you have in your head (@ me trying to finish Don Quixote).

Basically, don't let books you hate ruin reading for you! Reading should be FUN.

xx Liz

What are some books you've put down?