Readers Debate the Etiquette of Abandoning Unenjoyable Books
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Readers Debate the Etiquette of Abandoning Unenjoyable Books
- A Goodreads poll revealed that nearly 62% of over 21,000 readers have abandoned a book before finishing it.
- The term "DNF," meaning "Did Not Finish," has become a common expression among modern readers, especially within online communities like BookTok and Goodreads.
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The practice of not finishing a book, often referred to as “DNF” (Did Not Finish), has become a widely discussed topic among readers, particularly with the rise of social media. While some readers feel a sense of obligation to complete every book they start, a growing number are embracing the idea that it’s acceptable to set aside a book that isn’t enjoyable or engaging.
Surveys indicate that a significant portion of readers do not finish every book they begin. A Goodreads poll involving more than 21,000 readers found that almost 62% had abandoned a book before reaching its conclusion. Reasons for this trend vary, including slow pacing, an unappealing writing style, unexpected or disturbing content, or simply a misalignment with the reader’s current mood or expectations.
Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have played a role in normalizing the “DNF” concept. Hashtags like #BookTok and #Bookstagram have fostered virtual book club communities where readers openly discuss their reading experiences, including books they’ve chosen not to finish. This open dialogue has shifted the perception of DNFing from a perceived failure to a practical aspect of a fulfilling reading life.
Experts suggest that abandoning a book can be a liberating act, allowing readers to invest their limited time in stories they genuinely enjoy. Rather than viewing it as “giving up,” many now see DNFing as a way to prioritize reading for pleasure and avoid turning it into a chore.