The Books We Leave Behind
Once Upon An Unfinished Tale
I’m a picky reader. After working for 10 years in indie publishing, I’ve developed specific tastes—and an impatience for books that don’t hold my interest. My reading time is limited, so if a book doesn’t grab me fairly quickly, I’m out. My ebook library is littered with books I started but didn’t feel compelled to continue after a few chapters.
Wes, on the other hand, is the complete opposite. He must finish every book he starts—whether he’s engaged or bored to death. Fiction or nonfiction, it doesn’t matter. Even when slogging through dry, uninspiring writing, he refuses to move on until the final page is turned.
Curious, I polled readers to see where they stood on the DNF line. Unsurprisingly, the responses were mixed.
I understand the desire for completion, but for me, it’s not a driving force when a book isn’t working. Life is too short to treat my precious reading time like an AP Lit assignment—where finishing the book is mandatory, whether I enjoy it or not.
I also have a tendency to read book 1 in a series and then drift away before continuing. It takes a strong narrative drive, a compelling voice, or a main character's draw to keep me coming back for more. If a story doesn’t grab me and pull me into the next installment, I’m easily sidetracked by the siren call of another title on my TBR list.
Reading is such a personal experience, and sometimes, it’s just not the right time for a book. I’ll set it aside, knowing I might return to it later. My lack of connection to a story is also no reason to disparage the author; it simply means the book isn’t for me. One of my favorite quotes of my own is:
“Not every book is for every reader, but there’s a reader for every book.”
So instead of author bashing when you don’t enjoy what you’re reading, remember that book is likely someone else’s favorite.
Reading is my escape—a way to step out of the daily grind and into extraordinary lives. I treasure that experience, and I protect it fiercely.
Not every book is meant to be finished, and that’s okay. If you’re not enjoying it, there’s no rule that says you have to push through. Letting go of a book that isn’t working for you doesn’t make you any less of a reader—it just means you’re making space for stories you’ll actually love.
Life is short. Read what you love.
So tell me, which type of reader are you?
Jamie E Davis
Because All The Books
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I think I want to be a Wes, like my original intent is to finish every book, but I will say if it’s becoming torturous, I have absolutely no problem putting it down and walking away!
I think I’m in the Wes group. I see a book as someone’s hard work and will “slog on” to finish it. That said, I’ll hit the gas pedal sometimes or go through a stop sign to get home faster. But a book or series I enjoy I’ll savor the writing and take the scenic ride home. And when a book is being read for typos, it’s a slow walk job. Yes a few books were just so no go that they went to book heaven. RIP.