I remember being in a bookshop, whispering to my daughter that I just couldn’t get through Ferrante’s Neapolitan books. The bookseller heard me, leaned in and guiltily whispered that she felt the same. No more guilt about DNF’ing. I’m happy so many people like so many books, but not every book works for every person and that’s ok. Thanks for the video.

@norfolkreads

5 ай бұрын

So glad there are a few of us! I just can't get into her writing but feel bad about it because she's so highly regarded.

@alexiarichardson651

5 ай бұрын

I didn't love My Brilliant Friend. Passed it on to my mum, she didn't love it either. She passed it on my auntie, my auntie loved it, bought the whole series. So it found the right person, it just took a while!

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahahaha I love this story, that is brilliant. Thank you for sharing, that has really made me smile. I thought My Brilliant Friend was more My Very Average Friend.

Could not agree more with ‘right book, wrong mood’. DNF doesn’t have to be forever! I also felt the same way about In Memoriam - I liked the idea of it more than I actually liked it. I wanted it to stay with me and be the sort of book I am constantly thinking about, but…. For me, I think it was the characters - I never really felt I got to know any of them 😢

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

DNFing kind of gets this 'finality' around it which I don't think it needs. Well, with some books it does, with others it just wasn't the right time.

DNFing is so liberating! I agree with your grandfather. Life is too short to slog through a book that does not agree. It frees up time for better things - like playing with my grands, enjoying nature, and watching the traffic on the river. I think there is a feeling that says save and come back and a voice that says - just throw the book across the room and get on with life. Happy reading and joyful DNFing.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha why does joyful DNFing sound so ominous, it could create a monster. I don't want to become one of those people who is DNFing every other book, that to me says more about the reader than the books. I love what you're saying about DNFing frees up time for other things, I forgot to mention that - which says something about all my spare time haha. PS. This channel does not endorse the throwing of books hahaha.

I sooooo understand what you mean about The Vaster Wilds! You explain it so well. The only thing I have taken from it is how much I like Groff’s writing, and have Fates and Furies sitting on my shelf to read. Great video, such an interesting topic :)

@TheEmzies

5 ай бұрын

I agree. It wasn't compelling, enjoyable, but easy to put down and read something else.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

It has been so interesting to hear everyone's thoughts on DNFing books and the why's and what's. I have a feeling I will feel very similarly to Matrix as I do to The Vaster Wilds... and yet I still want to read it, ha. I actually bought The Monsters of Templeton this week which I am hoping is more on the Fates and Furies spectrum of her books.

I don’t worry too much about categorising my books in this way. I’m a mood reader and that’s fine. I like to look along my bookshelf as if it’s a shop with all my preferences. I’d only get rid of a book if I thought it actual garbage 🗑️

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Oooh that’s interesting. Though please don’t put it in the actual garbage. A library or charity donation is much better. Hahaha.

I loveeee the jumper (& the video as always)📚✨I should have DNFed Murder on the Christmas Express…. I really do need to get better at DNFing, thank you for some extra motivation!

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha an absolute pleasure Tabitha. Here's to many more DNF's for the sake of finding absolute gems.

Happy New 🎉 year and lots of nice books 📕 I did DNF quite a lot last year and …..for the first time I didn’t feel guilty about not finishing it. I must have grown up 🎉

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I don’t know if it’s a case of growing up, I would DNF without a care as a kid. If I wasn’t into it, it wasn’t staying. Hahaha. Happy New Year to you too.

I have no qualms about dnf-ing books. Life is truly too short for books I don’t enjoy. I dnf-ed 20 books last year (some early on, some half way through). I tried Elena Ferrante in the past, but I concluded that her writing is just not for me. I dnf-ed Chain Gang All Stars. If Stories From the Tenants Downstairs wasn’t the first book I bought in person from The Strand in NYC, I would have dnf-ed it after the first couple of stories. According to StoryGraph, it’s the book that took me the longest to finish, 264 days to be exact lol.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha see that almost verges on ghosting a book, which I have done with a few in my time. Actually The Shards was more of a ghosting than a DNF. I knew its as on the bedside table, I wasn't picking it up or ever really looking at it. Shameful. I should have just DNF'd it straight away and not led it on hahaha.

I love chatty videos like this! I’m definitely on board with DNFing these days but I do have a tendency to put down a lot part way through that I think I’ll get back to

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

In my head I call that book ghosting, which I now wish I had talked about a bit. I always miss something and then want to kick myself. I didn't talk about DNSing either. Tuts.

DNF'ing books is so important! Even if you do the 'DNF' for now approach. I DNF'd 16 books this year and a lot of them were books I expected to absolutely love but if I have no desire to pick them up again or they're feeling like a slog or a chore, time for anorher book

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Exactly Becky. Here, here.

Love your top. I agree with everything you said in this video, my worst trait is finishing books that I’m not enjoying because other people love it, for example just forced my way through Earthling by Murata and ended up giving it 2 stars.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think you can still get this top from Ariel Bisset's store if you wanna get your mitts on one. I liked Earthling but can totally see why it isn't a book for everyone, that's the thing with books though isn't it, we aren't going to like all the same ones but wouldn't it be really boring if we did.

I really liked what you said around 9:12 about working in 2024 to silence the beat-yourself-up voice in your head, and instead think simply, "OK, that one's not for me, move on." I hope you're successful in practicing self-directed loving kindness (you deserve it!) 😊

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha, I did very well with it last week when I got into a hard with myself for forgetting to book a restaurant and then eating somewhere rubbish, that would have sent me over the edge into absolute self berating free fall. Instead I had five minutes of being cross about paying for a pretty rubbish dinner and moved on.

@Jodi9810

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads well done! 😊

The teasing is a very rare occurrence so I’m absolutely here for it 🤩 Dnf-ing is definitely nuanced as you said. For now or forever is a really great way to think about it. It’s a fair assessment to make. - Could not agree more about blurbs often being either misleading or too revealing. Not doing the book any favours imo. I definitely prefer not to read it if I already know a few bits about the book. Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason is an example I always think of bc I was not intrigued by the blurb at all. But then borrowed it at the library to give it a chance and it was an absolute 5⭐️ read for me.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I also think you can tell if it’s a for now or forever when you decide the reading is done. And I do want to get this TBR down.

@cecilialau_

5 ай бұрын

Not a bad thing to think of it as being curious about what grabs you and what you might have moved on from. Getting the tbr down is an intention for myself as well this year.

The more books I read (which is around 150 a year) the better I get at DNFing. I can tell fairly early on if I’m liking the book or not. Then when a really good book comes along, like ‘Restless Dolly Maunder’ by Kate Greville which I’ve just read, I’m glad that I’ve DNFed lots of books to make time for the good ones. I also DNFed ‘In memoriam’ and also don’t get on well with Elena Ferrante.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha. Sounds like we have some similar tastes going on, thank you for reminding me I really need to het to Restless Dolly Maunder. I love Kate Grenville and am behind on her most recent two books.

As I’ve gotten older (and closer to death) I have started DNFing without mercy. The list of books I want to read far exceeds the amount of time that I have left to do so. I can no longer abide a book that has long boring passages or lack or movement in the story. When you described your inner anger at yourself for not completing a book because you convinced yourself that this is something that you should like I just wanted to shake you and tell you “No!” This has nothing to do with you it is the marketing department’s fault. Turn your rage towards them and put the book down. I do hope that you stick with The Tenants Downstairs when you are in the right frame of mind. I throughly enjoyed it and recommended it to my library book group and got another person to pick it up and they enjoyed it as well. Readers should never feel guilty about putting a book down, temporarily or permanently. Not every book will resonate with every reader and that is the joy of reading, there is something out there for “every” person rather than “all” persons.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha, I did try to steer clear of the 'death' reason, I hope I did ok on that one as know it can be really triggering for some people. If I think about it too much I get really freaked out. Anyway... the rage comment made me laugh, I don't want to aim rage at people doing their jobs, cos we all have to pay the bills, I think I just need to harness the rage and turn it into a drive to say 'nope, not for me... next'.

I need more stories on a train reccomendations when in taking the train through Italy 🙌 think this would be a great video

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Italian trains are brilliant. Especially the double deckers. Some of my favourite trains and train journeys in the world.

@lauraevans6285

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads this is my first time, and the more I hear, the more I think I won't be doing that much reading on them 👀

This vlog made me giggle so much! 😂 I have thought many times ‘is it just me?!’ Now I realise it is not 😅 When you think ‘I should really be enjoying this book’ but despite hard slog, sleepless nights and starvation in the process of trying to finish this ‘masterpiece’ realise it is never gonna happen and then suffering torment at not seeing what everyone else sees in it! 😂 These days, and I definitely think it’s an age thing, I realise that time is galloping away and I simply don’t have the time to waste on books that don’t engage me immediately so it has simplified the process for me thank goodness! 😅 I do have to say though that ‘In Memoriam’ has to be one of my favourite ever books! It rates alongside Captain Corelli’s Mandolin for captivating and evoking such emotion in me! The wonderful thing is that we all love different books and authors and that is why it is all such fun to debate! ☺️ 📚

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Glad you enjoyed the video, always nice to give people a giggle or two. Or maybe even three. I have to say sleepless nights and starvation have never been a result of me not liking a book, that would be extreme and dare I say it... they are just books hahaha. I think the moment you ever say or think 'I should be enjoying this' then stop because it's a huge red flag that you aren't and as you say, time is galloping away.

I definitely belive in the right-book-wrong-time conundrum. I'm not afraid to stop reading and put a book aside for some amount of time (weeks, months, or even years). And if I don't pick it up again that's ok too. I appreciate the track you are on for def-ing. I'm ready to start a "Books About Doorknobs" special project. (That's a fib.)

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahahaha, can't believe there aren't sections of libraries and bookshops for the Books About Doorknobs genre.

My attitude toward DNF'ing: When I was younger I think I felt that I needed to finish whatever I started or it would somehow make me a bad, un-dependable person. Now that I'm an oldish lady (mid-50s) I give myself a lot more grace to do what feels right to me rather than what I think I should do according to some imagined sense of duty. Also, I've learned to take the idea of opportunity cost pretty seriously, especially since I've only recently gotten really interested in reading and don't read particularly quickly, so there are so many books I desperately want to read I'm not confident that I'll ever get to them. Every page I slog through without enjoyment is stealing time from one that I could be loving. Also (maybe b/c I'm not a bookish content creator) I feel zero peer pressure to try to like something "everyone" loves. But I do experience fomo on all the great-sounding books I hope to check out. No rules, just paying attention to how I'm actually feeling about what I'm reading, and putting it down as soon as I think the ROI isn't there, and isn't likely to materialize soon if I give it a little more time. [Sorry, way too long - I trust this comment has been DNF'ed by now 🤣]

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I would NEVER ever DNF a comment, I wanged on for over 20 minutes about this topic so four paragraphs in a comment is nothing. Haha. Also, can we just clear up the fact that mid 50ish is not old or oldish.

@Jodi9810

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads you're very kind! 😊

I had never DNF’d a book until last year. Last year? Around 60. It was freeing!

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Wowsers, that is quite the turnaround.

I know that bookshop in Haworth and the bookseller recommends something to everyone! If you take the slightest interest in a book she’s there with “it’s wonderful, I loved it!” 😂 She’s lovely but it kinda puts me off going in.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Oh, it wasn't a lady, so maybe that is a general over enthusiasm in that shop. Which is lovely, I never want to dampen anyone being enthused, just maybe more focused in there enthusiasm. Ha.

I’m trying to get better at DNFing. Last year I DNFd 4, but 3 of those I spent way too much time with. I should have quit at 50 instead of 120 pages

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

We live, we learn. I wouldn't stress it.

I feel much the same way about In Memoriam and finally I feel seen! I ended up finishing it and I liked it but I still feel this weird disconnect with it.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Yeah the disconnect I couldn't ignore, part of me thinks ooooh I will try again one day, part of me isn't sure lol!

I have not DNF’d a book in 10 years 😳 But I think maybe I’m fussy about what I pick up. I’ll try a bit and if I’m not vibing I’ll choose something else. And with you on In Memoriam. I liked it, didn’t love it, and everything was far more gay (and accepted!) than felt realistic to me.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Interesting Ben, how far is 'trying a bit'? Just wondering if that may constitute a DNF... or a DNS which I had never heard of before I shared this video.

@benreadsgood

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads oh literally like a page, maybe 2. I’ll normally have a stack of like 5 (or 10…) books in front of me and just read a little from each. But as soon as one grabs me, I keep on going with it.

It’s interesting a few people have commented that they don’t DNF they DNS (do not start). That’s me, I’m so careful about starting books in case I don’t enjoy them. I think I might be more adventurous if I know I can dnf. Like you said I just worry that the book will get better and I’ll have missed out..

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think we have to remember... it's just books hahaha. I know that is a shocking thing to type on a Booktube channel comment, it's true though. If you don't like a book but it gets better and you didn't get there, does it really matter? Nah. You'll find another book you love from the off.

life is too short! i make it to 30% and if nothing of interest if working by that point, then i'm out! but please do give the Naga another shot! it's all worth it in the end! i'll be patiently awaiting your thoughts~

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha I like the very specific 30% Nathan hahaha. I will give Naga another go I promise, was just completely wrong time and gutting because I was soooo desperate, that's right desperate, to do a buddy read with you!

I know Jen The Librarian felt similarly about In Memoriam. I adored it but can appreciate its not for everyone. Love these categories of DNF’s. I mostly just forget about DNF’s once they are gone, unless they are really bad 😂

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha, I am not sure I will think on many of these often, it has been interesting to see what makes me DNF a book and why though.

I felt the same way about In Memoriam. I did finish it, but I dont understand the hype around it but am aware it must be a me thing because everyone loves it. I much much preferred A New Life (one of my favourite books of 2023) which had a similar feel to it but was in my opinion much better written.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

But it being a you thing is a good thing... because you are you, lol. I liked The New Life a lot too, it didn't make my favourites as there were a few slightly academic (and dare I say verging on dry) moments but most of it was fabulous. I really want a book about those two men in the Peaks.

I haven't DNF'd a book yet, but when I think about my lowest rated books from last year, I should have done so with at least two or three. I had a couple of short(er) books which I finished quite quickly and so could not really argue that I wasted much time that I could have spent with a more interesting book. But I learned a lot about my reading taste(s) and what types of books appeal to me more. I have some reeeally chunky books on my list this year and if one or two are not meant for me then for someone else surely 💪

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

DNF's and low rated books are a really important and fundamental part of a reading life I think, as you put it so well we learn a lot about our reading taste by the books we like less but read... and our tastes change so it is an ever evolving process.

Alexandra Benedict wrote another Christmas murder mystery before this one, and it sounds like a copy of the same idea - anagrams and song titles, this time there are 2 potential murders and the characters are locked in a manor for the 12 days of Christmas. DNFd halfway through.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha, I don't think anyone needs to worry that I will be heading to any more of Benedict's books, not doing that to myself again.

I'd like to DNF more too. I think I DNFed maybe 5 books last year, but on reflection there were probably about a dozen more that I trudged through and felt like I got no pay off from. I particularly want to get better at DNFing audiobooks when the narrator isn't working for me. I've found a lot that I'll miss things or zone out, and end up not loving the book as much, but it not actually being the fault of the writing? If that makes sense. Very proud of myself that I've already DNFed one book this year (French Braid by Anne Tyler, just wasn't grabbing me and the characters felt a bit muddy and there were repeated fatphobic comments made by characters and I just thought 'nah')

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

That makes total sense with audiobooks, that’s also probably in part because I really struggle with fiction on audio. I am great with non fiction but for some reason if I pop on fiction after about 20 minutes I start zoning out.

I loved hearing about the books you DNF.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I may do it more on occasion. Actually I think I did it in wrap ups last year, sprinkled throughout as and when it happened.

I DNF library books left and right.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

One of the many, many reasons libraries are magic.

I dnf'd The Martian too as it was painful to read. Film is really good - I think you would like it.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Maybe one day, once the trauma of the book fades. I still think of it and get mildly cross it sold so many copies and was soooo awful.

In 2023 (a most enjoyable reading year) I DNF book 3 of the All Souls Trilogy (got to p170 I think & had to return to library & haven't re-borrowed yet). Likewise for Time Shelter (plus I found I wasn’t in the mood for it then, but would like to revisit it one day). Also - Other People’s Husbands by Elizabeth Noble which I started for an author event (she was lovely) but this book was not my cuppa tea 😬 I will abandon a book if it doesn’t grab/engage me 😏

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think that is the right approach Jane.

@janepeacock3704

5 ай бұрын

Too many books too little time 😘

I need to get on this bandwagon. I only DNF’d a handful of books last year and I should have DNF’d so many more. It isn’t guilt so much as it is the possibility that it will get better, that if you just stick with it, you’ll get to the good part. And then there isn’t a good part and you’re just frustrated. I am determined to be more honest in my reading this year.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think I am going into 2024 with the modus operandi (or however you spell it) that am I really going to stress the possibility of it getting better in favour of picking up something else that starts off good and stays good. That said I have already read a book I probably should have DNF'd, so what do I know. Hehehe.

I like to make a big deal about DNF’ing a book. I give it a dirty look, throw it aside, and loudly proclaim, “Abandon book!”😄

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha. This just made me laugh. Well bar the throwing. Hahaha.

@MJ-in-Canada

5 ай бұрын

I should have mentioned that I throw the book onto a cushion so as not to damage it.😄@@SavidgeReads

The Shards sounds like it has the Saltburn problem. Shock for shock sake. I love American Psycho. The Genesis and Huey Lewis and The News thing is hilarious and just another part of PB's obsessive personality. With Nana Kwame, I really liked The Era. Friday Black is ott but satirical. Ha! On the door knob and I get you on In Memoriam. I think if you're writing multiple characters as in a world of them, then all of them being samey can push people out of the reality of the story.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

ha, how funny you compared The Shards to Saltburn. I hadn't thought to but you totally can, though I absolutely LOVED Saltburn. Second favourite film of last year.

I always want to say I don’t DNF books. While watching this video, I think I realized I am much more a DNS, did not (really) start, person. I will buy books or get them from the library because they sounded great while I was browsing or someone I love recommended them or they felt like a book I really should be reading, and I eventually realize they just aren’t for me, sometimes after just a few pages, but most often when I finally try to start them. In Memoriam is an example. Then they are gone and off to someone who will enjoy them. So, I am trying to get better about not purchasing books that I’m not really sure about. Demon Copperhead would be one example. I’m sure it’s a well written book, but I just know it’s not for me and that goes beyond the fact that it’s too long. I will still walk into a bookshop and walk out with three books that I should have thought more about before buying, but I’m a work in progress. I do have a dozen or more books that I’m partway into, was enjoying or was at least intrigued by, but put them down for some reason. Those are all books I want to get back to back to at some point, so they stay with me.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

DNSing is something a few people have mentioned on here that I could have touched upon in this video as it is sort of something I do. By that I mean sometimes I will look for a reason not to get a book or pick a book up at all, just cos there are so many out there I could be reading instead.

the book i should have dnf'd this year was the Paris bookseller ; i try to stick it out especially if i paid full price on a book

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Yeah I can understand that, though now I am not even doing that if a book is a dud. if it's a dud, its a DNF.

I'm not the best DNFer, but when I am bored and find I am not interested in anything or anyone in the book then I usually DNF. More often than not those are books I picked up due to some hype or other.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think it would take a lot for me to DNF a book. I want to be a bit tougher though going forward. That said I’ve read a book this week in hindsight I should have DNF’d. It’s a learning curve/process. Ha!

I dnf'd 15 books last year. I wish I could have dnf'd about that many more, but I was or felt obligated to finish them. I hope to do better this year. (Total read 114)

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I don't think we should feel obligated to do anything that is meant to be fun. Life's too short.

Im not got at DNFing but want to get better at it. Last year I Dnfd A Waiter in Paris - the writer (it's a memoir) came across as privileged deliberately doing things because he wanted to write a book that evoked Down and Out in Paris. Yet others in my book club gave it 5 stars.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

We can't all love the same things, I thin k the reasons someone doesn't love a book are just as interesting as why people do.

Last year I DNFed a total of 53 books (including The Vaster Wilds). Yes, 53 books. An average of one DNF per week. And I'm okay with that, to be honest. I look at it as clearing more room for potential 5 star reads. My average rating in 2023 was 3.8 stars which doesn't seem so great, and I'd like to get that into the 4s. (I don't rate DNFs.) I also tend to DNF pretty early -- sometimes within the first few pages, even. So far, I've DNF'ed three books in 2024 -- off to a good start!

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think if it works for you it works for you. I think if I was DNFing a lot of books I might look at why that is and why I have had so many in my hands in such quick succession. That is not a slight at you, just a pondering on when I read a lot of the books I DNF'd and I think it was around September when my mood was off and I was picking the right and wrong things at the wrong time.

@melissafirman1962

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads No slight taken. It could very well have been my mood -- it was a tough year.

I dnfed The Franchise Affair for the exact same reason. Uggh.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Wasn’t it just SHOCKING… and not in the way I wanted it to be shocking.

I seriously need to start DNF'ing more. I almost never do, I make myself finish books no matter what, even if it takes me years

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Oh blimey, that said I have been known too. Or sometimes I do the trail off... almost like ghosting a book not DNFing hahaha.

I read Alexandra Benedict's Christmas Murder Game in December only because it was chosen by my book group and I definitely would have DNF'd that but I wanted to hear what the rest of the group felt so ploughed on. Outside of my book group I am a shameless DNFer. I am prepared to go up to 100 pages before giving up but if a book hasn't grabbed me by then it's a pretty safe bet it's not going to. I do like the occasional reread and sometimes a book I loved years ago I find I cannot get on with at all now. Which strangely makes me feel a bit sad.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha, that is so interesting about book club. I would have still DNF'd and just gleaned what happened from the rest of the group.

@TanisMakesStuff

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads 😆 Now you say that.... that's exactly what I should have done. 🙄

I started DNF’ing books many years ago after reading a book that clocked in at almost 500 pages. I didn’t like the book from the get-go but wanted to give it a chance. Finally, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I DNF’d it just before the final chapter! That taught me a lesson.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Oh blimey. Yeah. I couldn’t get that far with a book I wasn’t that fussed about. Especially not a big one. Ooer.

@josie8997

5 ай бұрын

I had much the same experience with "The Wise Man's Fear" (my copy was over 1000 pages if I remember correctly 😭) and frankly I should have learned more from that experience. I'm still terrible at dnfing

My attitude towards DNF-ing is if I'm not enjoying a book, I just stop reading it. I want to enjoy reading the books I'm reading and not feel as though I'm forcing myself to continue to reading them. Through, I don't dnf often as I try to pick up books that I think I'll genuinely enjoy. That being said, last book I dnf-ed was The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I loved the Burton, you have reminded me I haven't read the sequel. We can't all love the same books and that is something I need to remind myself, especially on those books where I feel I am left out of the party and start getting FOMO.

Oh too bad.... re: Vaster Wilds ... Loved that one. I'm a big DNFer too.... I"m way way too old for spending time reading books that are not a good match with my aesthetic.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

We can't all love all the books, plus I did like it it wasn't a DNF hahaha.

@TKTalksBooks

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads I love your channel! 😊

It’s healthy to DNF without guilt if a book isn’t doing it for you. Our TBR lists are simply too long! So many books, so little time. ⏳ This year I am planning to track my DNFs in order to sus out any commonalities.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ooh that will be interesting, it was fun working out what didn't work for me with these books and seeing if they had any common reasonings, they didn't really, more showed a spectrum of what doesnt work for me.

I really struggle to DNF physical books I’ve bought because I want to love them, but I’m very good at DNF-ing audiobooks I borrow from the library. Sometimes it’s just DNF for now because I think I’ll like it better in print, but sometimes it’s bye forever. I recently tried A Man Called Ove, which I know so many people love, and after ~30 mins I could safely say that it’s not for me 😅

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think that is one of the many, many reasons that libraries are so brilliant and important and vital and all the things.

I have a strange relationship with Ferrante. I ADORE the HBO Series of My Brilliant Friend. As a result I really want to lvoe her books but I have DNF'ed two now. I have a copy of My Brilliant Friend so that may be my last try I think.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I haven't watched the show, because I didn't really like the books. Well, that isn't quite true. I was left very 'meh' by the first one, so didn't carry on and guess what... the world didn't end and no one took away my library card.

If I've given a book a fair chance I'll DNF it if it's not for me. Think giving a book a chance has been the key for me to not feeling "I should finish it, what if it gets better?" There's an infinite number (almost) of books, I need to make time for the good ones! 😄

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Exactly, an infinite number of books to read but not an infinite amount of time to read them.

DNF, 'Prince of Tides'- Pat Conroy. A metaphor fest, which I dislike immensely, & seems a peculiarity common to many American authors. 'Wading through treacle' comes to mind. 😊

@SavidgeReads

3 ай бұрын

Hahaha, I love that term. I also love treacle.

Great video! Have you ever finished a book, not liked it but think about it all the time?? I read Platform 7, 5 years ago, rated it 2 stars yet still think about it. I don’t know if I should reread it??? Maybe it should have been a DNF for now years ago and maybe now I would enjoy it??

@braincabbage

5 ай бұрын

I've had that exact same situation with Special Topics in Calamity Physics! I've read it almost ten years ago, gave it two stars but it lingers in my brain and I still remember the experience of reading it. I feel like I should maybe read it again, too

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Well this is interesting. I don't know if I have quite had that, maybe more I have read books and not liked them but would have in the past rather than read them in the past but would like them now. This is another thing I didn't really touch on so much and should have, our tastes change, sometimes forever, sometimes for a while and come back around.

I never used to DNF books so I used to struggle through them to get to the end. Only in the last year I’ve starting DNFing books, not very many, mind you, as that drive to finish them still exists. However, I realise that my taste has changed and not every book I’ve bought is for me anymore. I do feel guilty about it though.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think if people are DNFing every other book or loads of books they may need to have a word with themselves, one or two here or there seems just like common sense to me, ha.

I slogged my way through Demon Copperhead…not a book for me…and the ending was trite!

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

That is fair enough, we can't all like the same books and I think as long as people can be constructive in their critique and not rude then discussion on books people love and people don't can be super interesting.

I try really hard not to DNF books, but I also try really hard to be selective about the books I decide to read. I DNF'd 3 books last year (as opposed to the 204 I finished). To each their own, though.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Exactly, each to their own. It has been really interesting seeing how people DNF and why though. That said I do think the numbers thing is part of the problem, I meant to talk about that in my favourites video. I would rather DNF more and complete less but they be brilliant reads.

I find it very easy to DNF a library book but if I’ve spent money on it then I find myself forcing my way through it x

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

That is one of the many, many, many reasons that libraries are so brilliant.

I used to be one of those people who never DNFd books, but then last year I DNFd 9 books, and gave 26 books 1 stars. A lot of those 1 stars should have been DNFs as well. Don't mind hate-reading a book, because I do feel like I can't properly say I really disliked this whole book if I haven't actually finished reading it. But still, for my own well being I should DNF more often. I just haven't figured out a good rule/system for myself yet. 50-60 pages is not good enough, because what if it is 120 pages in total?

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I have yet to give a book a single star as I would have DNF'd it, something I hadn't spotted until I read your comment. I have a couple of two stars but they should probably have been DNF's too. Ooh I answered that conundrum about 120 page books in the video as lots of people brought that up in the comments on my intentions video.

I am a mood reader. If I find that I’m not enjoying a book I put it down and start another one. I am reading a slow burn romance that I am enjoying it. I feel that if you’re not liking a book just put it down.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Wise words indeed.

I've read 2 books by Alexandra Benedict (though not the one you mentioned), in one she says something along the lines of 'she felt like sliced salmon', and its been over a year and I still don't know what that means

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahahaha, that's hilarious. I have no idea what that means either.

Although I love Ferrante, I wouldn't try her any more if I were you. I don't feel bad about dnfing and do it probably with about 10% of what I read. Dnf-for-now is a good idea that I started implementing only last year. A book that everybody loves and I found absolutely boring was "A place for us" by F.F. Mirza.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I haven’t tried that one. Or even heard of it so that’s completely passed me by. Hahaha. Or was that the one SJP published? That’s sounding familiar as I type. Anyway… here’s to dnfing for now or forever.

@azu_rikka

5 ай бұрын

@SavidgeReads yes, that's right! Jen Campbell, Mercedes, and a few other booktubers love that book..

I have always finished a book if it is for book club. Sometimes, I regret that because the book was awful. But, I would like to contribute to the conversation, if that makes sense.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I have told my book club to DNF as they like, I think constructive reasons/discussions on why you didn't love or finish a book can be as important as why people did finish or love a book.

I now dnf when I’m just not in the right frame of mind for that genre, or I’m not enjoying the story or characters in the story.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Sounds like a wise plan to me.

I'm a big dnf'er as I believe life's too short to waste time reading something that you're not enjoying. They're are so many books out there calling to me that I want to get to. 😂 I also recently dnf'd Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. I thought it was horrible. It was a pretty weakly constructed fantasy. I must admit that I have been spoilt by reading some extremely well constructed fantasy prior to picking this one up. I also think I'm over smut.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I am not into fantasy really, although apparently my first read of the year was fantasy which suprised me, so can't comment on the Yarros. I just think if a book isn't for you... thank you, next.

I dnf plenty, but there are books I struggle with dnfing permanently. You struck a nerve with your comment about books that you ended up finishing and liked, but would it have mattered if you hadn't. I agree that it wouldn't because most books are not actually life changing so we can miss out and it's fine. I think the phrase you were looking for on In Memoriam is you were seeing it through a glass darkly.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha, no, I meant frosted glass. I just couldn't find the word... though it was really cold so I should have, ha.

I was so passionate by Elena Ferrante's Neapolitan books. But then I read two standalones and really didn't like them. I think if I don't like the next one I read by her, I'll DNF it. Time to accept that my love for her have die ! (So dramatic, I know ! :P ) In 2023, I DNFed Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgommery.. I just couldn't care about what happened. And so little was happening. It is un unpopular opinion but life is too short.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Who says it is unpopular though, like really. I was thinking this the other day. Well actually lots of people have to me with In Memoriam but that is just their opinion. And opinions are like ar$eholes, everyones got one hahaha.

@cynthibook

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads So true ! 😂

Matt Damon is infinitely likeable in The Martian, so definitely watch it :-)

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hmmm maybe one day. I think the book just put me off full stop. Ha. If I ever watch it I’ll report back 😉

I want to be okay with DNF-ing books that are overly misogynistic (or racist/homophobic/ableist). If it’s a classic, or if the sexist character is meant to be very unlikeable, I tend to push through it anyway, because I understand our views have changed now or it might serve a narrative purpose. But usually I experience exactly what you described; I get more and more annoyed and barely remember what I’m reading. This seems to be frowned upon, as you’re meant to have read certain classics despite their outdated views. But I read for fun, not to get annoyed!

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Oh I had this when lovely Ben of DoomAntidoye and I read Vanity Fair and we really struggled with the ways in which it talked about several minority groups, worse than Josephine Tey, and I decided that was the last time I would use the adage 'oh but think when it was set'. Nope, if it's offensive now it was offensive then, even if people let it slide.

Too many books, too little time. Dump him! I made it to the end, but when I was ranking my reads of last year The Shards did not rank highly haha. I think it might be time for me to DNF Brett forever.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think I feel the same way Euan. I don't really think I will be missing anything if I don't pick up anymore. We shall see.

I have no issue with putting a book down. If I’m reading a physical copy I will try it on audio (which worked for The Martian for me). Life is too short and there are too many books to read books you’re not enjoying

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I so wish I didn't zone out with fiction on audio as I think it could be a game changer. I am much much more likely to DNF (and return) an audiobook actually now I come to think about it. Interesting!

I DNfd Northwoods. I know. Everyone loved it, it was super smart, creative, blah blah… I despised this book. I pushed through to about 40% and it was still grating on me. The style just didn’t work for me. It’s a Dang forever.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I haven't read North Woods so can't comment... yet. I do have it on my shelves but interestingly never picked it up last year. Maybe I will, maybe I won't we shall see.

I don’t have issues with DNFing. Any other hobby in life, you wouldn’t “punish” yourself by continuously doing those things so why is it that way in regard to books?? Reading is supposed to be enjoyable….if you’re not enjoying it, let it go. No one’s handing out gold stars to people that slogged through a book they didn’t like. And 4 out of 5 is too many chances…..most people haven’t even read 5 books from their “favorite” author, so why give an author you don’t even like that many tries???

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

You're so right, it is bizarre how with reading it is different to anything else where you would just say 'ooh actually I don't want anymore of this'.

You don't have to give a reason or reasons to anyone who criticizes you not like a book, we don't all like what each other read. Some books you hope you will like and find you did not and that is okay. DNFing is so therapeutic because you know that the book or genre you are dnfing is not for you, so it frees you to search for something you will enjoy.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha, I haven't found it therapeutic but we will see if that becomes more of a feeling the more I do it. And in terms of not having to give reasons, no I don't you are right, however it can make for interesting discussions when people politely disagree and I am all for that, when it is polite.

I have wished I had DNF'd several, but in defense of Tey, it was a misogynistic world when she was writing, still is really, as any woman who has sat through meetings can testify, it does not matter if you have the same credentials. I myself remember being told at a job interview in 1970, "all our women make minimum wage," to which I replied, "you mean to start?" He replied, "all our women make minimum wage." "Wait a minute, you're telling me that if I worked here 20 years," to which he repeated again, best if I don't tell you what I replied, that company went belly up, I only hope it was a woman who sued.😅 My husband and I both liked Matrix, by Lauren Groff so much that I bought Florida, not realizing it is a book of short stories, I'll get to it eventually but I will give a pass to Vaster Wilds. I did like The Martian and his Artemis too, but I love Science Fiction.❤

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

See I would counter your argument about Tey and misogynistic times that yes they were, yet if people didn't write against the grain of society (or go against it in general) and push the boundaries I don't think literature, and we as people would get very far. Watching Rustin and NYAD and a few other films really made me think of the importance of us all being more radical and speaking out. Anyway... Sadly, I thought The Martian was grossly misogynistic for a contemporary book, maybe that's the science field though hahaha.

@susprime7018

5 ай бұрын

@@SavidgeReads Maybe that's why he wrote Artemis with a strong female lead character.

Fibbing blurb 😂

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

They do. Some of them fib a lot.

Like/want that sweatshirt 😘

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I think you can still get them on Ariel Bissett’s channel/store.

@janepeacock3704

5 ай бұрын

Ooh I’ll have a look 👍🤓

I will never read another Brett Easton Ellis, he is the master of description but so much seems gratuitous and I know I'm never going to enjoy it. I read a couple of books I wished I'd DNF'd last year, I was just hopeful the ending would explain things, but that was being naive. Plus not everyone is going to like every book so it's fine to not enjoy something even if other people seem to.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Exactly, I concur on all of your thoughts Janet.

Hi Simon oh yes, life's 2 short 2 read a bad book/one you r not getting on with.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

It is indeed.

I snorted over the Alexandra Benedict book - please don't read The Christmas Murder game then - more of the same I'm afraid

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha. Fear not, I have no plans to.

Elena Ferrante is not for me at all. I've given up.

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I could be headed that way!

I actually finished ‘Murder/Xmas Xpress 🚂’ !! But I know what you mean 😬🤭 I only found 2 Kate Bush songs !! 🤔 I want to travel on that train or one like it (never been to 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🥹)

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

I have been on one train slightly like it when Mum and I went to Africa. I was 11 and spent it with my face in a book (Nancy Drew since you aske, ha) and didn't really appreciate it. It was like giving a dog and ice cream.

@janepeacock3704

5 ай бұрын

Did it feel like an adventure though? 🚂 😌 📖 x

Used to feel bad DNF-ing books everyone likes until a certain booktuber 😉 wisely replied & essentially said they don’t feel bad disliking books everyone likes bc enough people already like them 📖🪱💚

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Ha. If that certain booktuber was me I was not practising what I was preaching. I will be this year!

Lapvona.. DNF , due to bring given PTSD by a grape!!🫒..it just felt like tge,author was trying to shock and disgusting the reader rather than tell the story. Covenant of Water ( I know, sorry) I just ran out of interest

@SavidgeReads

5 ай бұрын

Hahaha, who knew grapes could be so triggering. I loved Lapvona but I can totally see why people wouldn't. I haven't read Covenant of Water though it was RAVED about to me very recently by a good mate with fab taste, so I might have a look at the paperback. People were wild for his last one, one of the most recommended books to me that year. We can't all love the same stuff though, would be soooo boring.