The Art of a No-Guilt DNF (And How It Can Change Your Reading Life)
How learning to DNF books guilt-free completely changed my reading life, doubled my reading joy, and can do the same for you. Plus, a “Quit-It Checklist” to help you decide when to walk away.
The Journal: On Tuesdays, dive into personal essays, reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights from my bookish and personal life.
The Art of a No-Guilt DNF (And How It Changed My Reading Life)
Hi Bookish Besties!
Let’s play a game of "Have You Ever?"
Finished a book out of guilt—even though you hated every page?
Forced yourself through a “must-read” classic just to say you did?
Refused to DNF (Did Not Finish) because it felt like failing?
For years, I felt obligated to finish every book I started. Plus, growing up, I was told, “You finish what you start, young lady!”
But then I hit a breaking point.
After attempts at reading a particular classic novel, I finally had to admit: I don’t get it, I don’t enjoy it, and I don’t have to suffer through it just because it’s “important.”
But it’s not just the classics.
Even contemporary books—ones that everyone else seemed to love and that were hyped everywhere—have left me feeling frustrated, disconnected, and completely unmotivated to read.
But something special happened when I let go of the guilt and gave myself permission to quit.
I was more excited to read.
I started reading more books effortlessly.
I had better reading experiences.
I had fewer reading slumps.
I started loving my reading life again.
So below, I’m sharing:
📖 My DNF Journey—the book that did it and why it was the best reading decision I ever made.
💡 How learning to walk away made me a more joyful reader—and doubled the number of books I actually read and loved.
✅ A Free “Quit-It Checklist” (paid subscribers only!) with 10 questions to help you DNF without second-guessing along with bonus tips.
Not a paid subscriber yet? No pressure! But if you’ve ever felt guilty about DNFing, this one’s worth the upgrade.
P.S. It’s not too late to snag The February Cozy Guide (Galentine’s ideas, best romance recs, and a winter-to-spring challenge to bloom into spring 🌸).