On the power of the dreaded “DNF”.

I’ve posted about this before, that dreaded DNF, but it’s been a while and my opinion on this has actually changed! Let me say that once, when I was fresh and new, I never left a book in DNF status. I always finished everything that I started. I’d wade through books that drove me crazy from beginning to end.

Those were simpler times. Then, I wised up.

Now I understand the power of that dreaded DNF status. It’s the power to say “Hey, you know what? This book isn’t working for me. There are lots of other things I want to read. Let’s move on, ok?” and then you do. Ever since I’ve learned to embrace the DNF, I’ve felt so free! I’m not afraid to let go of a book that isn’t working for me. This has also taught me the difference between a book that I’m reading at the wrong time (like trying to read comedy when I’m depressed) and a book that just won’t jive with me no matter how much I try.

There’s power in the DNF. Power as a reader to move on when something isn’t making you happy. Power to find something amazing to read.

Do you harness that power?