Reading is something we do for many reasons, but the key motives behind reading (especially fiction) are mental stimulation and entertainment value. And when such things are lacking, that’s when you know it’s fine to give up on a book and never finish it.
To keep it simple: reading is supposed to be a fun and enjoyable experience. Most teens and adults who dedicate their free time to reading expect to get enjoyment from the exchange, but this isn’t always the case.
Sometimes a book just doesn’t gel well with your preferences, or the story is predictable and lacklustre. Even the writing style, cumbersome or baffling, can really ruin the experience. Whatever it is, the sooner you put the book down, the better.
Whilst persevering can sometimes lead to a better opinion of the book by the end, which is what happened to me when I read Norwegian Wood, the opposite is still entirely true and more likely. For example, I’m Travelling Alone, which is quite a lengthy novel, was not worth the headache I endured, nor the time I gave in order to finish it. And, rest assured, I was not keen on it from the start.
Ultimately, you need to assess your enjoyment of the book and treat reading it like a trade deal. Forget about value for money — are you getting your time’s worth? However, many hours you give to a real slog of a book, you could’ve been giving to one that you’d enjoy much more, one that you’d remember fondly and appreciate afterwards.
Once again, it’s completely fine to set a book aside, temporarily or not. If you didn’t enjoy it, then you can always sell it, donate it, or give it to someone who you are certain would enjoy it more than you. Equally, it’ll be a great lesson in understanding your likes and dislikes when it comes to reading, and maybe help you filter out genres and authors that don’t fit what you enjoy.
Giving up, when the time is right, can be a much more valuable lesson than the cliché notion of never giving up. Don’t be gaslit into suffering through a mediocre or difficult novel.
So, if you have a book you aren’t enjoying, and it’s putting you off reading, just place it on the back burner or concede that it simply isn’t for you. Time away from it might change your opinion, and there is no shame to feel if it doesn’t. Happy reading!
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