DNF: A Discussion

What Does DNF Mean?
As a newbie, I had no clue what this meant. Even though I had seen it around, it didn't click until I read some discussions happening in the blogosphere about it.

DNF= Did Not Finish

Common DNF Rules?
Some bloggers set rules for themselves on their limit before they label a book DNF. I've read rules with page limitations of 50 or 100 pages and others that say to skip ahead and see if you like it before you completely give it up.

See this link on an librarian's view on DNF.
See this link on another blogger's view on DNF.

My Opinion
I really don't like NOT finishing a book, especially an ARC that has been given to me, but sometimes you just don't click with a book. For me its usually one of two things: 1) I am stressed/ or unfocused at the time I begin to read or 2) I really don't click with the characters. These cause me to not be able to focus/concentrate on the book and therefore I just can't get into the book.

In the past I have had times where I give up on a book too soon, or don't give up soon enough. I'll pick up a book I gave up on and fall in love the second time I try to read it, such as with The Hunger Games -I know I am an idiot for not loving it the first time around- and Unearthly. Other times, I finish it and still wasn't touched or moved by it.

That is why I think having a process, not necessarily DNF rules, is a good thing for every blogger/reader to have. My DNF Rules:

• Read at least 100 pages.
• If I am bored, read ahead next chapter and see if it gets better or read other blogger's reviews and see if they felt the same.
• If feeling stressed, or not in the mood, add the book to the end of the TBR (To Be Read) pile and try again later.
• Second time around with a book and I still can't connect, officially add to the DNF pile.

So what are your DNF rules? Join the discussion and check out the links above!