Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Things I Consider before I DNF a Book

Picture this: you’re reading a book, it’s boring, you find yourself scrolling through Facebook when you could be reading, you’re tempted to give up. The all to well known slump. Do you persevere? Do you give up? Do you use the book for kindly for a cosy fire as you tuck into it’s replacement?

I don’t often DNF a book. I don’t like to and I feel it’s like giving up on something someone has poured their heart, soul, money, life, time, tears, oh my gosh I’ve totally been put of being an author, into for many years. So I thought I’d list the things that make me not DNF a book.

This is somewhat of a Top Ten Tuesday. It’s not the original TTT topic by That Artsy Reader Girl: Books I might have Given up on too Quickly. That sounded too tricky for me to write first thing on a Tuesday morning (yes I am writing up this post at 8am because my friends and I are escaping to an island* today- you’re very welcome dear fans).

* The Isle of White- don’t get too excited

Anyway enough waffle. On with the list:

1. Are my, albeit few, friends talking about this book?

I’m lonely. I have very few bookish friends and a couple of online chums, and if they’re all talking about a book I’d probably finish it just to join in. I’m just thankful none of my reading friends have taken an interest in reading Haikus or anything, because that would be very testing for me.

2. Does the Blurb sound good?

I sometimes console myself with the fact that I have been promised much exciting plot if I just get through a few pages of drag. I mean, if you’re hiding a dragon after four hundred pages describing a character’s maths GCSE exam in excruciating detail that brings horrible flash backs and bores me to tears at the same time, I’d probably stick with it. Because DRAGONS.

3. Do I have something I want to read next?

I have been known to eat my dessert before my main. Many a time. Lets just say I’m not known for my patience. I have set many a weighty book aside because I just want to start that shiny new book that I just got and sounds so perfect and why are there 500 pages of boredom standing between me and my next read.

4. Am I stuck somewhere?

I will rarely DNF a book if I don’t have my next read within reaching distance. Sitting on a train and the book gets boring? Waiting for a friend? Have Hollyoaks on mute because right after it is the next episode of some actually good TV show? Yeah I’ll probably squeeze in a few pages, even if the character is STILL MOPING ABOUT SOMETHING THAT HAPPENED THREE BOOKS AGO.

5. Do I have something productive to be doing?

This potentially says more about my work ethic than how good the book is, but if the alternative is actually doing my degree? Yeah I’d probably read the Dictionary for procrastination.

6. Did I buy the book?

Because, come on, I’ve invested actual money in this. I’ve paid for your character to spend 200 pages to do literally nothing but ponder their next move in a slightly mundane plot, I’ve got to stick it out.

7. Does the book have something I feel is underrated in Literature?

You could write an entire 700 page epic on the adventures of seaweed on the Jersey Island coast and I’d still read it if there’s even a wiff of a female computer scientist. Or mathematician. Or even physicist because I’m nice and lenient like that. But not if she likes electronics, we computer people don’t talk to them.

8. Can I be bothered to move?

If I’m comfy and have snacks, I’ll just sit there for eternity, despite whatever prolonged, going no-where story I’m reading.

9. Is something good coming up?

Ok prepare to hate me but the way I know I’m not enjoying a book is because I’ll just… have a little… flick. Just a small peak to see if so-and-so becomes slightly interesting and if that one character I actually enjoyed is coming back in a few chapters. It’s the impatience thing again! Gosh it annoys me as much as you!

10. Will this book make me seem clever?

Ok we’ve come full circle and got back to my owe so fickle nature. It’s sad but if I can claim I’ve read a Dickens, or an Austen then I’ll try and finish the thing. If nothing else, just for bragging rights. Oooh that was the actual topic for the TTT once! Books I Disliked but Am Really Glad I Read.

11. Have I read a large amount of this book?

I’ve slogged through 500 pages of a character whining about some trivial problem and not really doing anything and only have 50 pages left? Yeah, I’ve got to finish it. I’ve invested time and, my days, this has become a personal challenge that must be overcome.

I did not only write ten points but surpassed that measly amount and have achieved a Top Eleven Tuesday! I mean they may have not been on the actual topic, but we’ll brush over that.

What makes you carry on with a book? Do you agree with any of my points? Does a book feel like more of a slog when the character is dull or the plot is dull?

If you’ve done TTT pop you’re link in the comments section and I’ll go judge your responses check it out!