I’ll be honest with you, this question has haunted me many times. As a lifelong book lover, I used to feel guilty for putting a book down. I’d stare at the half-read pages on my nightstand, almost hearing the author whisper, “You didn’t even give me a chance.” But then again, I’d also feel my reading joy slipping away, page by page.
If you’ve ever been stuck in that tug-of-war, between wanting to finish and wanting to quit, you’re not alone. So let’s talk about it.
Why We Feel Guilty About Not Finishing a Book
- School habits die hard – Many of us grew up being told to finish our assigned reading, no matter how boring it was. That rule stuck.
- The “sunk cost” trap – If you’ve already invested time and money, it feels wrong to give up halfway.
- Fear of missing out – Maybe the ending will redeem the whole story? What if the best part is just a few chapters away?
I’ve had all these thoughts swirling in my head whenever I’ve been tempted to close a book for good.
But Here’s the Thing: Life’s Too Short
The more I read, the more I’ve realized something freeing: not every book is meant for me. And that’s okay.
Imagine this, there are over 129 million books in the world (yes, Google actually tried counting them). Even if you read one book every week for the rest of your life, you’d barely scratch the surface. So why waste weeks slogging through something you’re not enjoying?
Signs It’s Okay to Stop Reading
Here’s how I personally decide:
- It feels like a chore – If I’d rather scroll my phone than open the book, that’s a red flag.
- I’m not connecting with the characters or ideas – If I don’t care what happens next, the book loses its magic.
- I’ve given it a fair chance – Usually, I’ll give it 50–100 pages before deciding. Some books need a warm-up, but if it’s still flat, I move on.
- I’m dreading my reading time – Reading should recharge me, not drain me.
When You Might Want to Push Through
Now, to be fair, there are situations where finishing might be worth it:
- It’s required for work or school – Sometimes, duty wins over pleasure.
- It’s a classic or challenging text – Books like these may not feel enjoyable at first, but they can expand your perspective if you stick with them.
- You’re learning something new – Even if the writing style bores you, the knowledge may still be valuable.
I once pushed through a dry nonfiction book about behavioral economics, and though it felt like chewing cardboard, I walked away with insights that still help me in my work today.
How I Learned to Let Go
These days, I give myself permission to walk away. I remind myself:
- Quitting a book doesn’t make me less of a reader.
- Every book I don’t finish frees up space for one that might truly inspire me.
- Sometimes, a book just isn’t right now. I can always come back later when I’m in a different mood or stage of life.
My Verdict
Should you finish a book you’re not enjoying? Not always. Reading is supposed to bring joy, curiosity, and growth. If a book isn’t giving you that, and you’ve given it a fair shot, it’s perfectly fine to set it aside.
Think of it this way: you’re not abandoning the book, you’re simply making room for the stories that really deserve your time.
And trust me, when you finally find that book, the one that keeps you up until 2 a.m. flipping pages, you’ll be glad you didn’t waste your energy forcing yourself through something forgettable.
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