How do you push through a book you aren't enjoying?

Dagwood222 , 5 months ago

Huge fan of Do Not Finish. There are too many good books out there to waste time with mediocre ones. I’ve noped out of books by my favorite authors. Finishing a book you started because you started it is the perfect example of the sunk cost fallacy.

Chainweasel , 5 months ago

If it isn’t for a test or essay for school, why would you push through a book you didn’t like?
If the phrase “time you enjoyed waisting wasn’t time wasted” is true, then spending time doing things you don’t want do is wasting time. Life is too short to waste time on a book you’re not enjoying

hitmyspot , 5 months ago

I alternate between books that are important to read but more work, and books I just enjoy. Soemtimes the important works are just as enjoyable. Sometimes they are not, but rather than joy, they bring knowledge, or understanding or broaden the mind in some way. Sometimes it’s the classics and the story and themes are great, but the language is dated and just takes more mental effort.

I only read one at a time. I used to keep two on the go, but I found I always went for the easy, joy bringing book. I still enjoyed it, but I felt I’d get more by not always reading easy and fun. However, if a book is such a slog that I dread it or it makes me read less, then I drop it.

Stern , 5 months ago

Life is too short to keep up hobbies that don’t bring you joy. If that book ain’t doing it for you, shelve it for now and try a different one.

banazir , 5 months ago

I don’t. When I’m clearly not enjoying a book and don’t feel like finishing it, I stop and move on. Unless I have a pressing reason, I see no point in pushing myself to do something I hate. Reading is for me is fun and interesting, it is not something I do to torture myself. Sometimes it’s hard to “give up” on a book, but in the end life is too short.

Do what you enjoy the way that works for you, there are no rules.