All the Books I Didn't Finish in 2024 (And Why I Gave Up!)

Hey Booktube, time to talk about my 2024 DNFs aka all the books I couldn't finish! In these quick reviews I'll let you know which ones bored me, the ones that had content I didn't care for and the ones that are now part of what I call my "pile of shame". Do you recommend I give any of them a second chance? Are there any books you also didn't finish in 2024?

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[imperfected]

I dnf'd a record number of books this year and I regret nothing!

[JuliSS]

I started DNF-ing more this year, and it's amazing! It was hard for me before, but since I created a "dnf" folder on Goodreads, it became easier. I almost get the feeling of accomplishment when I add another book to it!😅

[ilovesmallville]

Oh I'm surprised about In the Dream House, it's one of my favorite memoirs and Carmen María Machado is such an excellent writer! I'm not sure if you only tried the audiobook, but I'm sure it would work better for you with the physical version, because of the way the chapters are structured.

This year I'm finally learning to DNF books, I tend to force myself to push through even when I don't like them, and it puts me in reading slumps, so thank you for encouraging me to do so more often!

[JuliSS]

Oh, the meows in the background!
Music to my cat loving ears😄☺️

[collected-stories]

I have a folder on Goodreads for paused books—books I think I will like but just not in the mood for—as well as the dnf folder, which I use for not for me books.

[LibrariesandLattes]

Haha I loved Vera Wong, Remarkably Bright Creatures, June Farrow, and Spells For Forgetting! But I’m glad you decided to put down books that you weren’t enjoying, 100% in support of that even with books I loved. You’re so right that you can usually tell early on whether or not you’ll like a book, so you gotta go with your instincts!

[ghughes]

Happy holidays Emily, Clawdia 👑, Chunk, Charlie and Chipper. Hope you have all had a lovely Christmas and have a very happy and peaceful new year!

[phyllisd]

Good for you for DNFing! I learned to be proud to DNF in my mid-30s at the same time I switched to getting most of my books from the library instead of buying everything. What I read is all over the place and I cheerfully put a book down if it’s not working. :)

[julesnar]

In the Dream House being a DNF is CRIMINAL. It seems like such an Emily book, I can't articulate it well but it seems like a book that you would love. If you feel like it I think giving it a second chance try it out in the physical version! If any of the books on this list deserve it, it's this one.

[goatbleats]

Did you listen to In the Dream House on audio? It's definitely preferable to read it with the physical copy. If nothing else, I recommend trying the "choose your own adventure" style chapter. We studied it in my creative nonfiction class; the narrative style makes for a very impactful (although depressing) experience.

[murph]

I'm a huge fan of Elif Shafak's books so would encourage you to continue with The Forty Rules of Love (and to try The Island of Missing Trees). I also highly recommend all her work, but especially The Bastard of Istanbul

[gaminghall-xrmw]

This thread is so cool. I am going to DNF without guilt from now on.

[Theunfathomable]

Okay!! So I’m so glad you mentioned that thing about Odd Thomas, because the book it spoiled was a book was had been looking forward to reading for AGES! I was so mad! I didn’t finish Odd Thomas for a long time and honestly I liked the movie better. Dean Koontz is my mortal enemy.

[Laura-nslt]

I have only read the island of missing trees by elif shafak and I really hope you will try that one cause it's great!

[MaryJoHeadrick]

i really enjoyed the island of missing trees by Elif Shafak when i read it several years ago, i'd be interested in hearing your thoughts!

[angelashepherd]

Remarkably, bright creatures was one of my favorites!!!

[kymbriggs]

I got rid of all the books on my shelves that had any kind of sexual assault/abuse in them. No, thank you, do not want that energy in my house. Sad to say, there were a lot. I regret nothing.

[fishbowlwoman]

I’m glad for you that you dnf’d Remarkably Bright Creatures. There is a character in there you would probably have hated!

[NilaR]

Been DNF'ing more this year, it's fun because when you register a book as dnf on Storygraph, it creates separate stats for those books AND it counts the pages towards your pages read, so I don't feel it was a waste as I did before!

[DanaPurgaru]

The Island of Missing Trees is a beautiful story. Hope you will like it :)