When to Keep Going and When to Let a Book Go

Decide thoughtfully whether to finish a book or choose another one.

Reading for fun should be enjoyable, and that means you're allowed to stop reading a book that isn't working for you. But it's worth deciding carefully, because some great books take time to grab you. One common guideline is to give a book about fifty pages, or a few chapters, before deciding. Then ask yourself honest questions. Am I confused because the book is too hard right now, or just because it's building up its world? Do I care what happens to any character? Am I dreading picking it up?

If you're confused but curious, keep going, maybe with an audio version alongside. If you don't care at all after a fair chance, let it go without guilt and note why in your reading log, such as 'too slow' or 'not into this topic yet. ' That note helps you choose better next time. Remember that 'not now' isn't 'never. ' Many readers return to an abandoned book a year later and love it.

• 1Give a book a fair chance, around fifty pages
• 2Ask whether you're curious, confused, or uninterested
• 3Letting go is okay; note why to choose better next time
• 4Not now doesn't mean never