Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

Let’s talk about the guilt.

You know the one. You’ve read 18%. Maybe 27%. You’ve picked the book up four separate times, and every single time you somehow end up checking the weather, reorganising your bookshelf, or wondering whether now might be the perfect moment to clean the kitchen.

The book isn’t terrible. It just isn’t… happening. And then the guilt starts. “Maybe it gets better.” … “Everyone else loved it.” … “I already paid for it.” …. “The author worked really hard on this.”

As someone who writes books and reads far too many of them, let me tell you something that took me years to accept.

Sometimes the right decision is to close the book.

Not Every Book Is Meant for Every Reader

This sounds obvious, but we forget it surprisingly often.

Imagine walking into an ice cream shop. One person orders pistachio. Another chooses chocolate. Someone else is passionately defending mint chocolate chip, despite the rest of us quietly wondering why toothpaste became a dessert.

Who’s right? All of them.

Books work the same way.

A novel can be beautifully written, brilliantly edited, adored by thousands of readers… and still not be the right book for you. That doesn’t make it a bad book. It makes you the wrong reader for that story.

And that’s perfectly okay.

Ask Yourself One Question

Whenever I’m struggling with a book, I don’t ask, “Is this good?” That’s almost impossible to answer objectively.

Instead, I ask myself something much simpler. “Am I curious enough to find out what happens next?”

Curiosity is what keeps us turning pages. Maybe the writing isn’t your favourite, but you desperately need to know who the murderer is. Keep reading.

Maybe the romance is slow, but you’re completely invested in the characters. Keep reading.

But if you’ve reached the point where picking up the book feels like another task on your to-do list… it might be time to let it go.

Reading should feel like an invitation. Not homework.

Sometimes It’s Not the Book

This might be the hardest lesson I’ve learned as a reader.

Occasionally, the problem isn’t the story.

It’s me. I’ve picked up sweeping fantasy novels when my brain was craving a fluffy rom-com. I’ve started emotional historical fiction during stressful weeks when all I really wanted was two idiots falling in love while arguing over coffee.

Wrong timing doesn’t mean wrong book. There are novels I’ve DNF’d, returned to a year later, and absolutely adored. The story hadn’t changed. I had.

That’s why I never delete a DNF from my shelves straight away. Sometimes it’s simply waiting for the right season of my life.

My Personal DNF Checklist

Before I give up on a book, I usually ask myself a few questions.

• Am I bored… or just tired?
• Am I comparing this book to the last amazing book I finished?
• Do I actually dislike the story, or was I expecting something different?
• Am I thinking about the book when I’m not reading it?
• Am I excited to pick it up tonight?

That last question usually tells me everything I need to know.

Because when I’m genuinely enjoying a book, I find excuses to read. When I’m not… suddenly the kitchen has never looked cleaner.

Life Is Too Short to Read Books You Don’t Enjoy

This doesn’t mean we should DNF every book the moment it slows down.

Some stories take time. Some of my favourite novels didn’t completely win me over until thirty or forty percent in. But reading should still bring you joy.

There are thousands upon thousands of wonderful books waiting for you. Your next favourite story could be sitting on your shelf right now. Don’t miss it because you’re forcing yourself through one that simply isn’t for you.

One Last Thought From an Author

Every author dreams that readers will fall in love with their books.

We really do.

But I also know something else. I’d much rather someone close one of my books at 20% than force themselves to finish it while wishing they were reading something else.

Because books are deeply personal. The same story that becomes someone else’s favourite book of the year might simply not be your cup of tea. And that’s the beauty of having so many stories in the world.

There’s always another one waiting.

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Looking for Your Next “Just One More Chapter” Read?

If your favourite romances are full of friendship, humour and quiet moments that slowly become unforgettable, you might enjoy Confessions of a Curvy Heart.

If you’re looking for sharp banter, emotional chemistry and a hero who’s every bit as stubborn as he is charming, The Billionaire’s Curvy Match could be your next late-night read.

And if you’re in the mood for a story about healing, hope and finding love when you least expect it, The Widow’s Curse is waiting on the shelf.

Whatever you choose next, I hope it’s the kind of book that makes you forget to check your phone, lets the laundry wait another hour, and reminds you exactly why you fell in love with reading in the first place.

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