First Time for Everything (I DNF'd a Book)

So, I know this will sound a little silly, but I have never DNF'd a book before until yesterday. Previously, I would always finish a book for two reasons. I am usually rather optimistic when reading so even if a book does not start off strong, I believe that it will finish on a strong note. I am usually right here and have finished many books that have had spectacular endings. The other reason is that sometimes I like to be petty but like in an informed way. If a book is not something I enjoy then I will also finish the book. I try to be an informed hater if that makes sense. If I did not like a book I want to make sure I know why, whether it be: unlikeable characters, poor plot pacing, or poor perceptions of groups of people within the book.

Before I dive into the focus of this post I just want to share two books that I definitely should have DNF'd. I think I would have been better off if I did.

• Tale of Two Princes by Eric Geron- I definitely should have DNF'd this due to unlikeable characters, and poor plot pacing. One of the two main characters is horribly rude to the other for a good 75-80% of the book only for him to then to turn around and be the one to make everything better. No, no, no that is absolutely lazy writing for a character just to have a head turn and go from villain to hero. This moment left me so angry especially because his newly found twin brother just forgives him for all the problems he caused. I definitely should have stopped the book there because the ending left me disappointed and angry.

• All the Way Down by Rose Szabo- oh good lord did I get tricked by this book. It had an insanely beautiful cover which drew me in, but I will tell you now the content inside was an infuriating letdown. This as of right now is the only book I have ever given 1 star too, and I feel like that says enough right there. My problem with this book was I felt like there was a huge misrepresentation of portions of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as some aspects of the plot felt a bit tone deaf. The black character, the only black main character, has major crimes pinned on him by the white female characters of the book. I also understand that this was a fantasy book, but one of the main characters being able to transition between male and female was just hugely disappointing as the character didn't feel like a good example of trans representation.

Anyway, I don't want to talk about those two other books anymore. I want to talk about the Chronicles of Whetherwhy by Anna James. This was the first book in a children's fantasy series and my first DNF. I think the main reason or two that I DNF'd this was that it was too slow, and it just was not different enough from other series out there. Now with access to the internet, I know it's easy for something to be similar or pay homage to something older and that is ok to me I love a reference. However, this was too similar to Harry Potter for me and it just kind of soured my experience reading the book. It didn't feel like enough was changed for it to be its own thing.

The other reason was that it was just too slow. I like to think I am a good judge, so my rule is usually if the book does not grab me within the first 50 pages, then it is not worth it to continue. Sometimes I will extend that to 100 pages in but even then, I would have to see something to keep me interested in the plot. Within the Chronicles, I think the illustrations done by James herself kept me invested even if the plot did not. I got to page 106 I believe before I decided this is not going to get any better and I finally decided to close the book for good.

I am definitely glad that I DNF'd this, so I can move onto a title that I enjoy more. I feel like now that I have "ripped the band-aid off" so to speak that and I can now feel a little easier if I DNF a book.

Thanks for stopping by the Nest, are there any books that you did not finish?