DNF

When it comes to reading, I am hyper fixated. Not finishing a book feels like an unfinished project, dishes in the sink. As a result, my “did not finish” pile is relatively small. Occasionally, though, I advance a certain amount only to stall. It happens.

To be clear, I define “did not finish” as books I got more than a few chapters into before I bailed. I might make a page fifty the official point of no return. So just for clarity let’s say I will only include books I got past that point with.

Here is the hall of shame.

1.

If you read this blog, you know Anne Tyler is one of my favorites. The Accidental Tourist is the reason I became a reader. I have fond high school memories of Earthly Possessions and A Slipping Down Life. I loved Searching for Caleb. She’s it.

Unfortunately she’s also one of those authors who has declined noticably. She just isn’t great anymore. This was the official moment I had to acknowledge it. All of her traits are in this novel, but the zing is gone.

2.

I am definitely guilty of impulse buying. I couldn’t resist the Ms. magazine graphics and promise of feminist girl talk from this outspoken actress and writer.

Unfortunately I got bored pretty easily. I wonder if I just wasn’t in a place to properly appreciate it. By the time she was fangirling her rock star chosen other, I was over it.

3.

Ah, book clubs. Where else can you regularly go on set up dates than in a monthly meeting to discuss someone else’s pick? I have met some lovely, unknown books this way. I was always diligent about finishing the selections.

Towards the end of my second book club, I was getting tired. This book on the surface had such appeal. History, Hollywood, Italy? Seems like a match.

Alas, we didn’t click. I pushed on but bailed about half way through.