To DNF–IDK
Somehow growing up it was instilled in me not to quit. Maybe it’s a Boomer thing. The idea of finishing something once started is ingrained in how I approach much in life. As a kid I ate what was on my plate. As a teen I stuck with summer school. As an adult I hung in there with that book that just never seemed to go anywhere. That is until recently.
Since retirement, with more time to read, the nudge to read as many books as possible seems like a Sisyphus task. The more I read, the more I want to read.
This need to read means I’ve developed a discernment about which books are selected and are carried home from the library in my trusty book bag. The situation is that there are so many good reads available to check out; however, sometimes I’m on the prowl for a great read. I prefer discerning reader over picky reader, thank you.
There are times I start reading a book only to get that Deja Vu of “have I read this before?” A quick peek on Goodreads confirms that I often have. Yet, a real problem occurred when I began reading a book, getting that oh-so-familiar feeling and it wasn’t tallied on my account. I don’t review a book unless I’ve read the book and feel uncomfortable giving a book a 1 or a 2 star because I didn’t finish it.
Apparently, I am not the only one who also faces the Did Not Finish conundrum. I don’t want to pick up a book that I have previously picked up, only to put down, but forgot that I had picked it up in the first place. Not read, no review (see above)
Goodreads listened and now has a Did Not Finish shelf. Yay!
Readers have the ability to create their own shelves beyond “Want to Read” “Read” and the new “Did Not Finish” tags. I had created my own DNF tag, except a quick scan on my account wouldn’t indicate it was a DNF in the status bubble. Well, now it does and I am chuffed.
Lest it’s thought this reader doth protest too much about finishing a book, it’s clearly a big deal if the New York Times gets involved. This week I’ve read two articles in the NYT about the DNF issue. Thinking I might be chastised I felt vindicated that it is considered okay not to finish a book (these days).
If it’s okay, then what do I do with the residue guilt when I DNF a book? After all, I don’t suffer guilt if I don’t finish that overcooked batch of broccolini or decide there is too much murder in the murder mystery show I’m watching, or get maxxed out on my bike ride and want to go home. That’s not quitting, those are wise decisions.
So I tell myself.
I still feel some guilt with my DNF designation. Why, oh why? Is it because as an author I commiserate with the effort it takes to produce a book and hope everyone who reads my writing enjoys it? Is it because books are an integral expression of human creativity and social commentary?
IDK. What are your thoughts about Did Not Finish?
Pam Webb 