tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post2465014421533896252..comments2024-03-28T02:25:35.338-04:00Comments on Small Review: Discussion: DNF-ing BooksSmall Reviewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-63960468530354806042011-05-31T20:00:18.562-04:002011-05-31T20:00:18.562-04:00Belle, A dog suicide?!?! oh my gosh, that’s so sa...Belle, A dog <i>suicide?!?!</i> oh my gosh, that’s so sad! The math really is depressing. I need to read faster!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-45062678597654945432011-05-30T04:39:34.528-04:002011-05-30T04:39:34.528-04:00GREAT list! I totally agree all of those things ar...GREAT list! I totally agree all of those things are really annoying in books, although I'm one of those crazy people who feels like they HAVE to finish a book that they start, so there's only a couple that I haven't finished. Funnily enough, one of those had a dog death in it (dog suicide, to be exact - so wrong)! I'm too scared to do the math on my TBR list, but now that you've put it into perspective, I might just start DNFing more books than I have in the past!Bellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02191122506568430650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-25532543102344456582011-05-27T20:10:33.234-04:002011-05-27T20:10:33.234-04:00Discussion
The Slowest Bookworm, :D I’m happy to m...Discussion<br />The Slowest Bookworm, :D I’m happy to make you laugh! (I’m sorry about your jaw!) You are very lucky to have avoided those puppy killing books (or really any animal would bother me). At least it had a point in the book you read. I’ve seen it happen in so many books where the only point is shock value or the obligatory crying ending. <br /><br />Dazzling Mage, A 100 or 50 page rule seems to be a good and popular idea. I just DNF whenever I realize I’m not enjoying myself. Sometimes that’s at ten pages in and sometimes it’s 50 pages from the end. :P<br /><br />Books for Company, Thank you! :D Grammar mistakes or lack of flow will totally kill a book for me. I’m not too picky about writing style, but if it’s so bad that it gets my attention, then that’s <i>baaad</i>.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-32144343398082953942011-05-27T13:10:25.975-04:002011-05-27T13:10:25.975-04:00LOL!
I love your posts!!
The pictures are great to...LOL!<br />I love your posts!!<br />The pictures are great too =)<br />I think for me a lot of grammar mistakes and a book which doesn't flow is annoying for me. <br />And of course everything else you said =)Books for Companyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12706187916487616627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-51029564027623364822011-05-27T10:40:11.460-04:002011-05-27T10:40:11.460-04:00LOL, your choice of images says it all. XD And I a...LOL, your choice of images says it all. XD And I agree with your list! I used to finish books even if I KNOW nothing interesting will happen, but now I follow the 100 page rule. It either hooks me from then, or bye bye. <br /><br />Amazing post!Dazzling Magehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00995885360211848837noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-28969487630869110422011-05-27T06:07:01.476-04:002011-05-27T06:07:01.476-04:00ROFLMAO This post just made me laugh so much I spa...ROFLMAO This post just made me laugh so much I spat out some of my Curlywurly! Now I have jaw-ache LOL.<br /><br />You know, I don't think I've ever read a book which killed the dog - apart from The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. But then the dog had to be killed for the story to exist. I suppose they could have made it a cat, but then I'd have been too sad to read it. <br /><br />Most of what you've already said would be the reasons why I stop reading a book. It's very rare though. Mostly I will just persevere, just to see if it gets better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-57983008294059098072011-05-26T19:40:22.310-04:002011-05-26T19:40:22.310-04:00Lisa, it just makes the book so boring! I don’t kn...Lisa, it just makes the book so boring! I don’t know why it’s so popular lately. <br /><br />A Canadian Girl, LOL, yeah, if I want to kill the MC then that’s not a good sign! I agree too, if the plot is so convoluted then I’m not sticking with it. I want my reading to be fun.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-36927522599978653352011-05-25T00:22:53.118-04:002011-05-25T00:22:53.118-04:00Stupid MCs make me want to kill them and often sto...Stupid MCs make me want to kill them and often stop me from reading/finishing a book. I also don't finish books if by like 50 pages in I still have absolutely no idea what is going on in the story.A Canadian Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07127164685941412250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-31435703998522061682011-05-24T21:38:50.819-04:002011-05-24T21:38:50.819-04:00agreed about the easy romance. that is the worrrst...agreed about the easy romance. that is the worrrst. thanks for the list!Lisa Schenstedhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14394196334860848380noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-61768686783768007042011-05-24T20:57:28.483-04:002011-05-24T20:57:28.483-04:00Book Geek, Oh yes, I hate it when the dialogue is ...Book Geek, Oh yes, I hate it when the dialogue is almost painful to read because it’s so awkward! Don’t worry about commenting frequency. I love it when you comment, but I know life gets in the way all too easily. My own commenting has been affected this week too. <br /><br />Natalie, I agree, easy romance just doesn’t feel real. I can’t get caught up in it and I find myself not really believing that it will last or is really that important. I sound so old :P<br /><br />Danya, Searching for just the right pictures is what usually takes the most time, so I'm glad you like them :) I agree about just not liking the MC. Ooh, and the moral/message. I don't mind a nice message, but I hate it when I'm getting beaten to death with it. Or if I disagree with it :PSmall Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-24524422822956750082011-05-24T17:27:42.514-04:002011-05-24T17:27:42.514-04:00LOL I loved this discussion post! Yeah the too-stu...LOL I loved this discussion post! Yeah the too-stupid-to-live MCs irritate me too, although not enough to DNF if there is other good stuff going on (like action-packed plot or whatever) to keep me reading, or if I see hope for them smartening up. <br /><br />Haha, your last point totally came out of the blue, I was all, "The author kills a dog...wait, WHAT?" I agree, though, having dogs die = not fun. <br /><br />You picked some fantastic pictures to go with this post — you always manage to get such funny ones!<br /><br />For me I'll sometimes DNF because of slow pacing/lack of plot, or if the MC is really despicable and I just plain don't *like* them (and there is no sign they will get any more relatable or redeem themselves). Sometimes also if I feel like the author is hitting the reader over the head with a certain message/moral they're trying to get across (and it's irritating enough to get in the way of my enjoyment of the story).danyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07947267082874389487noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-79550919539129651982011-05-23T23:08:42.666-04:002011-05-23T23:08:42.666-04:00I pretty much agree word for word with what you sa...I pretty much agree word for word with what you said here. Especially the easy romance part. It just doesn't feel real to me when it's that simple. I guess it's because I don't really believe in love at first sight. I think they should have to work for it, lol.<br /><br />And I completely cracked up at the killing dogs part!Natalie https://www.blogger.com/profile/15879112865868418812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-44752082804230497892011-05-23T22:28:03.462-04:002011-05-23T22:28:03.462-04:00My issue with books is when the dialogue is so sti...My issue with books is when the dialogue is so stinted and painful to read, that I can't even finish the sentences. If it is not natural in real life, it won't sound any better in print! Great list though!<br /><br />Sorry I've been so un-commenty lately! I was reading your posts, but secretly...at work...and then never went back and commented. Gah. I need to change my routine up!BookGeekhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05620998836239969062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-66985987935798726742011-05-23T21:00:05.054-04:002011-05-23T21:00:05.054-04:00Alexis, That’s a good approach. I’m still way too ...Alexis, That’s a good approach. I’m still way too easily sucked in by beautiful covers…even when the book smacks of all the things I hate. <br /><br />Sara, Thanks! LOL, yes when I want the villains to win then that’s a baaaad sign :P Totally agree on the page count. There’s no reason a 500 page book should have slow parts. If it does, then they just shouldn’t be there. <br /><br />T. B., Thank you! Totally agree with what you said about looking for something to do other than reading. When I find myself watching TV or, and this is a big warning sign—looking for laundry to wash and fold, then I KNOW I need to DNF the book already.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-5647433754120110632011-05-23T20:59:53.102-04:002011-05-23T20:59:53.102-04:00Heather, Oh yeah, grammar/spelling problems is a b...Heather, Oh yeah, grammar/spelling problems is a big no-go for me. That’s a big reason why I don’t accept self-published books. Many of them are great, but many of them really aren’t and I just can’t waste time reading poorly written books. I’m with you on the sequels too. If I can, I try to wait until all the books in the series are published. Sometimes though I’m too impatient to do that, and sometimes I don’t realize the book is a part of a series until after I’ve read it. I really like it when books in a series are published quickly like The River of Time series (March 2011, June 2011, September 2011). Then at least I can remember what happened! <br /><br />Gina, I know the feeling of hoping it will get better. Especially when I <i>want</i> the book to be better due to hype. Even though I DNF all the time, there are times when I’ll finish a book I’m not enjoying and it’s usually for this reason.<br /><br />Kelsa, I’m so curious now about what book was ruined by the vicious slaughter of Nazis! I hate it when a book makes me so <i>angry</i>. There are a few that just looking at their covers makes me mad. LOL! I agree about the spelling/grammar issues. It just pulls me right out of the book. I love the way you described it. :P<br /><br />Missie, Thanks! :D Now, it would be totally worth it if I was reading a book where I hated the MC so much I wanted her to die…and then she did! Of course I’ve never seen that happen, but it would totally make me love the book. :P<br /><br />Alex, LOL :D Exactly on everything you said! You’re so right. Reading shouldn’t be a chore. It’s for fun, so why torture ourselves? The bunny looks so soft. :)<br /><br />Bookish Hobbit, Sounds like a good rule to me! I wish authors and editors would keep that in mind when confronted with those super meandering beginnings. I just read a book where I would have cut the first 100 pages. Not good! But then the rest of the book was great…<br /><br />Logan, I keep hoping for that redeeming page to come too. That’s why I’ve finished some books that people have said they were surprised I didn’t DNF them. I’m ok with some clichés, as long as they’re done ok enough. I mean, where would epic fantasy be without the strong sword-wielding Aragorn-ish hero? Yup, pacing is probably my biggest DNF reason. I’m too impatient.Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-85343142490671766932011-05-23T20:59:40.830-04:002011-05-23T20:59:40.830-04:00Jessica, Aw, that sounds horrible! I agree, all do...Jessica, Aw, that sounds horrible! I agree, all dogs do deserve happily ever afters! :)<br /><br />Rubita, Glad you liked the pictures :) Oh yes, the slow burn is where it’s at! Well, you may be a cat person, but at least you’re not into ganking poor puppies left and right :P You can add cats, or really any animal to my list of DO NOT KILL THEM! I don’t like any of it.<br /><br />Celesta, :P Right? There just isn’t enough time!<br /><br />Lisa, I’m so relieved when I realize early on that I’m not liking a book. I used to push through and just finish it if I’d read a decent chunk, but I try not to do that anymore. I figure, I’ve already wasted so much time, do I really want to waste more? But I do also feel like I should just finish it. <br /><br />Nic, I’ll even DNF review books. I know that probably doesn’t make authors/publishers too happy, but I’m not getting paid so why put myself through torture? Characters really can make or break a book. <br /><br />Yiota, Haha, yes, those are very good signs that I’m just not into it. That must have been a terrible character if it’s the only character you ever stopped reading a book for. <br /><br />We Heart YA, I’ve heard that about The Book Thief! I usually look at reviews if I’m considering DNF-ing a book. If everyone says it gets better, then sometimes I’ll try to stick with it. I agree about the unrealistic characters too. Big turn off. <br /><br />Jana, I always figure I can go back and pick up the book again at some point, so a DNF doesn’t mean <i>forever</i>. That makes it a little easier for me to put the book aside. I’m curious now as to which book you’re reading :)<br /><br />Madigan, Thank you! Yup, why waste time with someone you don’t like? <br /><br />Savannah, Thank you! Oh yeah, if the characters and the plot aren’t doing it for me, forget it!Small Reviewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16072352095510905410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-18524605090937672132011-05-23T20:45:38.226-04:002011-05-23T20:45:38.226-04:00I DNF books when they just don't go anywhere, ...I DNF books when they just don't go anywhere, or if it's just WAY too confusing. If the author is throwing a ton of stuff at me, then I'm probably not going to stick with the book. I'll try to read a little bit longer, but if I'd rather be doing something than reading, then I know something's not right. Awesome discussion post!T.B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/12326693692811570135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-78031830080009027322011-05-23T19:43:46.535-04:002011-05-23T19:43:46.535-04:00Great post
I stopped reading Monsters of Men beca...Great post<br /><br />I stopped reading Monsters of Men because I wanted everyone to die and the "enemy" to live because they weren't so annoying.<br /><br />I so agree with books being slow. If if book is 500 pages then it better be fantastic otherwise either slice the book in half or EDIT some of it out of there.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07798444156678646906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-962982374333261702011-05-23T18:55:43.700-04:002011-05-23T18:55:43.700-04:00I finish the books that I start but I'm extra ...I finish the books that I start but I'm extra careful when choosing books. If I get even a hint of the things you mentioned, I will skip.Alexis @ Reflections of a Bookaholichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13745513625965620545noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-35181270588817399262011-05-23T18:45:01.071-04:002011-05-23T18:45:01.071-04:00I'm trying to be better about not torturing my...I'm trying to be better about not torturing myself through books I'm not enjoying. It's hard, though, because I keep thinking that the redeeming value is just another page away if I can keep turning them. Sadly, this doesn't always happen.<br /><br />Cliches are a big one for me. If the story feels too trite and unoriginal, I have little patience for it. It can be a retread, but at least give me SOME interesting or unique elements. Relying on those too familiar characterizations is a great way to turn me off.<br /><br />Above all, though, the pacing thing is a killer. If I lose momentum, there is very little likelihood that I will want to pick up that book again.Logan E. Turnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06468248031164464546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-55795374144617766612011-05-23T18:04:34.976-04:002011-05-23T18:04:34.976-04:00I've come to the conclusion that I need a 50 P...I've come to the conclusion that I need a 50 Page Rule: if I'm not hooked by something after 50 pages, I am gone.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-30920519221925358612011-05-23T17:16:56.820-04:002011-05-23T17:16:56.820-04:00And PS! That bunny is super pretty!!!! :DAnd PS! That bunny is super pretty!!!! :DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-68684152624575680682011-05-23T17:15:44.536-04:002011-05-23T17:15:44.536-04:00You named ALL of mine!!
It's spooky.
I hate...You named ALL of mine!!<br /><br />It's spooky. <br /><br />I hate when pets suffer, any pet, even goldfish. I don't care DON'T MAKE THE PET SUFFER!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Slow pacing drives me nuts, and I'm ubber impatient, in ways that it's not even healthy! Man hating, Insta-love and TSTL are like the worst.<br /><br />And I completely agree with you! I used to be one of those that FINISHED or else. but that was making reading a chore and I don't like that. These days, I just rather drop a book after 50 pages and call it a day, than force myself when I know I'm just not going to like it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-10136798789968832522011-05-23T13:10:36.880-04:002011-05-23T13:10:36.880-04:00"Patience is a virtue I don’t possess."
..."Patience is a virtue I don’t possess."<br /><br />LMAO! Oh, Smalls! You definitely have a talent for these discussion posts. Truly. As bored as I find myself while reading some books, I hate to DNF. I don't know what my hang up is, but your right, life is too short to continue with a story in which you wish the main character would just die already.Missie, The Unread Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10548256640926555361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8955420282479112508.post-60031458006676351852011-05-23T13:05:10.556-04:002011-05-23T13:05:10.556-04:00My reasoning for DNFing a book is similar to yours...My reasoning for DNFing a book is similar to yours, but a lot looser in definition.<br /><br />1) If the plot is to boring or unrealistic. <br /><br />This almost happened in the City of Bones Mortal Instruments series for me, but I loved the bickering between Jace and Clary too much to put it down. I'm a total sucker for intense love hate romances.<br /> <br />2) If a love story I was so happy to read about was ruined by the vicious slaughter of Nazis. <br /><br />I know, that was a little specific, but this happened and I couldn't finish the book for a year after I was half way done. Every time I'd pick it up I was overcome with such fury I'd throw it down and walk away.<br /><br />3) Multiple crappy spelling errors that ruin the flow for me. And like Buried In Books said, in ARCs I expect this, not in mass paper backs that have been published for years.<br /><br />"Shut the shut up" Really? The intensity I was reading about totally just died.<br /><br />Excellent post Small! :D<br /><br />Kelsa P.Kelsa P.https://www.blogger.com/profile/18044152309528988879noreply@blogger.com