What To Do If You Hate the Book You Are Reading

We've all been there. You've picked up a book with high hopes--it's the latest bestseller, a beloved classic or a friend's passionate recommendation. Yet, as you flip through the pages, you feel a sinking realization: you hate it. Maybe the characters are shallow, the plot drags, or the writing style doesn't resonate. Instead of powering through in misery, it's time to take a step back and reassess. Here's how to handle this situation and make your reading journey more enjoyable.

What To Do If You Hate the Book You Are Reading

I'm an avid reader. I started keeping track a few years ago how many books I read and it's generally about one a week. Some people read more, 50 seems to be my happy medium. At the start {or end} of a year, I generally recap my top books of the year. Sadly, this past year left me with a small list of books I'd recommend. Most of the books I read were just meh. I started {and stopped} a good handful of books. Something I never would have done years before, but now that I'm older {and wiser?}, I'm realizing I don't have the time {or energy} to continue reading a book I'm just not that into.

I recapped my favorite books of the year in this post. Sadly, I wrote it months ago and I have nothing new to add. 

Here are a few steps you can take to help decide if the book is worth it to keep on keeping on, or if you should count your losses.

Start here: 10 Books I ALWAYS Recommend to Friends

Step 1: Pause and Reflect

Before you throw the book across the room or hide it on the bottom shelf, take a moment to ask yourself: Why don’t I like this book?

• Is it the genre? Perhaps you typically enjoy thrillers, but this particular one feels too predictable.
• Is it the writing style? Some authors write in ways that either captivate or repel.
• Are you not in the right headspace? A book about grief might not hit well during stressful times, even if it’s beautifully written.

Understanding the root cause of your dissatisfaction can guide you toward future reads that better align with your preferences.

Don't miss this: Top Books to Read in the New Year

Step 2: Know When to Quit {and Don’t Be a Martyr}

Life is too short to read books you don’t enjoy. Many readers struggle with the guilt of not finishing a book, but here’s the truth: there’s no prize for suffering through a story you dislike.

Adopt the 50-Page Rule {or 100 pages if you’re feeling generous}:

• If you’re not engaged within the first 50 pages, set the book aside guilt-free.
• If it’s a particularly long book, you might stretch this to 100 pages.

Another option is the Rule of Thirds:

• Divide the book into three parts. If the first third doesn’t hook you, it’s okay to move on.

Let go of the idea that quitting means failure. It’s simply a step toward finding something that sparks joy.

Step 3: Consider Switching Formats

If the story intrigues you but the physical act of reading feels tedious, try the audiobook version. Sometimes, a narrator can bring the story to life in ways the printed page cannot. Dramatic voice acting or a conversational tone can transform a dull read into an engaging experience.

Do Audiobooks Count as Reading?

Yes, they absolutely do! Listening to a book still engages your mind with the narrative, characters, and themes. Audiobooks are particularly great for multitasking—listen while driving, exercising, or doing chores. If switching formats helps you enjoy a book, go for it!

I had a traumatic brain injury {TBI} from a car accident a handful of years ago, and reading was one of the things I noticed that was hard. I found that audiobooks helped me get back into reading. 

You can read more about my experience living with a TBI here.

Step 4: How to Find Books You’ll Love

Avoid future reading disappointments by using these strategies to discover books that align with your tastes.

1. Lean Into Your Interests

If you love travel, try memoirs like One Italian Summer or novels set in exotic locations. Enjoy puzzles and mysteries? Explore authors like Agatha Christie or modern thrillers by Gillian Flynn. By aligning your reading with topics you enjoy, you’re more likely to find stories that captivate you.

Need more ideas? Check out this post to find what to read next!

2. Read Reviews and Recommendations

• Check out reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, or BookTok. Look for readers who share similar tastes and follow their recommendations.
• Join a book club or ask friends for suggestions. They may know your preferences well enough to steer you toward a good fit.
• The end of the year is a great time to jot down and make a list of recommendations as people close our their year of reading. 

3. Sample Before You Commit

Most libraries and online retailers offer sample chapters. Read or listen to the beginning to see if it hooks you before investing time or money. And friends, take advantage of your library system! 

Don't miss these surprising library benefits that will save you money!

4. Utilize Algorithms

Platforms like Goodreads, Amazon and Audible offer recommendations based on your past favorites. Let technology guide you to hidden gems.

Step 5: Create a “DNF” Shelf

“DNF” stands for Did Not Finish. Creating a DNF shelf—whether physical or virtual—helps you acknowledge that it’s okay to move on. You can even note why you stopped reading each book. For example:

• Plot didn’t pick up after 100 pages.
• Couldn’t connect with the main character.
• Too much technical jargon.

This will serve as a reminder of your preferences and help refine your future reading choices.

Step 6: Find the Joy in Reading Again

Now that you’ve released the burden of finishing an unenjoyable book, it’s time to reignite your passion for reading.

• Revisit a favorite book. Nothing resets your love for reading like diving back into a beloved story.
• Try something lighter or shorter. Sometimes, a quick win—like a novella or a cozy mystery—can get you back on track.
• Join a reading challenge. Gamify your reading goals by participating in challenges that encourage exploration of new genres or authors.

7 Ways To Find More Time to Read

Remember, reading is a deeply personal experience. No two readers interpret a book the same way, and that’s part of the magic. By giving yourself permission to abandon books you dislike and pursuing stories that resonate, you’re honoring your time and interests.

So, if you find yourself slogging through a book that feels like a chore, take a deep breath, set it aside, and move on to the next adventure. The perfect book is out there waiting for you—you just have to find it.

I save all of my favorite 4 star and above reads on this Amazon list. You're sure to find something that you like here! The list is up to nearly 200 books.

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