**Here's something I have learned about myself:**

I don't have enough time for bad books.

Or, rather, I don't have time for books that don't entertain, educate, inspire, or delight me in some way. That's why I've given myself permission to put a book aside if it's just not hitting the mark.

Last year I read 39 books, many of which I LOVED. And in addition to those wonderful books, I had a handful that I did not finish (DNF).

My DNF List

The Dinner List by Rebecca Serle

Consider Yourself Kissed by Jessica Stanley
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
Brightly Shining* by Ingvild Rishoim and Caroline Waight
Furious Hours by Casey Cep
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
Loved One* by Aisha Muharrar

This list is not intended as a slam on the author. In fact, I have enjoyed other books by these same writers (I'm looking at you, Leif Enger). This list isn't even really intended to serve as a bad review. It's just my way of saying, “eh, wasn't for me.”

Learnings in Giving Up

In giving myself permission to NOT finish a book, I learned two things about myself.

1. My most successful audiobook experiences are biographies or memoirs (especially those read by the author). There were *two books on my DNF list that I would revisit as a physical book and not an audiobook.

2. It can feel satisfying and even empowering to NOT finish a book! If I have given it a decent shot (typically about 50-75 pages, but no set requirement) and I'm not feeling it then I give myself permission to move on to something else on my very long TBR list. Who knows, that one just may become my next favorite book!

This year, I encourage you to spend your time with the stories you love!