In my attempt to remedy my struggle to put down books I’m not really into at all, I started Reconsider or Release to help me learn to put down books or decide it was a case of bad timing. I sporadically lay out my DNF books on the metaphorical table for my readers and let you help me decide if I should just MOVE ON and release the books or maybe reconsider them. So, vote either reconsider or release and maybe provide some compelling reasons for why I should reconsider or release OR at least just tell me what your general thoughts on the book were that might help me in my decision!
Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan
Why I Picked It Up: I’d heard amazing things about it and honestly the cover was so pretty! haha. It seemed easily like a story I’d get lost in.
Why I Put It Down: Initially I only put it down because I had a book to read for a blog tour so it was honestly supposed to be temporary but then I just never picked it back up. I wasn’t super in love with it and I was around page 100ish. It’s been almost a month and I haven’t been compelled to pick it back up.
The Stone Girl by Alyssa B. Sheinmel
Why I Picked It Up: I really quite like issue-y type books. I’m always wanting to find the ones that tackle these issues well so that I can recommend them. I hadn’t read an eating disorder book in a while (not since Wasted by Myra Hornbacher) so I thought this would be a good one.
Why I Put It Down: Bored, bored, bored. Also, the MC was really irritating. That’s not always a dealbreaker for me but in this case I just didn’t care about her at all and was bored.
So let me know if you’ve read either of these and let me know if I should absolutely pick it back up or if you think I’m ok by just letting it remain in the DNF pile!
Charleen says
This is also something I’ve struggled with, although I’ve gotten a lot better about letting myself not finish a book if I’m not into it. I used to HAVE to finish, even if I hated it. Led to more 1-star books than I’d prefer to have read.
I haven’t read either of these books, but based on your descriptions, I’d say definitely let the second one go. You wanted a great book that tackled the issue well, and this one doesn’t sound like it fits the bill.
I don’t have any strong thoughts on the first book, although I might lean toward giving it another chance. I’ve read many books that I wasn’t necessarily itching to get back to when I set it down, but still really enjoyed overall. That, combined with the fact that it wasn’t an intentional DNF.
Joli @ Actin' Up with Books says
I’ve read a lot of mixed reviews about The Stone Girl – many people had the same impression that you did. I read it, and while I can’t say that it was an enjoyable read, it was something that I connected with and wanted to finish. It’s not a book that will blow you away, but it is one that when it read at the right time for the right reader, it can speak volumes. Then again I would say that about any book. If you didn’t like it, trust your gut and release it.
Brittany @ The Book Addict's Guide says
I actually read The Stone Girl for a blog tour, and I totally agree. The beginning was really irritating to me and it was so dull. I felt like I was just reading words on a page and there was no emotion behind anything that was happening. I do have to say though that after finishing it, the ending was much better. I was finally starting to make connections with characters and their actions finally took me places! Real events, an actual conflict or two, and a real romance. The end definitely redeems the rest of the book (or it did for me) so while I can’t say whether it’s worth it to you to finish or not, I do think the better really pulls the whole story together and wraps things up nicely.
Emma @ Hopeful Happiness says
If you really aren’t that interested in reading either of them, then RELEASE them both. Life is too short to struggle through books you really don’t like.
coranne says
I agree 100%
Kaitlin Michelle says
I’m glad you did this because I had Stone Girl on my TBR pile, and I am going to remove it because of your impression and all of the comments.
Bonnie says
I also quit Unspoken early because it simply wasn’t grabbing me. I didn’t make it to 100 but I have a difficult time continuing on with a book I’m only feeling ‘meh’ about after 100 pages. There are far better books in the world to spend time on. 🙂
Lectus says
OMG! The Stone Girl is soooo boring. Nothing ever happens in this book. this girl has no personality or intend whatsoever. I finished it, yes, but skipped pages like I was being chased!
Heidi @ YA Bibliophile says
You know I loved Unspoken but it was totally full of my kind of humor. If you don’t love them pick something else up!
GillyB says
I have not read The Stone Girl, but I have read Unspoken and I have to say I really loved it. Like Heidi, it catered to my exact taste in humor. I agree the beginning is not so grabbing, but I definitely think it’s worth a reconsider.
Pam says
You have to pick UNSPOKEN back up, James. THE ENDING.
Chrystal @ Snowdrop Dreams of Books says
Okay I haven’t read either so I can’t really give input on them, but I did want to say I love the idea of this feature. You always have such creative ideas! Good on ya! I hope this new feature helps you out. I hate DNFing books, but sometimes you just have to do it.
Racquel says
I have a habit of reading the first chapter of books so sometimes I’m reading a certain book then I go and “tease” myself by reading the first chapter of another book which makes me drop whatever I was reading and continuing onto chapter 2 all the way until the end. That’s my most DNF books- I got distracted and it didn’t hold my attention well.
I know people say life is too short so just don’t pick up books that you’ve put down and don’t feel motivated to pick up BUT I’ve happened to put a book down TWICE but I guess third time is the charm because I picked it up again and it ended up being one of my favorite books of the year.
I’ve heard A LOT of good things about Unspoken so I hope that motivates you to give it a second chance, and that you hopefully love it! 😀
Hana says
I loved “Unspoken” because I thought the main character was really funny and unusual, and that she and her guy were so amusing when they were talking to each other in their heads. I remember I was annoyed with the guy at the end and dying to see how the conflict would be resolved in the next book when I finished reading. I don’t remember what was happening at page 100 but things got more interesting when the love interests actually meet and become friends. I think its worth finishing!
Princess Ash @ Paranormal Indulgence says
Unspoken is fab if you appreciate the humor, the read-between-the-lines moments, which are mostly specific to the relationship between Jared and Kami, and if you’re in for some longtime heartbreaking. Because the ending does your heart a bloody massacre and I feel like that’s only the BEGINNING of what Brennan is ready to put in our way. I’m almost frightened of the next book. Which is cray but true.
Shirley says
I used to read to the finish, regardless of how boring the book. Lately, though, my philosophy has changed to: “life is too short to read boring books.” There are so many wonderfully written, engaging books to be read that I can’t waste my time on books that don’t fit that criteria. Even if it’s for a tour. Sorry, but my TBR pile indicates the awesomeness just waiting for me to discover! Go ahead, put down the boring and mundane and keep reading fun!
Karen says
I saw Unspoken in the shelves of the bookstore I work at and decided I wanted to read it so I’m sad to hear you were able to put it down that easily! I’m still going to try it out since you didn’t say that you hated it or that the main character was annoying.
We shall see how it goes. Perhaps I’ll even review it on my blog!