Are you grappling with a books that you just can’t seem to get into? Don’t worry, this guide will assist you with deciding on how many pages you should read before deciding not to finish (DNF) a book.
The Reading Rule
A popular principle among bookworms is the 50-Page Rule. This rule suggests reading at least 50 pages before deciding if you should quit. On average, books have around 400 pages.
Thus, reading 50 pages gives you an overview of the book’s quality and your interest level.
Adjusting the Rule with Age
However, a bit of variation to this rule is suggested for the elder readers: the subtractive formula proposed by librarian superhero Nancy Pearl. If you’re over 50, subtract your age from 100 and give a book that many pages before deciding whether or not to give up on it.
Establishing a Habit
For a fruitful reading habit, strategize on the number of pages to read per day. Consistent reading of about 50-pages per day helps not only to finish more books but also develop your reading abilities. Further, it gives you an excellent opportunity to determine if a book is worth continuing or not.
- Starting off with fewer pages and gradually building up to about 50 pages per day is a good approach.
- Developing a consistent reading routine helps you reach a target number of books per month.
DNF or WRL
If a book isn’t enjoyable up to the 50-page mark, it’s probably not going to impress later on. You could opt for DNF or Will-Read-Later (WRL). If you struggle to give up (DNF) a book, WRL is a better option, allowing you to return to it at a better moment.
Quality Over Quantity
Bear in mind our purpose is to enjoy reading, gain valuable insights, and appreciate the writing style and themes. Rushing through a book just to increase your count of finished books sacrifices all of this. Reading should be a fun and enjoyable activity rather than a chore.
Conclusions
Life’s too short to keep pushing through books you’re not finding enjoyable. A consistent reading habit coupled with the 50-page rule can help make your reading more effective and enjoyable. Remember, it’s not about how many books you can finish, but about the quality of the journey each book provides. Don’t be afraid to DNF if a book doesn’t resonate with you, there are many more waiting for your attention.