Should you finish every book you start?

Quick answer

Some readers treat finishing every book as a point of pride. A well-known essay on the subject called that vow a vanity.

Readers mostly agree with the essay. We mostly do too.

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Why people push through

Some books get good later.
Quitting feels like wasted time already spent.
Reading challenges reward finished books.

Why quitting is often smart

Time spent on a book you dislike is time off a book you'd love.
Forcing it can cause a reading slump.
Time already spent is gone either way.

A simple rule

Give it 50 pages, or about a tenth of the book.
Push on if you're curious, even when it's hard.
Stop if you're bored and dreading it.
Nonfiction: skip to the chapters you need.

FAQ: questions people ask

Is it bad to not finish a book?

No. Most readers quit some books, and it leaves more time for ones they enjoy.

How long should I give a book before quitting?

Many readers use 50 pages or about a tenth of the book.

Should I finish nonfiction books?

Read the chapters you need. Many nonfiction books are padded.