The number of times I’ve picked up a book only to realize I have absolutely no interest in the characters or the plot and honestly, it’s exhausting. It can even drain my love for reading at times.
With so many books out there, it’s easy to get carried away, buying or adding to your TBR, only to realize that a large portion of that pile might never truly interest you. But what if there were a way to avoid this? What if you could could choose books you’ll acutally finish ad curate a TBR that is thoughtful and selective.
7 Strategies to Cure Your DNF Streak
Here are strategies to help you build a reading list that actually sparks joy and keeps your love for reading alive.
1. Identify Your Reading Preferences
When you first get started in the hobby, finding out which books you like can be tough. I actually started a reading journal to solve this exact problem, and it’s been a total game-changer.
How I do this: In my reading journal, I track all relevant reading habits such as:
- Genres
- Authors
- Tropes
- Page lengths
- Prose style
- Pacing
After reviewing multiple entries, patterns start to emerge and you can get a clear picture of what you life and what you don’t. You can also use apps like Goodreads and Fable to track your reading habits and spot trends over time.
For example, you might notice that you love fast-paced thrillers but struggle with overly descriptive epic fantasy, or that you gravitate toward morally grey, complex characters rather than “perfect hero” protagonists.
Once you’ve gathered this information, you can use it to find more books you’re likely to enjoy. Instead of asking vaguely, “What fantasy book should I read?” (which usually results in recommendations for only the most popular titles) you can refine your search with specifics: “Fantasy books with fast pacing and morally grey, complex characters that keep me hooked from start to finish.” This dramatically increases the chances you’ll pick up books you’ll actually love and finish.
Extra Tip: Over time, your tastes might evolve, and that’s okay. Your reading journal helps you figure out what books you should pick up next instead of relying solely on trends or social media hype. Check out my post on How to Start a Reading Journal if you want a quick guide.
2. Read The Summaries
I know some readers are very strict about avoiding the back of the book, worried that it might spoil the story. And yes, that works well for people who can enjoy any plot, but if you’re a bit more selective, reading the synopsis can save you a lot of time and frustration.
Ask yourself: does the concept genuinely intrigue you? Does it feel like a story you’d actually want to read?
Personally, I often forget the synopsis by the time I pick up the book, but it still gives me a first impression to gauge interest. If you’re still unsure after reading the back, check out spoiler-free reviews online. Look for insights about pacing, characters, or how the plot unfolds. Sometimes a review will highlight something that immediately clicks or puts you off.
For example, I struggle with certain fantasy romance books because there are specific tropes that need to be handled well for me to enjoy them. The back cover rarely tells me if the author will do the trope justice, so I rely on reviews from readers I trust before committing. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in curating a TBR filled with books you’ll actually finish and enjoy.
3. Sample Before You Commit
I make it a habit to sample books by authors I’ve never read before. Since most of my books come from the library and I read them on my e-reader, I have the perfect setup for this. Before putting a book on hold, my library often lets me read a small preview, and I take full advantage of it.
Even just a few pages can give you a sense of the author’s writing style, pacing, and how the characters are introduced. It’s a simple step that can save a lot of disappointment later (you can move on without adding another book to your TBR that you might not finish).
Sampling before committing is especially useful for new authors or genres you’re unsure about, and over time it really helps curate a TBR full of books you’re genuinely excited to read.
4. Consider Book Length and Your Schedule
If your days are busy and you know your attention span struggles with lengthy, deeply detailed fantasy worlds, it’s okay to pick something shorter. Opt for books that can capture your attention from start to finish such as, thrillers and romances.
If you want a short, fantasy, or a slice of life read consider either young adult books or novellas. You’ll get what you want from a book without committing to much time. Shorter books give you a sense of accomplishment without the burnout that can come from tackling a long book. They also let you make steady progress toward your reading goals.
It’s all about matching the book to your available time and energy, so reading remains a pleasure rather than another item on your to-do list.
5. Go Based on Your Mood
I’m a mood reader, which means that sometimes I’m drawn to a clever heist story, other times a sprawling space opera, or even a tale of political rebellion. I’ve learned to honor what I’m in the mood for rather than picking books at random.
I may have a lengthy TBR with dozens of books to choose from but sometimes I’m looking for an enemies to lovers story between a vampire and werewolf set in academy setting… and I may not have that on my shelf.
Choosing based on your mood makes a huge difference in enjoyment and motivation, and it dramatically increases the chances you’ll actually finish the book. After all, reading should feel exciting and engaging and not like a chore.
If you’re looking for fantasy and sci-fi books with a high stakes plot, fascinating characters, and plot tension, check out My Favorite Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books of All-Time.
6. Don’t Rely on Social Media
Social media can have a huge impact on our TBR piles, but I’ve learned to approach trendy, hyped books with caution. Just because a book is popular or getting a lot of buzz doesn’t mean it will match your tastes. These books are often chosen and hyped by groups of readers whose preferences might be very different from yours. Jumping on the bandwagon can lead to constant disappointment or frustration.
The key is to understand your own reading preferences and let them guide your choices. This way, your TBR stays full of books you’re genuinely excited to read, rather than ones you feel pressured to pick up.
7. Mix Familiar With New
I like to alternate between books I know I’ll love, whether it’s an author I love, a continuing series, or a reread, with new books I’ve never heard of. The familiar reads give you momentum and a sense of comfort, while the new ones spark curiosity and excitement.
I’ll go back to my favorite authors, series, and rereads and alternate between something new like a non-fiction book about space or contemporary fiction. This balance keeps your reading experience fresh without feeling overwhelming or causing burnout, making it easier to stay engaged with your TBR over time.
Getting Out of That Reading Slump
Reading book after book with no avail and it leading to a reading slump is the absolute worse. I hope these seven tips help you pick up good books more consistently, preventing you from getting into a reading slump. If you do find yourself in a reading slump read my tips on How to Get Out of a Reading Slump.
