Stop Wasting Time on Books That Don’t Thrill You

It’s not giving up, it’s choosing to level up. Don’t slog when you can soar.

Photo by Ed Robertson on Unsplash

Let’s cut straight to the chase: if a book doesn’t grab you by the end of the first chapter, it might never do.

Don’t force yourself through pages that feel like punishment.

This isn’t about shunning challenging reads but recognizing when a book simply isn’t for you. Even if it’s a critically acclaimed masterpiece or a worldwide bestseller, not every celebrated book will resonate with everyone.

Reading should be a delight, even when it’s challenging. If a book isn’t giving you the excitement or the insights you crave, it’s okay to put it down. You’re not failing a test; you’re curating your experience. Reading is a personal journey, not a public proving ground. The responsibility to captivate lies with the book, not the reader.

Never let the world make you feel inadequate for your tastes.

This month alone, I’ve set aside four highly praised books. Not because I lack focus — quite the contrary. These titles simply didn’t deliver the zest I seek in my reading adventures. They felt dull, derivative, and frankly, a slog. That’s not what I want for my precious reading hours.

So, embrace the discomfort of challenging reads, but also recognize when it’s not worth your time. There’s no shame in abandoning a book that doesn’t light up your brain. Move on swiftly and save yourself for stories that spark your imagination and add joy to your life.

Your reading list is yours alone — fill it with books that thrill, engage, and enlighten you. Forget about trudging through the mundane.

Life’s too short for boring books.