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  • Tag: dnf

    • An Odd DNF Scenario

      Posted at 7:15 am by Laura, on August 28, 2015

      We’ve all experienced a DNF — Did Not Finish — at some point. But more often than not, we’ll set the book aside or mark it DNF on Goodreads, and never speak of it again. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a bad book; it’s just not the book for you. You can rant and rave about the writing or plot or characters or overall content — and maybe it truly is bad — but book bashing doesn’t get you anywhere.

      When I DNF, I mark it on Goodreads, state why it wasn’t for me as short and concise as I can, and let it fade into the background.

      Except with this book.

      20652088Ash & Bramble by Sarah Prineas is not a bad book. Not at all. That’s not even why I DNF’d. In fact, just about everything I could ever like or want to see was in here in the beginning pages — fairytale spin, intrigue, writing, voice, unique plot, compelling protagonist, and realistic love interest. But if that’s all there, why did I stop?

      That God-awful subjective gut feeling that creeps up even when I’m agenting: It wasn’t for me.

      Even though I DNF’d, that doesn’t mean I won’t promote this. OHMYGOSH am I gonna promote this! You want a behind-the-scenes look at a fairytale? Read this book. How do fairy godmothers know exactly what you want and when you need it? Read this book. Dying for another fairytale spin that’s both unique and familiar? Read this book. And, totally random, but if you’re looking for something that has echoes of Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale…I’d say read this book. (I could be completely off on that, but it had those vibes in the beginning pages and I was fascinated.)

      So here I am, promoting a book I did not finish. I was about a third into the book when I stopped. The merits are obvious, and I can see this being a successful book with a loyal following. If there’s any way I can aid in that, I will do so!

      Thank you, Edelweiss, for providing this book from HarperTeen for review!

      This book fulfills 1 of 7 #ARCAugust reads.

      Posted in books, Reviews 2015 | 5 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, books, dnf, genre: fantasy, genre: romance, genre: young adult
    • Unfortunate Case of DNFs

      Posted at 7:03 pm by Laura, on May 6, 2014

      DNF: Did Not Finish.

      We’ve all experienced this in one way or another. The book was too boring. The book was too graphic. The book was a walking cliche. The book was nothing like you expected — none of the characters, the plot twists, the writing.

      Over time, I’ve learned to just stop reading something if I haven’t enjoyed it. I’ve rarely come across this issue, and as you can see from the blog, this is the first DNF post I’ve made since the formation of this blog in December 2011. I always manage to find a reason to keep reading books. But with Life knocking at the door, time constraints on digital ARCs, and the simple fact that one should spend time enjoying life’s pleasures, I’ve had to close books early.

      These two particular books — both ARCs due out this month — met such unfortunate endings.

      Royally Lost by Angie Stanton 18530135
      Publisher: Harper Collins
      Publishing Date: TODAY, May 6
      Genre: young adult, romance, travel
      Goodreads
      Why I DNF: 
      Becca whines and complains quite often – it’s a wonder Nikolai is attracted to her at all. She’s got a very first-world-problems thing going on for not enjoying a trip to Europe, as well (even one with emotionally distant family members and old folks). Nikolai is a good enough character, but Becca was incredibly difficult, and so I cannot finish.

      18525657Broken Hearts, Fences, and Other Things to Mend by Katie Finn 
      Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
      Publishing Date: May 13
      Genre: young adult
      Goodreads
      Why I DNF: 
      The premise was enticing, and it seemed like it would be a nice, enjoyable, fun summer read. While the first 100 pages felt promising, the rest of the book came across like a completely different story, with a different voice, purpose, narration, characters…
      The motivation for the characters seemed unrealistic and petty, too. While I can completely understand an 11-year-old girl’s vengeful actions and blinding guilt, I cannot comprehend how a person five years later can plan revenge on the off-chance she’d stumble across the person again — and then execute the plan. 
      Maybe this is how classic villains are made. Maybe this is what’s so entertaining about trashy teen TV shows. Whatever the case may be, the book was not for me. I had to stop reading it entirely and instead skimmed to the end.

      Thank you, Edelweiss and MacKids, for providing these books for review. I’m so sorry that I did not enjoy them and could not finish them.

      Have you received ARCs for these books? What did you think of them? In what scenario would you stop reading a book?

       

      Posted in books, Reviews 2014 | 6 Comments | Tagged advance reading copy, ARC, book review, books, dnf, genre: romance, genre: young adult, goodreads, review
    • Hello, I’m Laura!

      I'm a bookish bookworm and book hoarder. By day I'm a literary agent, and by night I'm forever rearranging my bookshelves. I could talk your ear off about Gothic literature, and in my past life people thought I'd become a professional musician. I have a fluffy black cat named Rossetti, I love to knit, tea is my drink of choice, British TV is the best, and I'm obsessed with popcorn. Welcome to Scribbles & Wanderlust! Grab your favorite hot beverage and let's chat books!
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