When to Stop Reading a Book (and HOW to Dispose of it)

How do we know when to stop reading a book? And when should you rehome or dispose of it? Let's explore our options —how to know when and which to select.

Should I keep reading?

It can sometimes be hard to know whether a book is worth your time and effort. If you keep reading, maybe it will tell you something amazing and change your life. If you stop, you might miss out on that life-changing moment! Or, perhaps it's the coolest book right now and you really want to fit in with the cool kids. Let me help you to determine whether you should stop reading a book.

When Should I Stop Reading a Book?

• When you are no longer enjoying it (have you tried the audio version?)

• If you dread picking it up (a clear sign that now is not the time, dear reader)

• If you keep putting off your reading (if you keep putting it off, then go read something else to keep your reading flow so you don't get stuck in a reading rut)

• If the book makes no sense (unless you have another book, human, or resource that can help you to understand)

• If you need to go to the toilet (although it is possible to continue reading, it's much quicker if you stop, at least until you're seated, and then again while you wash your hands)

• If you are getting in the car to drive (I do not condone illegal activities)

• If the fire or smoke alarm is going off (get out. Now.)

• If your kid is doing something dangerous (parental responsibilities demand your attention)

• If the book is made of asbestos or is coated in a suspicious white powder (do you have any enemies?)

• If the book is telling you to hurt other people or yourself (burn it)

• If the book is evil (burn it)

• When you have had enough (put it down. For now)

• When your eyes start to hurt (put on your glasses, rest your eyes, or go to bed)

• If the book is propagating propaganda (close it and step away)

• If the book goes against something that you believe in (the book is not for you)

• If you have borrowed it and the person you borrowed it from is asking for it back (please give it back)

• If you now have something better to read (unless you're a patient sort of person)

• If the book is written in a language you don't understand (more on this in the next section)

  
  

Exceptions to the rules

These books should never be discarded, only ever gifted or lovingly rehomed

Yes, there are always exceptions to any rule.

• If the book is mandatory reading for school or work

• If the book can save your life

• If the suspicious white powder on the book turns out to be icing sugar from that piece of cake you ate yesterday

• If the book is teaching you something useful

• If the book is encouraging you to be a better human

• If the book is written by Marley Betts (of course)

• If the book is written in a language you don't understand, but you are learning the language and trying to work out what it says

You could draw a face on it and pretend that it is a baby. If you want. If that's your thing.

How should I dispose of a book that I stop reading?

Here are some options for your consideration. Choose which one is most appropriate for your situation:

• Bury it

• Display it on your bookshelf

• Set it on fire

• Give it to someone you love

• Give it to someone you don't love

• Donate it

• Give it back

• Take it back to where it came from

• Hide it

• Throw it in the bin

• Put it in a box and store it in the garage

• Dip it in honey and hang it from a tree

• Make art with it

• Use it as a step to reach a high shelf

• Buy or borrow a different version

• Keep it on your bedside table to collect dust for a few years or so

• Take it to a friend's house and sneak it onto their bookshelf while they aren't looking

For consideration

A book that is not right for you to read right now may be a book that you are trying to read at the wrong time in your life. You can always pick up the same book again sometime in the future and have a totally different and enjoyable experience.

To wrap up

Reading books is a good thing, but not under all circumstances. Read wisely.

I hope this blog post has helped you decide whether to finish a book and what to do with it when you are done.

We all need a little help to know when to stop sometimes.

Much love,

Marley x

P.S. Find some good reading material, written by yours truly, HERE - Happy reading!