As an avid reader, I always try to give books a fair chance before deciding to put them down. However, there are always those books that simply don’t engage me or hold my interest, leading to a DNF (did not finish) status. In this article, I will share the top ten books that I didn’t expect to DNF, but ultimately had to put aside.

1. “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
I had heard so many great things about this historical fiction novel, but I found myself struggling to connect with the characters and the plot. Despite trying to push through, I ultimately had to admit defeat and put this book down.

2. “The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt
This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel seemed like it would be right up my alley, but unfortunately, I found the pacing to be slow and the story to be overly complex. After several attempts, I had to concede that this book wasn’t for me.

3. “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
I had heard such glowing reviews of this book, but I found the main character to be too unlikeable and the plot too predictable. I tried to give it a chance, but in the end, I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it.

4. “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
This psychological thriller had so much hype surrounding it, but I found the unreliable narrator to be more frustrating than intriguing. After several chapters, I decided to call it quits and move on to something else.

5. “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr
I had high hopes for this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, but I struggled with the multiple points of view and the slow pacing. Despite trying to soldier on, I eventually had to admit defeat and set this book aside.

6. “The Bone Clocks” by David Mitchell
I was intrigued by the premise of this novel, but I found the shifting timelines and fantastical elements to be too confusing and disjointed. After struggling through a few chapters, I realized that this book just wasn’t for me.

7. “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt
Another Donna Tartt novel that I couldn’t finish, I found the pretentious characters and slow pacing to be a turnoff. Despite my best efforts, I just couldn’t bring myself to continue reading this book.

8. “Circe” by Madeline Miller
I was excited to delve into this retelling of Greek mythology, but I found the writing style to be overly flowery and the pacing to be too slow. After several attempts to get into the story, I ultimately had to give up.

9. “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood
This dystopian classic is beloved by many, but I found the writing style to be too dry and the plot to be too bleak for my taste. Despite trying to power through, I ultimately had to set this book aside.

10. “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn
This bestselling thriller had me hooked from the start, but I found the twist halfway through the book to be too far-fetched and unbelievable. Despite my initial enthusiasm, I had to reluctantly admit that I wouldn’t be finishing this book.

In conclusion, reading is subjective, and what works for one person may not work for another. While I may not have finished these ten books, I still appreciate the effort and creativity that went into creating them. It’s all part of the reading experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to explore different genres and styles, even if some books don’t quite hit the mark for me.