How do you handle "Did Not Finish" reviews?

[Lori]

Hi all,
I am currently reading a book that I just don't think I can finish. I'm not enjoying the story - - although it may not be entirely the author's doing - - the book has quite a bit of typos, grammatical errors and run-on sentences which I will freely admit I am completely anal about.

Do you publish "Did Not Finish" reviews? How do you handle this kind of situation?

Thanks!

~ Lori
Psychotic State

[Joan Enders]

Since I am the sole reviewer for my blog, I feel pretty uncomfortable without finishing a book and then reviewing it. I just pop in my TMJ guard and plow through it. Sometimes I end up pleasantly surprised!

If a book is objectionable to me sometimes I have to put on that professional librarian persona that I earned and be objective. It is quite presumptuous of me to think that all writers have to agree with my personal philosophy, no matter how FABULOUS it is! lol

Hummm, typos and other obvious errors may necessitate stopping and informing the publisher that the author needs to resubmit the work. Communicating with the publishers is part of my review obligation.

[Jacqui Stewart]

Joan, now that you mentioned TMJ guard, I remember as I am reading my current book that I have been clamping down on my back teeth a lot lately, lol.

[Jeanie Fritzsche]

I've published one "Did Not Finish" review - just explained why I couldn't finish the book and graded it "Incomplete." A number of people responded to me that they, in fact, liked the book, which I respect. They were able to provide balance to my less-than-enthusiastic take on it.

The tagline for my blog is "For people who don't have time to read bad books," and I stick by that. I feel some pressure to post on a regular basis. Since this particular book was lengthy and I did devote some time to it, I felt I needed to include mention of it in my blog.

I've been interested to read the various responses here - thanks for posting the question. I'm going to rethink whether I should post DNF reviews.

[Constance Reader]

I have a rating system on my site (1-5 stars) and I also have a tag for "abandoned" books. I think it's important to include the books you really couldn't stand along with the ones you love, otherwise it's just boring. If you can say why you didn't finish, I think an abandoned book review can be just as valuable as one praising the book.

My last did not finish review is for Arthur Phillips's Angelica.

-Connie @ Constance Reader

[Terri Quinn]

I have something similiar with my ratings, but have only had one Did Not Finish review so far. It was for a very popular book, but I simply couldn't get into it and didn't like the characters at all. I explained what I didn't care for and why I didn't want to finish it, and got a good response to the review. I would never just say "hated it" or "did not finish" without explaining why. And I agree with you that if you only review books you love, it will get boring after awhile.

[Kathleen Kelly]

Hi
I have not been in this situation, I may just let the author know how I felt and maybe suggest to give book to someone else to read. Bu I think you need to let the author know, is that no the purpose of reviews. Have to be honest.

Kathleen

[Melissa Caldwell]

I just do a book spotlight (if it's a blog tour kinda thing) I put all the information, a synopsis and the links to author's sites (if available.)

[Chung Hanjie]

I don't do 'Did Not Finish' reviews. Even if the book is really bad, I'll try to finish it, then post my thoughts of the book. I wouldn't want to break my promise on the author, nor do I want them to lose their trust.

the-bibliophiles-lounge.blogspot.com

[LInda Rockhill]

If I don't finish a book I don't give my opinion. Generally speaking I only read about 100 pages, if the book does not grab me by then I put it down. I read for enjoyment and struggling through a book that is not right for me is torture.

[Jacqui Stewart]

I am currently reading a book that I wish I could stop reading. However, I'm forcing myself to continue. As with you, it's not the plot of the book. LOVE futuristic books, but to me, it seems too robotic. But, almost finished it, so that's on the plus side, lol