DNF: Is it right to leave a review?

So, you’re reading a book, and by some chance, you DNF (do not finish, for those not in the self-publishing world). What do you do?

Lately, I’ve been seeing more and more of these reviews popping up on Amazon and Goodreads, but a question has plagued me. Is it right to leave a review when you do not finish a book? Let’s explore this.

Consider the following scenario: You’re reading a novel, get about halfway through, and realize the story just isn’t to your taste. There is nothing wrong with the editing or format, but something just doesn’t resonate with you. Do you leave a review?

My thoughts: No, you do not leave a review. It’s not the author’s fault you couldn’t get into the book. Leaving a low rating review will drag down their ranking on Amazon for something that is essentially a personal taste issue.

What would you do?

What about this: You’re reading a book that is quite poorly edited. There is no structure, no storyline, and nothing really of merit at all in the book. Do you leave a review?

My thoughts: Possibly. There is also the option of contacting Amazon to report the book. To me, this is the best thing to do as they can review it and contact the author directly. You might chance contacting the author yourself and constructively explaining what you felt could be improved. Maybe the author didn’t have a lot of support?

Finally: What if you don’t like the author as a person? Do you leave a review with personal attacks?

My thoughts: Obviously, a BIG RESOUNDING NO! No matter what, keep your reviews objective. You are there to critique the work of an author, not pick battles.

Overall, if you don’t finish a book, you have options. Leaving a review saying you didn’t finish and here’s why, isn’t really the best of choices.

I would love to hear some other views in the comments section! What do you do? Do you feel it’s right to leave a review if you don’t finish a book? Why or why not?

Happy reading!