Why Some Books End Up on a Reader’s “Do Not Read” List

by: Carrie S. Lemieux

Cozy Bookstore - Man reading by the fire

In the vast world of literature, not every book finds its way into the hearts of readers. Some books, despite their potential, end up on a reader’s “Do Not Read” list. This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of factors, ranging from personal preferences to broader societal influences. Understanding these reasons can shed light on the complex relationship between readers and the books they choose to avoid.

Often, a reader’s mood or current life situation can influence their reading choices. A book that feels too heavy or complex might be set aside for a time when the reader feels more equipped to handle its themes. For instance, a reader might avoid a deeply emotional novel during a stressful period in their life (“Why Readers Should Rethink Their Book Lists”). Additionally, some books start slowly or fail to capture the reader’s interest early on. If the initial chapters do not engage the reader, they might decide to put the book aside, intending to return to it later when they have more patience or time (“Hooking Struggling Readers: Using Books They Can and Want to Read”). The ever-growing “To Be Read” (TBR) list can also play a role. With so many books vying for attention, readers might prioritize newer or more exciting titles, leaving others to gather dust (“Strategies for Reading Academic Articles”).

Books that contain controversial or uncomfortable content might be permanently abandoned. Topics such as explicit violence, offensive language, or themes that clash with the reader’s values can lead to a book being placed on the “Do Not Read” list (“Banned Books – Top 3 Pros and Cons”).

Furthermore, books that are overly complex or difficult to understand can deter readers. Academic texts or novels with intricate plots and dense language might be too challenging for some, leading them to give up entirely (“Four Tiers of Sources and How to Tell the Difference”). Word of mouth and reviews significantly impact a reader’s choices. Negative feedback from trusted sources can discourage readers from picking up a book. If a book is widely criticized or deemed unworthy by peers, it might never get a second chance (“What You Should Know About Book Bans: Frequently Asked Questions”). Sometimes, a book simply does not resonate with a reader’s interests. Despite its popularity or critical acclaim, if a book does not align with a reader’s tastes, it might be permanently shelved (“Who Doesn’t Read Books in America?”).

The reasons behind why some books end up on a reader’s “Do Not Read” list are as varied as the readers themselves. Whether due to temporary circumstances or permanent disinterest, these decisions reflect the personal and subjective nature of reading. By understanding these factors, we can better appreciate the diverse landscape of literary preferences and the unique journey each reader undertakes.

Works Cited

“Why Readers Should Rethink Their Book Lists.” Psychology Today, 27 Mar. 2024, www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/well-read/202403/why-readers-should-rethink-their-book-lists.

“Hooking Struggling Readers: Using Books They Can and Want to Read.” Reading Rockets, www.readingrockets.org/topics/childrens-books/articles/hooking-struggling-readers-using-books-they-can-and-want-read.

“Strategies for Reading Academic Articles.” The Writing Center, George Mason University, writingcenter.gmu.edu/writing-resources/reading-practices/strategies-for-reading-academic-articles.

“Banned Books – Top 3 Pros and Cons.” ProCon.org, 29 Jan. 2024, www.procon.org/headlines/banned-books-top-3-pros-and-cons/.

“Four Tiers of Sources and How to Tell the Difference.” A Dam Good Argument, Oregon State University, open.oregonstate.education/goodargument/chapter/four-tiers-of-sources/.

“What You Should Know About Book Bans: Frequently Asked Questions.” Pulitzer Center, 25 Sep. 2023, www.pulitzercenter.org/blog/what-you-should-know-about-book-bans-frequently-asked-questions.

“Who Doesn’t Read Books in America?” Pew Research Center, 21 Sep. 2021, www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/09/21/who-doesnt-read-books-in-america/.

© Carrie S. Lemieux/CSLemieuxAuthor 2024. All rights reserved.