April Book Reviews And My DNF Reading List

Since I do most of my reading on the Kindle App, I have a constant reminder of all the books I didn’t finish. I thought April would be a good time to share my DNF reading list and solicit input on whether any are worth another try as I build my summer reading list.

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What I Read In April

I actually pulled one of the books I read in April off my DNF list after seeing some favorable reviews.

Wild Dark Shore was my favorite book of the month. There’s a little bit of family drama, more deception than meets the eye, and some romantic tension, all against the backdrop of an island being swallowed by the sea. If you don’t believe in climate change you may roll your eyes at some of the story lines, but it’s presented as plot point, not propaganda.

Fun for the Whole Family was a lighter read, although the family drama to romance ratio was about 90:10. The main story takes place over a weekend when four siblings gather at a remote location at the behest of the youngest sister. Why had she summoned them? Can they put up with each other long enough to find out? Will revealing long-kept secrets bring them closer together or drive them further apart?

I’d had a sample of First Lie Wins for a while but hadn’t gotten very far. I decided to give it another try and this time it hooked me. The main character has a job that revolves around deception, but she’s not the only one telling lies. As she tries to uncover the truth without becoming a victim herself you worry she’s putting her trust in the wrong people. It definitely turned into a page-turner when everything started to unravel—or come together—at the end.

I probably wouldn’t have read Woodworking, but Matty Maggiacomo (Peloton instructor) posted about it, so I thought it would be worthwhile. The main character is a high school teacher grappling with their newly-acknowledged transgender identity. While still outwardly presenting as a man, she develops a (completely platonic) relationship with an openly transgender student whose parents are hostile to what they see as her refusal to be their beloved son. I found the story all the more poignant and highly relevant in view of recent headlines.

My DNF Reading List

Here’s a screenshot of my DNF list. As you can see, I take full advantage of the option to start with a “sample”. If I’m hooked by the end of the first chapter(s), I will buy the book and usually finish it. If I couldn’t care less, I move on.

I’m not sure if there’s a theme or common thread to my DNFs. The Examiner seemed like it was going to take too much effort. I didn’t really want to read about a teenager being seduced (?) by a therapist in Long Island Compromise. Margot’s Got Money Trouble had too much of a chick-lit vibe. The Last One At The Wedding and The Return Of Ellie Black are the two I’m most likely to try again.

Thanks to Farrah for inspiring my book reviews!

Have you read any of my DNFs?