What’s a book you never finished but still think about?

On principle, I feel you can never judge whether a book is good, bad, or not for you unless you finish it. I have never not finished a book because it was boring or poorly written. Even if it turns out to not be my thing at some point during it, I will still finish it. You just do not know how a book is unless you allow the author to finish.

However, books that I have put down have had a couple things in common. They are typically nonfiction. Some were parenting books that I strongly disagreed with. They were encouraging things that I consider to be child abuse and I put them back, asked for refunds, the whole works. I was not going to listen to anyone who was advocating for things that I know are definitely harmful. Their opinion could not be trusted so why read more.

Then there are books by people who I learn are awful people by reading. Again, this is usually nonfiction. People who espouse ideals I do not believe in. They will say something racist or homophobic. Things of that nature. In fiction it is more of a grey area. Either characters harbor these beliefs so they can be proven wrong or that the audience is taught that those are bad beliefs.

There are a number of children’s picture books that are trying to teach kids these lessons and it is absolutely disturbing. I love children’s books. I collect a couple of genres based on art, subject, or purpose. Children’s picture books are incredible. The succinct writing and accompanying visuals. I love it. Obviously I finish these books as they are simple and short. Some are teaching horrendous lessons and I have to set it down and walk away. I usually shop at small bookshops but occasionally I go to big retailers to get discounted books. I learn a lot about a book store or chain based on whether these books are present. I shop elsewhere when that happens.

On the whole, I do believe that you can never accurately judge a book unless you finish it. On very rare occasions I put down a book and walked away. If I walk away, it is usually because of a fundamental difference in human rights. I believe everyone has rights. And honestly, I actively do not think about that author ever again except to stop others from reading it.