Start
Have you read at least 50 pages?
Yes: Proceed to “Is it objectively bad?”
No: Go back and read more. Sometimes, books need time to blossom.
Is it objectively bad?
Yes: Proceed to “Are you forcing yourself to finish?”
No: Consider giving it another chance. Maybe your taste is evolving.
Are you forcing yourself to finish?
Yes: Embrace the hate! It’s okay to not enjoy everything.
No: Enjoy the ride! Sometimes, hate-reading can be entertaining.
Do you feel emotionally drained, frustrated, or bored?
Yes: It’s okay to walk away. Your time is valuable.
No: Keep reading! You might still find something to appreciate.
Is the book actively harming you? (e.g. triggering trauma, promoting harmful stereotypes)
Yes: Stop reading immediately! Your well-being is paramount.
No: Proceed with caution, acknowledging the potential for discomfort.
Do you feel like you’re learning or growing from the experience?
Yes: Consider the possibility of finding value in your dislike.
No: Admit you hate it! Don’t waste time on books that don’t enrich you.
End
Remember, admitting you hate a book isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of self-respect. Your reading experience should be enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to embrace your dislikes and move on to something that sparks joy. After all, there’s a whole world of books out there waiting to be loved (or hated).