Readers have some tough decisions. Like when your TBR rivals the Empire State Building. Your library check-outs are in triple digits. The local bookstore ropes off an entire section with your name on it. Or your favorite canine has to choose between New York Steak and Rib Eye.

Wait. Where was I?

Oh yeah. Reading decisions.

Does this sound familiar, hoomans?

– You grabbed a book off Amazon because it snagged a glittering galaxy of 5 star reviews. That were probably posted by the author’s mom. Under numerous pseudonyms.

– Your reading club is gushing over its latest selection. You can’t get past page 3 without reaching for No Doze.

– The latest “bestseller” has a plot that’s as dense as a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich. Without the jelly. Or the bread.

What’s a reader to do?

First of all, relax. Deep breaths, okay? Mom and I are here to help.

Second, realize that reading isn’t a competition. Or s chore. Reading is supposed to be fun. Enjoyable. (Kimber: Well, maybe not as enjoyable as a Porterhouse Steak. What?)

Anyway, here’s the latest brilliant advice from Her Royal Momness and me. On All of the Above. At no extra charge:

Stop.

That’s right.

Just. Stop. Close the book. Put it back. And move on to something else.

It doesn’t matter how far you’ve read. The number of pages left. Or how many hours you’ve spent slogging through a book. Through gritted teeth.  When you reach The Point of No Return on a book, don’t return.

That’s right. Put that book down. Send it back. Find something else.

And lose the guilt. Give yourself permission to say No.

True, not all books are easy. Some require more effort than others. That’s okay.

That snoozer that had you yawning? The stinker that made your hair ache? Just stop. Put it away. You can always pick it up again later.

But if you’re hating every minute of a book, counting the remaining pages, or forcing yourself to keep going and dreading every minute, then you’re missing the point. Of letting books into your head. And your heart. Soak into your soul. And maybe even change your life.

Speaking of “life,” Mom and I decided a long time ago that life’s too short to spend it on lousy books. That we don’t enjoy. Put us to sleep better than Sominex. Look like the neighborhood fluff ball.

Besides. With zillions of titles to choose from, you’ll always be able to find something that’s a better fit.

So to reiterate, relax. And lose the book DNF guilt. It’s so not you. 

Meanwhile, Mom and I will be back shortly. Soon as one of us re-shelves a few books.

What’s the last book you read that soaked into your soul?