Why Most Books Go Unfinished (and How to Make Sure Yours Isn’t One of Them)

Liz Arroyo
Sep 16
2 min read

Did you know that more than 60% of readers never finish the books they start?

Think about it: how many titles do you have on your shelf or Kindle—started but never finished?

This isn’t just a modern habit. Studies, reviews, and even statistics like the famous Hawking Index (which measures how many pages Kindle users actually read) show that most readers stall after the first few chapters.

Why does this happen?

Why Readers Abandon Books

After analyzing multiple reviews and studies, the most common reasons are:

Too long and repetitive. Books stretched to 300 pages that recycle the same ideas over and over.
Strong beginning, weak ending. All the value is in the first 50 pages, then it fizzles out.
Lack of narrative. Business or psychology books read like academic theses—data-heavy, but no drama or story.
No emotional connection. When readers don’t see themselves in the message, the spark is gone.
Expectations not met. The title promises one thing, the content delivers another.
Cognitive overload. Dense books are hard to pick back up once put down.
“Should-read” marketing. Books bought for status rather than genuine desire.

The result: books that gather dust.

The Solution: Writing with CPR

This is where my method CPR: Clarity, Purpose, and Rhythm comes in.

Each element addresses the reasons books die on the nightstand:

✦ Clarity

Your book should be clear, direct, and free of fluff.

Every chapter has a defined purpose.
Simple, relatable, human language.
Promises (title, subtitle, back cover) that are fulfilled on every page.

✦ Purpose

A book without soul won’t connect. Purpose makes readers feel like this book is speaking directly to them.

Writing from your deepest “why.”
Real, emotionally engaging stories.
Fresh, original perspectives—not recycled advice.

✦ Rhythm

Rhythm makes your book a journey readers want to finish.

Short, dynamic chapters.
A mix of stories, ideas, and exercises to keep interest alive.
Endings that inspire action, not relief that it’s over.

The Book That Gets Finished… and Recommended

A book with Clarity, Purpose, and Rhythm isn’t just finished—it’s shared, quoted, and recommended.It becomes the kind of work that transforms, inspires, and positions its author as a thought leader.

In my editorial mentorship, I apply the CPR method to help professionals write books that aren’t just “another one in the market,” but works that readers enjoy to the very last page.

✨ Want your book to be one of those readers can’t put down?

I invite you to learn more about my mentorship and the CPR method here: CPR for your book