In this episode of Savor the Story, the December chaos kicks off with audiobook drama, accidental buddy reads, and a whole lot of DNF energy. Vanessa and Nicole fall into a deep discussion about duet vs. dual narration—right before realizing they’re secretly reading the same duet-narrated dark romance… and having VERY different reactions to the male narrator. (Vanessa: “He grew on me!” Nicole: “I hate him.”)

The episode turns into a full DNF confessional. Nicole shares two books she bailed on (insta-love, bland characters, chaotic side characters… just no), while Vanessa debates whether she’s in a slow slide toward DNFing two of her own books. Together, they spiral into a conversation about why people force themselves through books, how to know when to let go, and whether they need an official DNF rule for 2026.

Nicole reviews Born a Crime by Trevor Noah—an emotional, fascinating memoir full of wild childhood stories, government oppression, and poop jokes. Then Vanessa brings the cozy energy with Book Lovers, sharing why Emily Henry continues to be an auto-buy author!

The episode wraps with the question of the week: How long can a book sit on your “Currently Reading” shelf before it becomes a DNF? And the answers… create more confusion than closure.

Thanks for listening, friends! Let us know your DNF rules: time-based? page-based? vibe-based? Or are you one of the “never DNF” warriors we don’t understand at all?