How Far Do People Typically Get When They Start Reading a Book?

​Starting a new book can be an exciting adventure, but how far do people usually get before putting it down—or finishing it? Research on reading habits suggests that many readers don't make it as far as they might hope.

A commonly referenced study by Kobo, a digital reading platform, found that only about 60% of readers finish the books they start. This figure varies depending on the genre. Thrillers and mysteries, with their gripping plots, often boast higher completion rates. At the same time, non-fiction books, especially those tackling dense or technical topics, see lower completion rates. Readers frequently cite a lack of engagement or time as reasons for not finishing a book.

The "Rule of 50" proposed by librarian Nancy Pearl suggests that readers give a book 50 pages before deciding whether to continue. If a book doesn't capture their interest by then, they might set it aside. Digital platforms offer further insight, with data revealing that the opening chapters of books tend to see the most engagement, while later chapters often remain unread.

However, the rise of audiobooks and e-books may be shifting these patterns. Audiobooks make it easier to finish books during commutes or multitasking, potentially increasing completion rates.
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Ultimately, whether a book gets finished often depends on the reader's personal preferences, the book's appeal, and the time available. While not every book gets completed, the journey through its pages—no matter how short—can still be a valuable experience.