This is a terrible and debilitating condition for readers.
A book hangover normally strikes after the reader finishes a book that they have grown emotionally attached to. Returning to normal life is difficult for the reader and in some cases they will feel like a shadow of their former self.
A reader cannot say whether they are emotionally attached to a book until they reach the last page and have to say goodbye to the lovable characters, the setting that feels like a second home, the author’s reassuring tone and the uplifting plot.
A typical book hangover can last up to two – three weeks. However there are some readers out there who are still suffering some months / years on.
I still haven’t been able to shake my lifelong book hangover. As a child I read Charles Kingsley’s ‘The Water Babies’ and have suffered ever since. A terrible affliction which makes me unable to appreciate a good chimney breast.
Here are some tell-tale signs that you are suffering from a book hangover:
- It has been a day since you finished your book and you can’t stop wondering about how those characters are getting on now, after all that emotional turmoil and stress has gone.
- In your head you act out what ‘life afterwards’ looks like for everyone in the book.
- Waking up in the middle of the night and shouting out your favourite character’s name, makimg your loved one leap out of bed in fright.
- Adopting your favourite character’s mannerisms and phrases in day to day life.
- The thought of starting another book makes you get a little teary.
- Feeling like someone has turned the light off in your life.
- Unable to think about anything else other than the book for a period of time.
- Going quiet in book conversations, staring into space and whispering ‘I miss you!’
- Pestering the author with emails like ‘Did they get married?’ and ‘Some of us need closure – for godsake please write a sequel….nothing major needs to happen…some of us are desperate to find out what life was like for him with his dodgy foot / nasty limp..’
- Feeling emotionally wrung out and a bit tired for a period of time.
As always with my posts I like to encourage interaction so if you think I have missed any tell-tale signs please let me know and I will quote / add a link to you.
Have a great day!
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Reblogged this on Still Another Writer's Blog.
I can totally relate to that!!!! There are a few books I have read over the years, where I have got so engrossed, so involved in the story, I just do t want to be living reality, I NEED to get back into their world… But I can’t!!!
Oh it’s an awful kind of hangover!!!
But proof that the writer has done his job!!!
Yes Ritu!! I struggle to go back to reality after a good book – happy Friday!
And to you you!!!!
…. I’m SOOOOOOO glad it’s Friday!!!!
For me the tell-tale sign is the way I write a book review…quite emotional sometimes… probably why I write so few. Oh and I talk to Roxy in my sleep…apparently.
Lol!!! Thx for making me smile Eric :-) Roxy says thx!
She’s welcome…as long as she stays well away from my brain…anything else fair game…bless!
I am actually writing the end of Roxy – she won’t be around for long :-
You close to publishing? Hope so!
My worst-ever book hangover was when I read Tolkien for the first time – especially Simlarillion (his unrecognised gem, as far as I’m concerned). It spawned a love affair with fantasy that’s carried on to this day.
Plus, Friday. Just wanted to get that off my chest.
I love it when books do that and take over your brain! I just hope Roxy will do that to someone…one day…
Didn’t I just read in a comment that someone’s already talking to Roxy in their sleep?
Yes!!! Eric from EDC Writing! Bless!
This is s big close to the truth. I finished a first draft and woke in the early hours convinced I had to write the sequel because I couldn’t leave the characters where I’d left them. Took ages to decide I didn’t have to, it would be nice sure, but not essential. Still, sometimes in the early hours I hear them crying from somewhere in the walls….
Hmmmm – interesting…
So Funny!!! I’m still asking my favorite author for a sequel, and it’s been a year since his last release. I think he’s getting tired of hearing it, but I can’t help it. I’m hooked. LOL
Hey thx Sue!
There is a certain fantasy series that was supposed to be a trilogy and only has 2 books…. The writer is still alive and releasing novels that are not the conclusion of that trilogy. It is probably 20 or so years old. I probably first read it about that long ago. About once a year, I think about that series & look for the conclusion. Nothing yet. 😩
Thanks for this – keep praying and maybe a begging email or two :-) happy Friday
It’s actually wonderful, when an inspiration or role-model inspires one to any improvement in the real world. That is part of the human spirit, and really not the worst part of it.
My regards
AMP
Great comment – you are right :-) Happy Friday
Yes. Yes and yes, but it’s been a long while. I have only ready two books this year. Shameful, I know. :/
Thx Tess – Happy Friday!!
Reblogged this on Kim's Author Support Blog and commented:
Another Great List!
Thanking you kindly!
You’re welcome. :D
I’ve nearly finished reading a book and I’m trying not to get to the end as I know I’ll have a book hangover! Happy Friday, Lucy :-)
Happy Friday Esther :-) I will be popping over soon to check out your guest writer!
Thank you, Lucy :-) Hope you’re enjoying the weekend :-)
For me, I’ll read some adventure story then start shopping for a tomahawk because it was so useful in the story.
You do make me smile :-)
This is so true, the difficulty in leaving the grip of a story. It can take a while, and I like the consequences you’ve listed. Thankfully, number 3 hasn’t happened to me :)
Hey – thx for dropping by and maybe one day number 3 will happen :-)
If number 3 happens, it’ll require a lot of explaining!
Lol 😂
Reblogged this on Don Massenzio's Blog and commented:
The book hangover, and it’s related affliction, post partum binge watching, is something I have suffered from. Have you?
Oh, now you’ve reminded me of my last book hangover. *sniffle* Still waiting on the last in the trilogy. And then it really will be hangover time. Big time!
Sigh! Deep breaths…
Distance helps….