If you’re a book lover, you’ve probably felt it at least once: the feeling of loss when you finish a great story or series. You’ve been so emotionally involved in the lives of the characters, that it’s hard to stop thinking of the book and move on. Usually, you don’t even want to. This is what we call the book hangover.
Symptoms of a Book Hangover
- Weeping
- Can’t stop thinking about the story
- Talking to everyone about the book (whether they care or not 😅)
- Stalking the author on social media to see when another book is coming out
- Reading/purchasing everything by that author
- Staring blankly at the wall
- Re-reading your favorite parts over and over again
Why Do We Get Book Hangovers?
We get book hangovers when we become invested emotionally in the characters and the book’s story. This could be because the characters are so well-developed that we feel like they’re real, the world is so achingly beautiful or so well-crafted that we want to live there (and felt like we did), or because the plot was so exciting and kept us up reading late into the night.
When each of these three things occur: you care about the characters, love the world, and are immersed completely in the story, then watch out; a book hangover is coming your way!
Of course, book hangovers aren’t necessarily bad. In fact, they show that the author did a great job immersing us in their world and left us with a wonderous place that we can escape to anytime we wish.
Regardless of the reasons, at the end of the story, even if it ends happily, we’re sad to let the story world, and characters go. We want to live in the pages a little longer and don’t want to return to reality. We’re grieving that something good has come to an end.
But there is hope! You don’t have to stay in that grieving/sad place forever.
5 Tips for Overcoming a Book Hangover
1. Take a Break from Reading
Gasp. Did I really just say that? Yes, yes I did. It can be difficult for us readers to stop reading, but it’ll be difficult to get into another book right away. Give yourself time to grieve the characters and story. Let yourself think about them a little longer. This will make the next book you read much more enjoyable. Meanwhile, enjoy storytelling in other ways: watch a T.V. show, read a Manga, visit the theatre.
2. Read Something Completely Different
Did you just finish a super sweet romantasy? Pick up an atmospheric gothic fantasy. Did you read an epic series that you can’t stop thinking about? Try a historical fantasy book next. I’ve found that after reading an exceptional book, it’s helpful to ‘cleanse the palate’ and read something completely different. I’m usually in the mood for something different anyway, and it will ensure that your standards aren’t quite so high for the next book. Because what book can compete with one that’s given you a book hangover?
If you’re a mood reader like I am, check out these 15 YA books to read based off your mood, where you’ll find everything from humorous to suspenseful books.
3. Read an Old Favorite
Sometimes, if I don’t want to start a new book that I’m not sure will live up to the last one, I’ll read a book I know that I love. This may lead to another book hangover, but either way, at least you’re savoring another fantastic story!
4. Write a Review
This will enable you to sit a little longer in the story and gush (with people who care) about all your favorite characters. Plus, reviews from people who loved books is a great thing and is a great way to support the author. (This may be the author in me coming out, so if you haven’t written a review about that book that’s gotten you hungover, go do so now 😄).
5. Read the Book Again
I’ve actually only felt the need to do this once or twice and have never acted on it, possibly because I feel like reading the book so soon will ruin some of the magic. But if none of the other ways to move on from your book hangover appeal to you, this might be the best option.
6 Lighthearted/Fun Books to Get You Out of Your Book Hangover
Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
This lighthearted fantasy middle-grade book about a moving castle, a young woman whose cursed to look old, and a flamboyant wizard is sure to get you out of that book hangover funk!
There’s also a fun anime movie version if you’re not in the mood to read.
The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
Get over your book hangover by traveling to the school for good and evil, where Sophie–a lover of pink and princesses–is dropped off at the School for Evil, and Agatha–a lover of black and creepy cats–is dropped off at the School for Good. A must-read for anyone who enjoys Wicked.
Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
This cottagecore fantasy book will take you to an enchanted land filled with fairies and just the right amount of action and romance. Check it out if you’re recovering from an epic fantasy series or just want something a little more charming.
Want more cozy, slower-paced books? Check out these 19 cottagecore books for an escape that’ll calm your heartrate.
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi by Shannon Chakraborty
If you’re recovering from a slower-paced romantasy, then consider stepping aboard a pirate ship with this adult fantasy book. It follows the journey of Amina al-Sirafi, a retired pirate who must venture back to the seas to find a kidnapped girl. Along the way, she meets all kinds of magical creatures.
Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George
This is a delightfully fun book about a castle that’s alive. One girl, Princess Celie is determined to map out the changing rooms. It’s a good thing she is, because her siblings and kingdom will need her knowledge of the castle’s never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom.
Just read this one. You won’t regret it!
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
Overcome your book hangover by journeying with Tress across dangerous seas as she looks for the man she loves. With Princess Bride vibes and a silly narrator, this one is sure to lift your mood.
If you love Brandon Sanderson books but aren’t sure where to start or which of one to read next, check out this article that will point you in the right direction!
What was the last book you read that gave you a book hangover? How did you get over it?
