You just finished reading an amazing book. The characters, setting, and plot were enthralling. You read page after page, and as the stack of papers in your right hand wanes you start to dread the day when you finish your book. You do not want to leave the magical world inside the cover just yet.
Bookies and casual readers alike all know what it feels like to have a "book hangover." We sit around wishing we could just relive the story. Here are some things you might experience if you finished a book you did not want to put down:
1. Sadness.
When a good book ends, it is hard to accept that the last page is really the end. Immense feelings of sadness ensue. Why can't there be one more chapter?
2. You do not want to talk to anyone.
All you hear is "blah, blah, blah". Unless they want to talk books, you are not interested. If your nose has been buried in a book for a week, it's hard to face the reality of mundane talk with your lunch pals. They just do not understand.
3. You look for a new book but it just isn't the same.
After such an emotional investment in a set of characters, starting all over just seems ... wrong.
4. You find yourself wondering about the characters.
And making up alternate endings in your head when you should be studying.
5. Or trying to be the characters.
Who knew wizard spells do not not work in real life?
6. You cannot stop telling your friends about the book you just read.
Even if your friends did not ask, insights about motifs from your latest obsession just come up like word vomit.
7. You find a way to bring up the book in every conversation.
You want to give yourself a big high-five for finishing a novel. But all you get in return are blank stares.
8. You search the internet for hints about the sequel.
You scour the web for a morsel of information on the author and what his or her plans are for the next one. Nothing can quench your curiosity.
9. You complain to everyone about how bored you are now.
Nothing will ever compare to the book you just read. NOTHING. You are inconsolable.
10. You go back to the library and start all over again.
You can't help yourself! There are so many good reads out there to explore. When one book closes, another one opens. To all my bookies out there, keep reading!