I am of course caught up in some way with every book I read. I always seem to cry at some point, usually an insignificant part of the story, which I'm sure most people would not shed emotion. It's usually a moment that touches me, an experience shared somehow with the characters. Of course with each story I chase the rise and fall, the climax, and am always brought to the conclusion, where somehow the story will eventually end. What I am finding is that among the last few words that are written a sadness comes over me. No matter how the story ends I am in a deep sadness that the adventure, the characters, the journey that I was just taken on is now over. Finished.
It takes me several hours to recover and move on. I know that must sound weird, tell me I am not crazy, that someone else experiences these same emotions?...Knowing the story will end, wanting to get to that end as quickly as possible while enjoying the ride, but sad to see it end?
Is it this need, wanting to capture again what is now over, that pushes us to the next book and then begins, the journey, the never ending cycle? Is this what it feels like to be a reader? HA! As I write this I laugh at myself, a self proclaimed reader. I guess you could say it's one of my RDVs...I read. In fact, I can't imagine not loving to.
So where am I going with this, what seems to be a random post, I guess just this...Do you experience these same feelings after finishing a book? What do you do? Allow yourself the emotion and then move on or do you jump right into something new? For me, I think I need a moment to reflect and to appreciate what I've just experience before allowing another one to take over.
Perhaps that's what makes up our favorite books, the stories, the journey, we want to go on over and over again.
16 comments:
Yes! It is an addiction for me, a drug. To let these stories and lives and characters consume me and feel the rush and urge to move through the story but to watch the pages unfold and feel the end coming. It is bittersweet.
You ARE a reader Amy- don't deny it. You are not alone- you are part of the club now.
Oh and to answer your question, I read a book or two at a time, so I don't really let it lag. Sometimes, like when I read These Is My Words, I just let that one sit for a day or two and then plunged on. Like a true addict I usually dive right into the next one waiting on my list.
I love that you are a reader and are in the blogger book club!
I don't read as much as I used to and I really miss it. That is great that you are discovering the process all over again and that it has really brought meaning to you. I know I love reading LONG books b/c I hate for them to end. Happy reading!
Hi Amy,
I always feel that sad feeling at the end of a really good book. I've grown to love that feeling because it only occurs when the book has meant something to me. I usually want to jump into another book because I want that feeling of anticipation again. Then, I can't wait to get someone I love onto that book too, so that we can talk about it and relive those insignificant moments that touched us individually. Somehow that helps the sadness and gets me excited all over again. Sometimes I have to revisit the greatest books again a few years later. I'm just finishing the third book in the Twilight series now and I feel sad that I have to wait a whole year for the next book! I'd love to know which books you are particularly liking these days. I'm going to need a good one soon.
Oh, I definitely feel this way, too. It's often hard for me to start another book (even though I love it) because I feel like I can't quite let go of the last one. The good ones really do become a part of you.
Yes. I feel this way after most books. Did you ever read The History of Love? This one really caught me...I felt abandoned after the last page--I will definitely revisit that one.
It is very hard for me to start a new book after having finished one that has particularly touched me. I have to live a couple days letting it soak in and talk about it with my family. And of course, I always say to myself, "I'll never ever find another book as good as this one." Then when I convince myself that yes, maybe I could find another equally delicious book, I try again. In the last couple months I've really hit the jackpot with The Glass Castle, The Kite Runner, and A Thousand Splendid Suns. I'd love to know what you've read as of late that has moved you--it's time for me to discover a new read.
I feel the same way! Usually I let things perc-o-late for a few days. When I start a good book it is hard for me to stop reading for things as simple as eating! I just love getting totally immersed in the story and characters. I say just enjoy the emotions and know that the author is really thrilled that you are feeling what they wanted to convey with their words on paper.
"If the riches of the Indies, or the crowns of all the kingdom of Europe, were laid at my feet in exchange for my love of reading, I would spurn them all."
-Francois de Fenelon, French archbishop (1651 - 1715)
I experience the let down also. I usually have a night filled with vivid dreams where I am a character in the book. I wish they would last and I could keep dreaming about my favorites whenever I wanted to.
I completely get what you are saying!!! This happens to me alot, especially with books that really evoke strong feelings within me, and when I relate so well with the characters. I just don't want them to ever end, I want them to keep going so I can see how their lives end. It is hard to leave them.
So, usually I give it a day or so, and then I start a new one.
I am very much like you when it comes to reading....especially when I find a good book. I want to finish it to see the conclusion, but afterwards am so sad it's over. Congrats on reading so many books. That's huge!
I am on book #6 so far this year (for me that is unheard of)
I am a book harlot, that is to say I am not faithful to one book at a time. I have three on my nightstand at all times and I just picked up 4 more today to read. I do feel sad when some books end, but I have a bigger problem that even if I don't like a book, I ahve to finish it, so sometimes I feel mad that I spent time reading something I didnt' even like. I have only ever abandoned 1 book (The life of Pi, people loved it but I did NOT get it).
I experience the same cycle - and though I always and usually quickly move to another book, I feel somewhat like I am cheating on the memory of the old. Mostly, though, I experience racing through a captivating tale, unable to slow down while wanting desperately for it to last forever...
amy, you've just described why i have put reading to the side for the moment (word used losely as my moment is turning something into years ) :). i am so like that when i read...can't put it down yet so sad when it's over.
i dropped the book off for you tonight. hope you got it!
I don't always experience this. Sometimes, I can hardly wait for a book to be over, I'm always semi closing it to see how far into it I have. But, I know the exact feeling you describe. Wanting a sequel, or more, but not because a story was simply perfect.
yes yes! I revel in that ending emotion. A world over. The better the book the longer I have to wait before picking up something new.
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