“This is going to be one hell of a book hangover.”
Picture the scene: you turn the final page of one of the best books you’ve ever read but, instead of feeling accomplished, satisfied and fulfilled, you feel surprisingly empty. If this sounds like something you’ve experienced, the good news is that you’re certainly not alone! What you are in the grips of is known as a book hangover – and it’s something that every reader can relate to.
Book hangovers come in every genre, but feel different for everyone. They are deeply rooted in some of the major benefits of reading and there are plenty of credible psychological explanations that help explain the phenomenon. So today at What We Reading we thought we would delve into the world of book hangovers, explaining what they are, how they work and how you can remedy them. Whether you’re still lost in a fantastical world or hooked on the chemistry of two perfect characters, check out everything you need to know about book hangovers here!
What Is A Book Hangover?
A book hangover is the empty after-effect experienced by readers after finishing a book. Book hangovers can come from any type of book and afflict any type of reader, with effects ranging from feeling blue to leading to a person going extended periods without picking up another book. Other symptoms of a book hangover include:
- Strong emotions such as sadness.
- Lack of willpower to read more.
- Constantly thinking and talking about the story/characters to yourself/others.
- Looking for updates on when the author’s next book will be.
Are Book Hangovers Real?
The first place to begin when exploring book hangovers is to tackle whether or not this phenomenon is real or not. Whilst the term is just an informal piece of slang, the experience of feeling down after finishing a book is something many readers will attest to.
One of the biggest reasons for this comes from the escapism reading the best books bring. Fictional stories in particular tend to present characters and worlds that are better than reality, which can make returning and adjusting to the real world a jarring experience.
Whether it’s the adrenaline-pumping, high-stakes rush of a gripping thriller such as The Chain or a sun-soaked romantic story like Beach Read, this emotional and mental hangover is something that can come from any type of book.
The Psychology Of Book Hangovers
But, what is the actual science behind a book hangover? There are a few factors that contribute to the phenomenon:
Back To Reality
As mentioned, any genre of book can provide an immersive experience for a reader. Books provide an escape that we are free to dip in and out of as we choose. If the plot of a book is becoming too jarring, we are free to simply put the book down and return to it when we want. Alternatively, if the hum-drums of the real world are becoming too much, a book good book is always available for diving into. Losing this control can lead to readers feeling almost out of place.
Emotionally Drained
To understand a book hangover, it’s important to understand what happens to the brain when you’re reading a great book. Studies have shown that when reading a book, our brains experience the same emotions as the characters in the story. The suspense experienced by a protagonist in a psychological thriller? Your adrenaline spikes. Two characters falling in love? Your brain will believe it is also experiencing the emotions connected to love.
This level of emotional connection is undoubtedly great and makes for a compelling read. But, when the story ends and there is no longer that emotional fuel for your brain, it can leave readers with a feeling of emptiness.
Sad It’s Finished
Finally, the final factor in book hangovers is arguably the most simple: you’re just sad it’s over. One moment you have another thrilling chapter to sink your teeth into, unresolved issues and plot points to discover, and twists and turns to unlock; the next, you’re back into the ordinary world where your daily routine can’t compete.
In this sense, a book hangover is similar to finishing a good television series or even returning from a stunning holiday where returning to the norm can leave someone feeling blue.
How To Get Over A Book Hangover
So, now that we’ve revealed that book hangovers are real things (at least in terms of their effects on us), how do you go about getting over one? Whilst there is no ‘cure-all’, here are some techniques we recommend:
1. Read Another Book
If you find yourself longing for what a good book gave you, the best way of getting over a book hangover is by diving into another one! Joining a Facebook group, getting recommendations from friends or checking out the best reading lists here at What We Reading will help you unearth your next favourite book, whether it be something similar to what you had just finished, or something entirely different.
2. Read The Same Book Again
Sometimes the best remedy to a book hangover is going back and reading the story that has inflicted it on you in the first place. Going back and reading a book over again can provide a sense of comfort, a familiarity that provides a sense of escapism for a reader. Reading a book again may also unlock new dimensions to the story that you missed the first time around as you know the characters and plot more intimately.
3. Read Your Favourite Parts Again
Instead of reading the same book from cover to cover again, there might be particular moments in a story that grip you so much you have to experience them again. Going back and indulging in these moments can help you get over a book hangover.
4. Talk About The Book To Others
One of the worst feelings with book hangovers is having your head swirling with thoughts, but having no one to voice them to. Whether it be your friends and family, a book club discussion or on your blog or YouTube channel, having an outlet to share your thoughts and feelings whilst collecting others is a great way of remedying a book hangover and getting a deeper appreciation for a story.
Check Out Our Guide To Starting A Book Club
5. Give Yourself Time
Finally, one of the best methods to tackle a book hangover is to take some time away from reading as you adjust back to the real world. If a plotline, character or reveal has particularly left an imprint on you, letting a book settle in your thoughts is sometimes the best way of finding solace and putting it behind you.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
