Gras Publishing

You know that feeling you get when you can’t bring yourself to start a new book because you’re not emotionally ready yet?

Yeah, that’s called a book hangover.

And don’t worry, we’ve felt it too.

A book hangover, by definition, is when you’re unable to physically or emotionally “function” in the real world because you’re still too wrapped up in your last read.

Not everyone experiences it the same way. Some might actively avoid starting a new series, for example, because they don’t want to forget the wonderful journey they just finished. What if the new story is horrible? And what if it’s even better? What if they forget the characters– the feelings— the last book gave them?

Those suffering these types of book hangovers are held back by fear and anxiety. After all, don’t people say, “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it?” Why would they want to risk losing this wonderful feeling of satisfaction, this happiness, for an unknown plot line that might leave them hanging?

It’s a valid fear.

And while most people may feel as if they fall under the “emotional” book hangover, we guarantee you’ve had the “physical” book hangover at least twice in your life.

“Physical” book hangovers normally occur when you stay up all night binge-reading one or several stories. You’ve become so engrossed in the storyline, you forget everything: hunger, sleep and even time!

You keep saying to yourself, “one more chapter, one more page,” and before you know it, you’ve pulled an all-nighter, it’s 6 a.m. and you only have an hour to get to work– or school– because you know, life.

People suffering from this hangover then have two options: bail on all of their commitments to get some shut-eye or they have to go and buy the Venti their favorite coffee shop offers.

And, the best (or worst) part of all this, is that you know you’ll do it again. Even if you promise you won’t, you will.

Because this book hangover is an endless cycle book lovers can’t help but fall into.

And to tell you the truth, we’re not sure it’s one you want to get out of.

Have you ever had a book hangover? Share your experience with us in the comments and if you like what you read and want to see more, subscribe to our email list for more thoughts, quotes and writing prompts or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.