13 Ways of Coping with a Book Hangover

Have you ever finished a book that was so good, you couldn't move on to another? If so, you've likely experienced a book hangover. A common affliction among avid readers, book hangovers can be emotionally distressing to say the least. Symptoms can vary between spontaneous fits of sobbing to repeatedly shouting the word "why." But don't worry: There are ways to recover.
We asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter for their best coping strategies and listed some of the most popular comments. Which ones have you tried?
We asked our followers on Facebook and Twitter for their best coping strategies and listed some of the most popular comments. Which ones have you tried?
1. "When the grief is overwhelming, I just turn back to the beginning and read it all over again," says Sanna.
2. "I try to switch genres or pick up a light read. If all else fails, I marathon a T.V. series and let the book hunger build up again," says Rebecca.
3. "Writing a review, telling my friends about it, or journaling can help process what made it so impactful. What's at the center of that emotional core, and how can I apply it to my life?" says Melissa.
4. "I actually take a break from reading. I won't pick up another book for a few days," says Jessica.
5. "Pick up a book of short stories, poetry, or essays so it's less of a commitment before finding the next great novel," says Jen.
6. "This might sound really bad, but in order to move on from a book I'm having a hard time letting go, I read a few bad reviews. It helps to put things in perspective," says Leslie.
7. "Read some fanfiction," says Charlotte.
8. "I like to reread my favorite parts and if there’s a good movie adaptation or a modern retelling, I go for it." says Erin.
9. "I listen to bookish podcasts," says Yanira.
10."As I get down to the last five chapters or so, I start the next book hunt," says Maureen.
11. "I immediately look for something else written by the author," says Edwin.
12. "Sometimes I’m not ready to give a new book a try, so I reread a well loved one," says Carol.
13. "I go and get a real hangover," says Steve.
How do you cope with a book hangover? Let us know in the comments!
Check out more recent blogs:
To Quit Or Not Quit a Book? Our Readers Weigh In...
Monogamous vs. Polygamous Reading: Which 'Type' Do You Prefer?
Hot Reading Challenge Tips from Pros Who Read More Than 100 Books a Year
Check out more recent blogs:
To Quit Or Not Quit a Book? Our Readers Weigh In...
Monogamous vs. Polygamous Reading: Which 'Type' Do You Prefer?
Hot Reading Challenge Tips from Pros Who Read More Than 100 Books a Year
Comments Showing 51-100 of 143 (143 new)



Hi Mariah, I'm not the OP, but I do have a podcast addiction. Here are some I like:
• BookRiot has a lot of podcasts on different genres: romance, sff, mystery, non-fiction My favorite one of theirs for recommendations is "All the Books."
• New York Times Book Review
• MashReads
• Reading Envy
• Reading Glasses (this one I dip in and out of and I usually just fast forward through the “Bookish Problems” segment.)


But leaving that aside, for me personally it helps if I'm reading other books concurrently. That effectively assuages the loss.

PLUS - this supports the author that you loved the work of so much!




That's me! I tend to draw out those last pages, savor them, even when I'm not sure quite how the book will end. And I get myself into something else I know I'll enjoy. I'm doing it right now: Today I started the most recent Tana French book so I'll be well into it when I finish Erin Morgenstern. I have a new book ordered, and the third Jason Matthews book is coming out in paperback in August. Then there's a new Tana French book this fall . . . And I have five other new authors ready to go!

i go to the library all the time, so i am always book hunting for the next best read!



I lie down on the floor.
I drink coffee.
I feel very sorry for myself and mope around for the whole day and complain to anyone and everyone about the situation I have put myself in.







I usually read fan-fics and if there is a movie, watch it. If i am just so heartbroken and want to read it over and over again (in other words addicted), I try to avert my thoughts from the book and start to read another book. you can also try writing summaries or do something that you love that will distract you from this book! With love, H








I usually actually do what Jessica does, though. It's always good for me to soak in whatever feeling that come over me after I finish a book.



Thanks!! I'll have to check those out :)

Thanks!! I'll have ..." p.s sadly, "books on the nightstand" has ended, but you can still
listen to all the episodes :-). "What should I read next" is running and running and sooo great!!!


Would there be any chance for me to read 'The Novel Sonnet'? you've gotten me intrigued and I would love to take a look at it