This post is not going to be about the Book Thief, I'll save that for a later post (maybe? I'm not sure yet, we'll see). This post is going to be about the feelings I experienced once I had made it to the end of the Book Thief.
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way upon finishing a good book. It's a strange mix of satisfaction/sadness. A contentment coupled with a sudden emptiness. You become so emotionally invested in a book. You form a bond with the characters and you immerse yourself in their life and their world.
A good book captures you. Then when you read the last words in the last chapter, it suddenly releases you. It opens the door and pushes you back into the real world again, leaving you with the inevitable feeling of "What now?"
For a moment, you may struggle to remember what you did with your life before you became so obsessed with these fictional characters lives. You might look at those around you going about their day to day business and be filled with awe at how they can do it. How they can just be going about their life as if nothing has happened? Don't they not realise what you've just been through?
After a while, you gradually ease yourself into your old routine and life goes back to normal. A few things you might be able to do to help make this transition easier are as follows:
I know I'm not the only one who feels this way upon finishing a good book. It's a strange mix of satisfaction/sadness. A contentment coupled with a sudden emptiness. You become so emotionally invested in a book. You form a bond with the characters and you immerse yourself in their life and their world.
A good book captures you. Then when you read the last words in the last chapter, it suddenly releases you. It opens the door and pushes you back into the real world again, leaving you with the inevitable feeling of "What now?"
For a moment, you may struggle to remember what you did with your life before you became so obsessed with these fictional characters lives. You might look at those around you going about their day to day business and be filled with awe at how they can do it. How they can just be going about their life as if nothing has happened? Don't they not realise what you've just been through?
After a while, you gradually ease yourself into your old routine and life goes back to normal. A few things you might be able to do to help make this transition easier are as follows:
- Have your moment. Don't feel like you need to run headfirst straight back into the real world. Just make yourself a cup of tea, have a lie down and let it sink in. Accepting that the book is over is the first step in moving on.
- Start small. Go for a walk, watch TV, tidy your house, make another cup of tea (because tea is good for every occasion). Completing basic tasks will help you ease back into normality.
- Find someone who has read the book and talk to them about it. If you can't find someone who has read the book, find someone who has no interest or intention in reading the book/doesn't mind spoiler alerts and just pour your heart out. Trust me, it helps.
I'm sorry that those three pointers are all the advice I have. If you have any more tips on getting over a book, please feel free to comment and let me know. Together we can get through this.
Ditto - I don't read many books Aysha but that is what happens to me. Every word plays out like a drama in my brain. it is as though my mind is a stage and the backdrop changes with every encounter. How am I going?
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