Top Ten Tuesday: Book Hangover Cures

By: Stephanie Wyatt

There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book. The worst part is when the book is over. Book hangovers are the number one cause of reading slumps. Here are my top ten ways to cure a book hangover.

Fanfiction 

Fanfiction is my favorite way to cure a book hangover. I love to see other fans of the series take on the characters and story. It’s my way of not having to give up my favorite world and characters.

Reading boards

I love to join fandom groups on social media. It’s a great way to find new books to read. It also allows you to discuss the series without begging your friends to read it. 

Fanart 

I never realized how much I love fanart of my favorite characters until recently. I used to think it messed up how I saw the characters in my head. Now, I realize it makes me happy because it means other people are as obsessed as me about a book.

Make a playlist

Music has always been a huge part of my life. Every time I hear a song, I think about a character it could fit. I make playlists, and if I don’t feel like rereading the series at the moment, I’ll just listen to the music and feel transported back to my favorite worlds.

Check the author’s website/ social media

Social media is the best way to market your books currently, and most people either have a website or some form of a page. These pages usually have snippets of stories, fanart, other books, and other merchandise related to the series.

Read another book by the author or a favorite of the author

I have this habit where if I find a book I like, I will read the author’s entire collection. This will usually keep me busy for a bit, but if they are a new writer, I’ll usually see if I can find their favorite books or favorite authors. Then, I’ll read those.

Read an opposite genre

Usually, when I have a book hangover, I don’t want to read any more of a similar genre for a bit. My solution usually is to read something completely different. For example, if I finished a fantasy/romance series I’ll probably look for a realistic story where friendship is the main focus. This way I can be open to new characters because it’s different enough.

Watch a new show or movie

You have to sometimes put books down for a little bit. Sometimes, the hangover is that strong, so trade your book for a new experience. Who knows, you might find a new book in the process.

Read the newest popular series

I sometimes use book hangovers as an opportunity to finally read the current reading obsession. It usually helps, and if it doesn’t, I can at least talk about the newest thing with other book enthusiasts.

Read that book that has been sitting in your TBR forever

To be read piles are an endless source of reading enjoyment. You put it in your pile for a reason. It’s time to find out why.

How do you handle book hangovers? Let me know in the comments!