After I read a novel, I feel like I can't leave the novel and that I can't start a new novel.?

Question

My mind is still filled with the story and characters of the novel. So I usually end up rereading the novel to get more out of it (better understanding) before I am able to start on a new novel.

Does anyone else feel this way and how do you handle this situation?

Answer 1

Yes, I do feel that way about some novels. I will find myself turning back to previous chapters as well. I believe you just enjoy reading as much as I do and as much as most of us who really enjoy reading.

I just move on to the next good book. I have several that I have not read because I am waiting for the best time to get into a good one. This could take up to a week or so.

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Answer 2

When I first opened this, I thought you were talking about books you had written and was going to tell you that's normal post-partum for a writer.

Yes, I've had the same problem with leaving a story so I tend to read series of books instead of stand-alone novels. I'm also writing a series in which characters move between the books. Until I kill them off, they can always come back. It also allows me to give the characters more depth because they have a past, a present and a future.

Enjoy your reading and don't rush to get into a new book. It doesn't hurt to take time to digest a good one. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Answer 3

Wow, you really get into the novel. That is a good thing though. There is nothing wrong with rereading it but to help you move on to another novel...you may want to try keeping a journal on each novel. You can write how it made you feel, what you thought of it or the characters, things you would have liked to have had happen-like your own personal review.

Answer 4

Depends on how good or compelling the novel is. I can usually just move on to the next (which I pretty much have to do since my "to read" list is so massive), but it's the occasionally really great novel that warrants a re-reading.

Though I usually take a couple of days off to think about the novel I just read, let it register, imagine what could have happened later, and think of what I liked or didn't like about it.

I've noticed that it is easier to move to a new novel when it's a continuation or sequel to the novel I just read.

Answer 5

I am a teenage bookworm. Usually, when i go book-shopping, i pick out 2-4 books that I am desperate to read. Once i'm done the first, I spend a day thinking about it, and start the next soon after. I'm not sure wether you read books fast, but I do since I get so caught up in them and I MUST know what happens. Another useful tip is to leave the more interesting ones for later, because once your done the ones you don't really like, your so fed up with them, that you're so excited to start the next. I also usually re-read novels, especially complicated ones with more than 1 plot, so don't feel left out. ;)

Answer 6

I rarely have that experience as I'm a compulsive reader and I want to get to the next book. But, there are books which I find very compelling.

Never Let Me Go, by Kazuo Ishigura, had that effect on me. So, I read his other novels, and found them all to be compelling in the same way. He writes in a minimalist style which leaves you with questions and emotions that you've not been able to exorcise during the course of the book. But, I read about 5 books weekly, and this is one of the few examples where I felt haunted by a book long after I'd read it.

Answer 7

I don't see your problem. So you liked a novel enough to read it again? How does that affect you negatively? Other than preventing you from reading something new, it sounds like a reasonable thing to do.

No, I don't feel the same way. Sometimes I like a novel enough to read it again. Sometimes I don't understand a novel after one reading and have to read it again. Sometimes I read a novel a second time because it's all I have to read.

How do I handle this situation? I do whatever I want. I'm in charge of my actions.

Answer 8

I feel exactly the same way if I found a book really compelling. I tend to mope around a bit, start several new books, put them down and re-read the novel I've just finished. After that I'm (usually) content to move on to other books.

I'm also a bit of a bugger for spending £££ on the authors back catalogue if it's someone I've not read before.

Answer 9

All the time! And sometimes I wish I had more of the story to read. I can't stop thinking about the characters and want to read more about them, continue following their lives.

If I'm really in a reading mood, I check out several books from the library and read the first few pages of each until one of the books strikes my interest.

Or, I just take a few days break before starting something new - sometimes you just have to let the previous novel sink in and fade away.

Answer 10

I think your process is perfect.

However, if you find yourself unnecessarily re-reading a novel, you may want to try a period of incubation, reflection, and regurgitation....meaning, you stop reading anything for a few days and let your mind reflect on what you read and then you write until your hand, eyes and brain are all too tired.

Then you will be refreshed enough to begin another book.

You may also discover another literary pastime you'll enjoy: writing.