It’s impossible to explain the feeling that comes after finishing the last word on the very last page of a really good book. Disappointment because there are no more pages. The author had nothing left to give. Emptiness because you’ve invested time and feelings into the characters’ lives. Curiosity because you have at least a dozen more questions about what happened after they went off to college or kissed in a bush or got their father to start attending AA meetings. Lastly, there’s longing. Like there’s a huge void in your gut, and you have to ask yourself, “What do I do now?”
After the first five minutes of lying on my back, staring at the ceiling, I choose to do 1 of 4 things to fill the last page void.
Start something new
Image by FREEFORMInstagram via Mashable
Whether it’s another novel or a drama filled show, get wrapped up in a fresh story. I’m a huge fan of Pretty Little Liars and Criminal Minds because they require constant attention. You don’t want to miss a single clue, and you need your mind to focus on how a killer will be caught. I would not recommend mindless television like reality or competition shows. It’s too easy to get lost in thought, too easy to start hating a main protagonist’s antagonist again. And again. And…you get my point.
Go to a café
If you were holed up in your reading nook, on your bed, or in your tree house for six hours reading a Sarah Dessen book you missed, I get it. And I’d also understand getting cabin fever, another icky feeling. You need fresh air, to take yourself out of the world you were sucked into. Typically, I go to mainstream stops like Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, or Panera Bread. But if you live near some cool indie cafes or bookstores, I fully support giving money to small businesses. And if you go to a place with cromuffins, jumbo salted caramel cookies, or triple chocolate drinks, the deliciousness of the treats might also occupy your mind for a little while.
Talk to another bibliophile
Image via Wise Ink Blog
If you’re a book nerd, you know at least one other book nerd. Sometimes you replay the novels in your head and let the longing fester. All of your thoughts are stuck in your overactive brain, and they need to be let out. So, talk to someone else who has read the book. Get out your questions and concerns, and see if you’re friend, book club member, blogger acquaintance, or local B&N bookseller felt the same way. By nature, humans need conversation and interaction. Friends that can relate to you will make things easier. Imagine all of the “Yessss! I was thinking that too,” that might come after you close your book.
Develop your own ending
If options 1-3 fail, then come up with your own ending. For example, I recently finished reading The Impossible Knife of Memory by Laurie Halse Anderson. While it’s very profound, a great read, and clearly personal for the author, I was not satisfied with the ending. No spoilers here, I promise. I’ll simply say that I imagined an entire scenario where the father, who suffers from PTSD, battled his demons, won, decided to marry the on/off girlfriend, fixed up their house, and had a baby on the way. Meanwhile, the main protagonist, Hayley, and her love interest, Finn, find a spot like a cheap motel or a 50s diner to meet every other month. Each time, they drive to a town that is halfway between both of their colleges. Satisfied with that possibility, I can move on easily from their story.
Featured Image courtesy of Wendy Hollands, via Flickr
I hope this post helped, or entertained you. Thanks for reading! Comment down below if you have any other tips on filling the last page void.
Pride & Pastels 