I recently read “News of the World” on my Kindle. Like you, I slow down to enjoy the final chapters. As I sat down to read further before going to bed the other night I saw that the book was only 75% completed and I was anticipating some juicy new adventures. As I started the chapter I realized that the author was wrapping up the story - the final 20% of the “book” was the first chapter of another book by that author. I went to bed pissed and wanting to hold a bound book again.
I’m adding this essay to my list of favorites. And while it’s way too short to be considered a book, it was still a delightful travel sized tube...(let?) of toothpaste. Sometimes I sprint, sometimes I slow down, depends on what kind of book it is, but yes, I’m often very sad at the end. Sad and grateful. Thanks for a lovely reminder of that feeling.
I do have the tendency to slow down towards the end, but only if it’s the last book available from the author. In other words, when I find a writing style and storyline I enjoy I’ll read at a normal pace and then find another work by the author to dive into. Jonathan Franzen and David Sedaris come to mind. Only when I get to final available book do I put on the brakes.
I am a spend 1.5 years reading the first half and 1 night reading the second half kind of person. I guess you could say it’s a sprint to the end but it’s also a baby crawl to the middle
Laura Hillenbrand’s “Seabiscuit” was such a book for me. I wanted to devour it but I was heartbroken to finish it and so did not. I have never finished the last dozen pages. I could not. I would not. I still have not. ❤️ I’m glad to know others are as nuts as me.
Completely share this sentiment. I had planned to reread the Foundation Series after I finished them in HS. Was depressed near the end. Have never reread. But still time
Love your brain, Wil. If it is a book I have to read for let’s say research on a project it’s a sprint but if it’s a book that captivates me definitely want to squeeze every last drop.
Will. I thought that I was alone in this. I do this all the time!! And then get sad that I’m denying myself the world that I loved spending so much time in. It’s a lose lose situation.
I recently read “News of the World” on my Kindle. Like you, I slow down to enjoy the final chapters. As I sat down to read further before going to bed the other night I saw that the book was only 75% completed and I was anticipating some juicy new adventures. As I started the chapter I realized that the author was wrapping up the story - the final 20% of the “book” was the first chapter of another book by that author. I went to bed pissed and wanting to hold a bound book again.
I’m adding this essay to my list of favorites. And while it’s way too short to be considered a book, it was still a delightful travel sized tube...(let?) of toothpaste. Sometimes I sprint, sometimes I slow down, depends on what kind of book it is, but yes, I’m often very sad at the end. Sad and grateful. Thanks for a lovely reminder of that feeling.
I do have the tendency to slow down towards the end, but only if it’s the last book available from the author. In other words, when I find a writing style and storyline I enjoy I’ll read at a normal pace and then find another work by the author to dive into. Jonathan Franzen and David Sedaris come to mind. Only when I get to final available book do I put on the brakes.
Nothing better than settling in with a great book and never wanting it to end.
I’m am currently reading Outlander and I love every page of it. It’s such an escape and magical too.
I am a spend 1.5 years reading the first half and 1 night reading the second half kind of person. I guess you could say it’s a sprint to the end but it’s also a baby crawl to the middle
Laura Hillenbrand’s “Seabiscuit” was such a book for me. I wanted to devour it but I was heartbroken to finish it and so did not. I have never finished the last dozen pages. I could not. I would not. I still have not. ❤️ I’m glad to know others are as nuts as me.
Completely share this sentiment. I had planned to reread the Foundation Series after I finished them in HS. Was depressed near the end. Have never reread. But still time
Love your brain, Wil. If it is a book I have to read for let’s say research on a project it’s a sprint but if it’s a book that captivates me definitely want to squeeze every last drop.
Will. I thought that I was alone in this. I do this all the time!! And then get sad that I’m denying myself the world that I loved spending so much time in. It’s a lose lose situation.