the post book void

what happens after you finish reading — a focus on the emotional impact after certain books

Books can cause deep emotional reactions from us all. Every book we read, we take part in someone’s life, and we all know that life can be unkind. The losses feel real, as do the grief, love, trauma, and friendship. Ending the book is the end of an era, a relationship, the closing of a door.

Thus, I created what I affectionately call my Emotional Hangover Kit. The goal is to reset my system and allow myself to emotionally heal. I have some truly insane photos of myself sobbing after finishing a book, and even ones right in the middle. I’ve cried my little heart out over greek mythology retellings (guess), historical fiction, nonfiction, romance, literary fiction, self-help, poetry, and fantasy. Literally every genre I’ve read has made me cry, has made an impact on me deep enough to garner an emotional reaction.

I don’t think that’s something to be ashamed of. I think it’s rather powerful.

The Emotional Hangover Kit

1. Rest

   1. Crying is exhausting, especially on your brain. Even if you don’t cry, yet you still feel that acute loss, that void, after finishing a book, it takes its toll. Allow yourself to rest and think. I have found that writing my reviews really helps me sort through my emotions.

2. Self-Care

   1. Walk, bake, talk to a friend. Indulge in a long shower or bath. Put on your face mask. Watch your favorite movie. Make brownies, drink a glass of wine. Whatever you find comfort in, allow yourself to accept the help.

3. Creativity

   1. You guys are probably rolling your eyes because everything I write about includes creativity. You’re not wrong because I believe it’s a cornerstone of us as humans. Reconnecting with your creativity after probable overthinking is really helpful. Listen to music, paint something, do a puzzle, take photos, draw.

4. Palette Cleanser

   1. It’s time to pick up your next book. It might sound silly, but this can be rather overwhelming. A common phrase I’ve heard online is a ‘palette cleanser’ book. These books are happy and comforting. They give you a hug. This could be a reread or a new one, but overall a book that will bring you joy.

I hope you all enjoyed this! It was fun to put this all into one place, and I hope it helps. What books have put you into an emotional hangover?

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All links to books are affiliate links through bookshop.org to help support indie bookstores.

1. The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner (Historical Fiction): April 29, 2025

2. Enigma by RuNyx (Romance): April 29, 2025

3. The Fate of The Day by Rick Atkinson (History): April 29, 2025

4. The Floating World by Axie Oh (YA Fantasy): April 29, 2025

5. Chronicles of Whetherwhy by Anna James (Kids): April 29, 2025

6. How To Seal Your Fate by Kristen Perrin (Mystery/Thriller): April 29, 2025

7. Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews (Fantasy): April 29, 2025

8. Bat Eater and Other Names for Cora Zeng by Kylie Lee Baker (Horror): April 29, 2025

9. When The Tides Held The Moon by Vanessa Vida Kelley (Fantasy): April 29, 2025

Books I’ve compiled from a variety of bestseller lists. I add the books I haven’t before, since I’ve caught up to the new additions. If you’re curious, last week’s post can be found here.

1. The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose (Mystery/Thriller)

2. Strangers in Time by David Baldacci (Historical Fiction)

3. Wild and Wrangled by Lyla Sage (Romance)

4. Murder By Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage (Mystery)

If you have a book recommendation to share, send me a DM or email me at thesundayreads@gmail.com!

1. I am starting Great Big Beautiful Life by

   Emily Henry
   this weekend! Also, how does she always have such perfect book titles?

That’s all for today. Much love

Izzy