I have a ridiculous and slightly insane habit.
I avoid books I know I’ll love.
Why?! Why on earth would I do this? Sometimes I treat books I’m 99.08% sure I’ll adore the same way I treat books I’m 99.09% sure I’ll hate. I put them in a neat pile. I occasionally photograph them. I take about them amiably like, “Oh yes, I’m going to read that soon.” And I proceed to not read them FOREVER.
Okay, forever is a long time.
I proceed to not read them for three weeks.
It’s just ridiculous and nonsensical and I had to stop for a minute and think about why I do this.
I conclude it’s because I know the books will be so incredible and they’ll make me feel ALL OF THE THINGS and make me want to love or marry or be ALL OF THE CHARACTERS and they’ll spin me into such a book hangover that I’ll sulk in the corner for days afterward.
It’s basically like getting stage-fright over reading a good book.
The culprits usually are books I’m really looking forward to and am super emotionally involved in.
For instance:
It took me forever to read Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J Maas.
I didn’t read any reviews. I couldn’t talk about it. And when people started dropping hints that their ship had changed (what?! no!!) I got completely cold feet and ran away screaming.
Why? I love this series. I LOVE IT A LOT. I’d read the first three books in a cluster and had such a bad hangover after the epicness that is Crown Of Midnight (also my favourite book in the series). I knew Heir of Fire would destroy me. I also knew I would have to wait another 12 months for book 4, Queen of Shadows.
When I did read it? Um, obviously I adored the socks off it. I cried because I wanted the next book so badly because CLIFF HANGER.
(Can we take a moment for Dorian and Chaol’s cliffhanger, please? I’m not okay. I could fuel a planet on my frustration and rage right now.)
I also put off Blue Lily Lily Blue (Raven Cycle #3) by Maggie Stiefvater for a long long long time.
I love all things Maggie Stiefvater. (If you didn’t know this, then you’re new, and welcome! I’m a Maggie Stiefvater fan! Just look at my instagram!) I knew I’d adore BLLB but most of the same reasons applied for Heir of Fire.
- Damaged feels
- Waiting for the final book
- Raging because of killer cliffhangers
- Knowing once I read it all I will have completed all of the Stiefvater books in the universe and…help.
I also had to buy it (from Book Depository which is in England which is far far away) so when I finally stopped procrastinating and bought it…I then had to wait 3 weeks. And then I stared at it for a while.
And read it and loved it and flailed and screeched…blah, blah. You know the story.
Similarly I didn’t touch Ensnared (Splintered #3) by A.G. Howard for over a week because it was the END.
I hate endings! I hate it when I close a trilogy and know there is no more. Ever. (Unless the ending series in question is by Cassandra Clare, then I don’t worry too much.) Plus I fiercely shipped Morpheus and Alyssa and I wasn’t sure which way this triangle would swing.
What if my ship sunk? What if I left unhappy?! This is one of my favourite trilogies of all time! (I’m a huge Lewis Carroll nerd, also.)
Pfft. It was perfect. I panicked (like usual) over nothing. (Although, awesomely and luckily, AG Howard is coming out with three short-stories that’ll be all glued into one book! So we’ll technically have FOUR Splintered books! Isn’t this fabulous? I am so very happy.)
There is a rather obvious pattern here, isn’t there?
I panic. I finally read. I love. I flail. And all my suspicions about book-hangovers and cliffhangers and desperation come true. I know I procrastinate these books because I don’t like having my emotions twisted by a devious author. It PAINS me. It’s exhausting to feel all of the things.
The life of a bookworm is torture.
Currently I’m procrastinating reading:
- Corruption (Disruption #2) by Jessica Shirvington. I loved the first book so so badly and I ship Quentin and Maggie something fierce. But this is also the LAST book and I don’t know if I can handle this.
- Mortal Coil (Skulduggery Pleasant #5) by Derek Landy. Because I’ve been assured this is traumatic (thanks for recommending me horrible series, Engie) and I love these characters so much. They are going to get hurt and I shall be unokay.
- A Court of Thorns And Roses by Sarah J Maas. I love SJM. I think we’ve covered this, right?! But I love her writing and her characters steal my heart. Can I handle starting another series by her? Basically no. Will I? Definitely yes. Eventually…
- Black Dove, Raven White by Elizabeth Wein. I’m still emotionally traumatised from Code Name Verity and Rose Under Fire so there is no way I’m touching this book. YET I WANT IT SO VERY BADLY. It’s on Netgalley and I keep hovering over the request button…then slapping myself and going to the corner of trauma.
do you procrastinate books you’ll love?! or do you just dive right in? give me details! and how much do you HATE waiting for the next book in an addictive series? (or are you smart and wait till they’re all out before starting?!!)
Cait @ Paper Fury
…is currently working up the courage to start ACOTAR this weekend. She really is dying to know if it’s as good (or better?! could it be possible?!) as the Throne of Glass series. Speaking of high-fantasy, she just borrowed out Half A King and has no idea if it’s good. (Is it good?) Currently she’s editing and dreaming of chocolate and writing lists for no reason.
Yes. All the time.
And quite often I’ll procrastinate reading them even when I have nothing else to read. I like to put them off for a special occasion – I saved The Darkest Part of the Forest for two weeks to read on holiday – or just because I don’t want the series to end.
BUT the issue is procrastinating books I know I’ll love is when I read them and actually don’t love them. By putting off reading a book, it seems to become more important, and I kind of big it up in my head. So then by the time I do read it, I’ve got these high expectations and actually, they’re not met (case in point: The Darkest Part of the Forest. Sad faces). And then I’m disappointed and cry and my life is ruined.
Beth x
Beth recently posted…Brussels
I COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND YOU HERE. And yes yes yessss, it totally makes the book more important. It makes me expect a lot, and when the book fails to deliver, I am an angry cucumber, basically. But, omg, you didn't like The Darkest Part of the Forest? THIS MAKES ME VERY SAD. It was absolutely amazing to me. x) BUT! I understand. I feel very similar about Golden Son. 😐
READ ACOTAR. DO IT. NOOOOOOOW. YES YOUR FEELS WILL BE SPLINTERED, BUT NOT IN A HEIR OF FIRE WAY, HONEST. KIND OFF. NOT REALLY. DO IT ANYWAY SOON AS I HONESTLY CANNOT WAIT TO SEE WHAT YOU THINK. *waves fairy wand commandingly and then hits you with it*
Ella @ Once Upon a Bookish Time recently posted…4 Mini Reviews: The Paper Magician // Blood Oath // Shadow Study // Ticker {4 books that didn’t stay with me}
I SERIOUSLY DON'T TRUST YOU. I DON'T TRUST SARAH J MAAS. I DON'T TRUST AAAANYONE. My feels will so be shattered. Does it have a wicked cliffhanger???
I do the exact same thing! Actually, I only just started Heir of Fire this week even though I read Crown of Midnight before Heir of Fire was released… BUT I FINALLY AM READING IT.
I feel like I am divided in this. Sometimes I procrastinate reading books I know I’ll love for so long and other times I need to read it immediately. I have no clue why!
Jolien @ The Fictional Reader recently posted…#FridayReads February 7th
I put of Heir of Fire for SO DARN LONG. I just…I couldn't. I was so torn up inside because Crown of Midnight kind of has a whopper of a punching ending. HEIR OF FIRE IS SO MUCH WORSE. How how how am I going to survive another 3 years of this?!
READ ACOTAR IT”S GREAT I FINISHED IT THIS MORNING AND OMG READ IT. I’ll fangirl with you and cry over it again when you finish promise.
Yes, I procrastinate book I know I’ll like. Particularly sequels and last books in series. I have books that have been on my TBR for more than a year because I’ve been putting them off. I’m pretty sure most of my procrastination comes from wanting to wait for a time when I can sit down and read the book in one sitting with as few distractions as possible. That’s the best way to read books. And it also means I probably won’t have to leave the house after I’ve been crying because of feels.
I don’t mind waiting for sequels so much anymore. I’ve gotten used to it mostly. Plus it gives me an excuse to re-marathon all the books in my favourite series with ever new release 😀
Bec @ Readers in Wonderland recently posted…Review: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner
I AM LIKE 1000% SURE I WILL NEED TO CRY AND FANGIRL. PROBABLY SIMULTANEOUSLY. DEFINITELY SIMULTANEOUSLY. *flails in anticipation* Every weekend I think, “yep I'm going to start it.” and then I chicken out. I thought I was okay with waiting for sequels but APPARENTLY I AM NOT. I'm really really anxious for the rest of SJM's books. heh. And, darn it, The Raven King. I'm freakishly desperate for that I cannot even explain.
I don’t find myself doing that, actually. I won’t be able to keep my hands off any book I KNOW I’ll love. (ajlkslkd ADSOM is out of stock on TBD and I’m dying and I’m also digressing so anyways.)
And I was just typing this when I realised I was partially lying just now. I DO put off reading stuff I love, but mainly online fanfiction and serials and novels. (TDBaTPC is one of them.) And mainly for the same reasons as yours — especially WAITING. Oh my goodness the waiting. And also it sometimes slips my mind, I guess, because physical books are much more … noticeable?
But it’s ALWAYS a bad decision because after I read the chapter I won’t be able to calm down for ages.
Alyssa recently posted…Birthday/Blogoversary Giveaway + Blog Party
Update: have read chapters 3+4 and somewhat regretting it because HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO WAIT FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Alyssa recently posted…Birthday/Blogoversary Giveaway + Blog Party
HA. This makes me pleased. :') AND ALSO NERVOUS. But also, I don't know if I've said it enough, hehe. YOUR EDITS ON MY BOOK ARE LIKE,….OH GOSH. THE BEST OF EVER. I've made so many changes. YOU NEED CAKE! *showers you with thankfulness* What was I saying? Ahem. I always forget books on my ereader for some reason. Eep. That's off topic, but they totally just slip my mind too.
I am the most impatient person ever. So if I really want to read a book, I will just dive right in. I wish I could have more patience when it comes to a series of books. I usually read them as they come out and then have to wait for all of them. Argh!!!! Of course, I was lucky because I did not discover my FAVORITE series ever, Gone, until a few months after the last one came out. Yeah, I read all six books in about three or four days. I did not ever want it to end, but I just couldn’t stop reading!
Cynthia recently posted…BOOK REVIEW: If You Find This Letter
YOU ARE LUCKY. I discovered Gone when the 5th book just came out. (Omg, I'm having a mental blank. Is that Fear? I think it's Fear.) SO I HAD TO WAIT 12 MONTHS FOR LIGHT AND IT NEARLY KILLED ME. You are sooo lucky to just have binged them. xD
I am glad to know I am not the only person with this habit:)
When I come across a book in GR and think that I’ll love it after seeing reviews,some else’s recommendation or even my own instinct,I don’t hesitate to buy it.But after buying,the book will sleep in my bed with me for weeks-sometimes even months-waiting for me to touch it.I am afraid to start them and drown in all that feels.
I went through the same thing with Heir of Fire,and I am worse than you that I still haven’t started the book.Because I am afraid I’ll get my heart broken in the hands of Sarah J.Mass.
And ACOTAR?Are you kidding me?I’ll probably read the book in 2017!:)
Mishma @ Chasing Faerytales recently posted…A girl who became the queen || The girl of fire and thorns by Rae Carson
*hi fives for awkward bookworm habits* IT IS A TRIAL. Sometimes it makes me cry.Oh oh you will most definitely get your heart broken. *offers tissues* I'm totally motivating, aren't I? HA. I'LL PROBABLY READ ACOTAR IN 2017 TOO. -_-
ahem. I have a confession. I AM ALSO PROCRASTINATING READING CORRUPTION!!!! I was going to read it but then I got Spark and Throne of Glass and now I’m reading them and I want to read Corruption to but I want to re-read Disruption because I haven’t read it for like a year and ALFKJHSLKDJGKJFLSDKJHSFKL. *floopy jellyfish*
But usually if I’m not reading anything (I know! It happens sometimes!) and then I get a newly released book or an anticipated book…. HELYEAHHHHHHH I DIVE STRAIGHT IN!!!!!! Case study: Blue Lily Lily Blue. Just finished the raven cycle re-readathon (hosted by the lovely Readers In Wonderland and Books of Amber) and I got Blue Lily Lily BLue and then ZOOOOOM!!!!! The bookmail packaged was ripped open and I started reading. It all took a matter of 1 minute!
And oh dear, my worst book hangover EVER lasted for 2 weeks. #TheVioletEdenChapters I was not okay. I couldn’t even read The Fiery Heart properly even though I was so hyped up for that but NO I WENT AND READ EMPOWER AND GOT MYSELF A MASSIVE BOOK HANGOVER (let’s not even talk about when I read Endless) AND THEN I RUINED READING FOR MYSELF FOR A LONG 14 DAYS!!!!!! Then it was Christmas and everybody was happy again. MINCE PIES!
Anyhoo, I am here for all fangirls/fanguys who feel the feels, we shall talk about these feels together. 🙂
Thanks for the post Cait! Good one!!!! *thumbs up* xoxo
Renee Bookboyfriends recently posted…I see. That’s me as well. I never knew my parents, either.
WELL I GOT BRAVE. I read it. I JUST ADORED IT. I kneeeew I would (see how ridiculous I am?!) but but but feeeeelings. I literally busted out laughign psychotically many many times. For no reason. Just because Gus walked in, actually. GUSSSSS. MY FAVOURITE LITTLE THING. *flops like a floople jellyfish with you*
I know everyone is saying it, but seriously…. READ ACOTAR!!! Do it. Stop putting it off and just do it. Get to it before all the other books of ever. Dooooo it.
I think I sometimes do this. but not often. It’s usually nerves that it won’t be as good as I want it to be that stop me. But no, usually I just jump straight in.
Charnell @ Reviews from a Bookworm recently posted…Unleashed by Sophie Jordan
I WILL. I SWEAR, I WILL. Like I'm going to do it this week because my TBR is pretty much under control (!! I KNOW WHAT IS THIS?!) and I need something fantastical after I finish The Help. (Heh, my reading habits are very varied, right?!)
Elizabeth Wien wrote a new book! *stalks goodreads*
Your blog is way better than boring questions about long tomes in English class (my current location) And I totally agree with your Cassandra Clare point- that woman just keeps the
shadowhunters coming. Which is not abad thing. Mostly my highly anticipated books take so long to get my hands on that I read them asap. LIke Fairest… I really hate amazon, because it won’t let me buy Fairest for kindle. good books= terror in case they’re not as good. I COMPLETELY AGREE. But I don’t procrastinate *lol, I’m procrastinating right now*
Shanti recently posted…Its time to REBEL
It's destined to be an incredible sad book. I'M SO WARY OF IT ALREADY. It's totally on Netgalley and I could NOT request it! I have no qualms against an eternal well of Shadowhunters. :') It makes me endlessly pleased. OMG AMAZON IS SO CRUEL. Amazon is useless to me so I barely even go on there.
ELIZABETH WEIN IS WRITING ANOTHER BOOK???? *trips over feet in haste to run to Goodreads* I’m reading Rose Under Fire AND MY FEELS ARE BEING RIPPED OUT.
But it’s okay. I’ll survive.
Lol, I dive straight into books, though. LIKE LOLA AND THE HAPPILY EVER AFTER. I consider myself courageous for this very reason.
Emily @ Loony Literate recently posted…Blogger confession: I am so lazy at reading reviews
WELL, I WON'T SURVIVE. I don't know if I can take more Elizabeth Wein. HER BOOKS ARE GETTING BETTER AND BETTER AND SO MUCH MORE SAD. I'm still not okay after Verity. Did you just say LOLA and the Happily Ever After?!! *tuts shamefully* ISLA. x) Of which I still have not read so I probably can't speak. HA.
I put off books I really want to read because I’m worried they won’t be as good as I want them to be. But the longer I put it off, the bigger and bigger they get in my mind. It’s like a never ending circle.
The wait for a book in a series you love is pure pain. As is trying to get your hands on a copy as soon as it comes out.
You are right. The life of a bookworm is torture.
Wild Horse recently posted…To My Extroverted Friend
Oh oh I completely agree! It's like the inward hype is killing the book because expectations get soooo high. I HEAR YA. I seriously want to quit starting unfinished series. It's murdering my poor fangirling heart.
I want to say yes BUT I AM TERRIBLY IMPATIENT AND I READ IT ALL IN ONE GO, no toilet breaks HAHAHAHA (tmi, right? hahaha) Like Blue Lily. I JUST NEEDED TO KNOW.
Jess @My Reading Dress recently posted…It Goes Beyond Blogging For Yourself. Just A Tad.
JUST A LITTLE TOO MUCH, YEAH. XD HA. Once I start there's no stopping me but seomtimes I read all my meh-looking books first. Like I COULD be reading ACOTAR and I just finished Mind Games. Which was awful. What is wrooooong with my life?!
I do avoid books I know I’ll love, but not out of fear, out of wanting to save them for the right moment. I have Boomerang and I’ve skimmed a little and love it already, but I reeeeeeally want to save it for closer to Summer for my SSRead-a-thon, so I’m putting it off, same as ToG series, saving that for April in my Series Reads, and I really want to read them, and putting them into a time frame works, because then I can’t put it off, but I do avoid books I’ll like out of fear sometimes, it’s just something we do. We’re not prepared for the terrible hangover that follows!
Amanda @ Beautiful Bookish Butterflies recently posted…Book Review – Winner’s Curse
YES! That's totally a good reason! (Better than mine which is: scared-ness. hA). Oh oh I seriously can't wait till you read TOG I neeeed to know if you like it. x)
When I started trying to reduce the tbrs, I started with the books I thought I might not like as much, knowing I can then trade them to friends and get the cost of postage in Amazon vouchers in return. So all those great series that I’m way behind on get pushed to the side. I keep saying I’m saving them for a rainy day because I know I’m going to enjoy them but then I buy new books and I never get round to them! I did finish a few series over the holiday period but by January I was back to reading the newer books again. Most of my tbrs are series that I read and loved book one but haven’t read the rest so I do need to get to them at some point…
chucklesthescot recently posted…Book Review: Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong (WOTO #11)
TRUE! I tend to read the dodgy books first too! I could be reading A Court of Thorns and Roses…and instead I read this nondescript Mind Games that was awful and made me cry in confusion. MY LIFE IS A MESS. xD
OH MY GOD! I thought I was the only one feeling this way! I literally get what you mean, girl. I mean, I still haven’t read Fairest, even though I really want to read that soon, but I just am not in the hurry. Maybe because I know I’ll love them, so I want to read them when I’m on a book slump? I don’t know! I never even understood why I actually felt that way. Really puts things into perspective!
Faye M. recently posted…Review + Interview + PH Giveaway: The Distance Between Lost and Found by Kathryn Holmes
I still am not 100% sure why I feel this way. BOOK HANGOVERS ARE A REAL THING THOUGH. I'm dreading the collapse of feels afterwards.
How sweet! It is like you have a deep connection with the book even before you begin reading. I usually don’t avoid books I know I will love unless I realize that there is going to be a cliffhanger at the end with no way to get the next book. Then I wait. And wait and wait. Sometimes until I’ve forgotten that the book exists at all! Seriously *slaps my own hand*, where is my sense of adventure?
Susanna recently posted…Crafting fails and a revelation!
Emoooootions they are paaaaaain. I don't even know where my sense of adventure went. I CLEARLY HAVE LOST IT.
The fans of Sarah j mass changed their shipssss nooooo I will always be on chaos’s side. I am so in love with the maaaan. Usually I would be like I’m probably gonna hate this book or just going to say yeah I like it period, but when I actually end up loving it, it makes it seem more worth it that I assumed I was going to hate it. Haha I love surprises,
Chyna @ lite-rate-ture recently posted…When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill
Well I DID read Heir of Fire and I DID NOT CHANGE MY SHIP. *nods emphatically* It is Chaol And Celeana for me FOREVERRRRR. The end.
You have more patience than me young padawan. I NEED BOOKS NOW PLS ALL OF THEM YES. I could not wait to get Heir of Fire or BLLB because I was so desperate to see all of my precious babies (aka Chaol and Gansey) again.
Allie @ Little Birdie recently posted…Review: Ugly Love {Colleen Hoover}
But every time we read a Raven book Gansey gets closer to dying.I AM NOT EMOTIONALLY OR MENTALLY PREPARED FOR THIS.
I recognize myself in this. There are sometimes books I highly anticipate and when I finally have them in my hands, I don’t want to dive right in. I want to savor the excitement and indeed, I want to save myself from the pain afterwards if I realize I have to wait one year for the next book.
And when I do finally read the book I want to hit myself for waiting so long :p
Mel@thedailyprophecy recently posted…Alethea Kontis – Dearest book tour.
It's the book hangovers! We are dreading them!
Yes! I do this. It took me three weeks to finish Isla and the Happily Ever After because I loved it so much that I just couldn’t bring myself to finish it. Sure, I could read it again but I would never read it again and fall in love with it for the first time.
Rosie recently posted…One of those days
There is NOTHING like reading a book for the first time.
Yep! I do this too. I still haven’t read Blue Lily. I want to but I’m scared :-/ I do this most often with series continuations rather than the first book. I procrastinate more and more as the ending of the series draws near.
Kristen@My Friends Are Fiction recently posted…Blog Tour- Interview with Karen Bao author of Dove Arising + LEGO Cover
Yes yes! I find myself doing it way more for series continuations. Although….favourite authors as well. ADN IT DEPENDS. Sometimes I dive right in! I guess it depends on how much I'm sure my feels will get mangled. x)
I usually only procrastinate on books that look SO GOOD, but I’m scared that I’ll end up not loving it as much as I’d hoped. Like, Throne of Glass and Splintered. There are also some books that I would just prefer to buy, but I keep telling myself that I need to finish my library books first. 😛
Precious @ Clockwork Desires recently posted…I Won’t Write Until the Fat Lady Sings [TWCT February Blog Chain]
EXACTLY. It's terrifying, it really is. The things we bookworms put ourselves through?! We deserve medals and chocolate.
I DIDN’T KNOW ToG BOOK 4 HAD TITLE. THAT IS SUCH A COOL TITLE.
And there’s gonna be Splintered short stories?!?!?! AAHHHHH. (also I will totally eat Ensnared when I get it because if you’re happy with how it ended, I have no worries)
(okay well I do have some but not in the shipping department XD)
also I desperately need your review of A Court of Thorns and Roses for REASONS but I won’t pressure you or anything.
Lisa Canfield recently posted…Beautiful People: February edition (basically: Beautiful Ships)
I KNOW RIGHT?! IT IS BEAUTIFUL. AND I PREDICTED IT'D HAVE “QUEEN” IN IT, SO I'M AWESOME. *nods*ajfkldasd yes yes yes there will be 3 short stories and isn't life suddenly so beautiful?! I seriously cannot wait for the cover!!!
I thought everyone did this? I still haven’t read HoF or BLLB. I still haven’t read Into the Still Blue-though I preordered it bc I HAD TO HAVE IT. Because I don’t want that to be over either. I has issues. Also still have ACOTAR staring at me. Maybe you’ll inspire me to read it soon!
Black Dove White Raven will not break your heart like CNV. It was good, but at totally and completely different book. I really want to read Half a King!
Amanda recently posted…A Few Books I Couldn’t Finish
Yessssss, IT'S A PROBLEM. And apparently not everyone does this. xD Hehe. I don't understand them. *twitchy eyes* I'm just so nervous for things to end or for me not to like highly anticipated books!OH GOOD. Well. That makes me a lot more keen for Black Dove White Raven.
I don’t think I procrastinate books that I love. Most often I just dive right in. When I know that I’ll love a book, that it’ll take me on a wild ride of emotions and feels, I want that right away. Besides, even if it does place me in a book hangover, I can always reread it again. If I could only read a book once I probably would procrastinate, but why procrastinate if you can read a book over and over again? I do sometimes procrastinate series, though. Sometimes I won’t start a series until all the books are out because I’m not good at waiting for the next installment, and it’s difficult to remember series details when there’s about A YEAR IN BETWEEN EACH BOOK. Other times I just can’t resist…*cough* Lunar Chronicles *cough*
Ana @ Butterflies of the Imagination recently posted…Book Review: A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd
But the bookhangovers are haaaaard. They always murder me and I feel like flaking on my bed and not reading ever again BECAUSE FEELS ARE BROKEN. x) Ha. Okay, fine. Slight exaggeration. I would never stop reading. ;-)THE YEAR BETWEEN EACH BOOK ISN'T OKAY. WHY DO PUBLISHERS THINK IT'S OKAY??
I don’t know when I’m going to like a book or not. That’s why it took me so long to even start Laini Taylor’s Daughter of Smoke & Bone trilogy (which I loved… even though I wasn’t sure I would) and Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles series (which I’m iffy about… even though I thought I’d love Cinder).
Most of my procrastination is because I just don’t bother to buy the book or put it on hold at the library. It’s not because I’m afraid it’ll be a let-down or I won’t be able to handle it. Actually, if I do get a book that I’ve been waiting on for a while, I’ll most likely read it right away. That’s why my TBR pile is ridiculous: all the books that are already there get pushed back in the queue when I get my hands on a “must-read now!” book. (That’s one of the reasons I signed up for a TBR pile challenge this year. Unfortunately, I haven’t read many TBR pile books yet. There are too many other new books that I think I’ll like that I just have to read right away.)
La Coccinelle @ The Ladybug Reads… recently posted…Review – Beastkeeper
It took me an enormously long time to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone too!! I only read it last year and after a LOT of persuading (and I really did love it too, xD we are twins on this matter). I often forget which series I'm continuing. Like I've put Skulduggery Pleasant on hold for, um,. NO GOOD REASON! GAH! I have a hankering to find out what happens next and at the same time I'm nervous because of the paaaaain. hehe.
I’m glad I’m not the only one! My husband thinks I’m nuts. Like he got the entire Mortal Instruments series for me for Christmas. I know I’ll love it, but I put off reading it until te series was complete now I put it off because I know I’m going to need a few weeks to binge read the whole thing!
Lillian @ Mom With a Reading Problem recently posted…Review: Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
I KNOW THIS FEELING EXACTLY. My sister bought me Paper Towns and I didn't read it for aaages. Not because I didn't want to, but I was worried because I loved John Green and TFIOS so much I wasn't sure it'd live up. (It was fine. I'm a wuss.)
I wait for all the series to come out before I read them (or else I’ll never get to the next book in the series and leave it unfinished for so long I’d have to read the WHOLE thing again #truestory). Also: ENDINGS. My days. When an amazing series is about to end I prolong it for as long as I can. I don’t want it to end! I don’t want it to be over! And since it’s the first time I’m going to read the ending I need to read it in a perfect environment, undisturbed and in a mind set where I can trust myself to fully enjoy the book and not skip too much of it (do you get so excited over a book you just automatically skip sentences or paragraphs?).
And then sometimes I just go for it. Good book + want to read something = READ IT ALREADY.
But yes.
Stage fright is the best term for it! Or cold feet but more like warm feet since you don’t get turned off by the book…just by how freakin’ perfect it will be. Plus book hangovers. Those nasties tend to suck big time!
Mawa Mahima recently posted…Making Second Contact
I DON'T WANT SERIES TO END EITHER. This is 99% of the reason I haven't read the last Laini Taylor book yet. Because, um, I don't want it to be ooooover. (The 1% is because that book is freaking huge.)YES. I skip paragraphs on accident. It saddens me. I get frantic. ESPECIALLY ENDINGS. I find finales pass in a blur because I'm reading so fast I'm stressed. heh.
I don’t think that I have ever procrastinated on a book that I know that I would really love, if I have it I will probably read it as soon as I get home.
My main problem seems to be not touching books, falling in love with them and realised that they have been in my TBR pile for months (sometimes years!), why do I leave it so long?
Also you really need to read A Court of Thorns And Roses. It is so good but now I’m not sure I can cope with reading another book. Still having the book feels 🙂
Charlotte recently posted…Review: The Winner’s Curse by Marie Ruthkosiki
Oh oh I have that problem too! I've had Dorothy Must Die on my TBR for nearly a year now and haven't even TOUCHED it which is ridiculous because it's a retelling and it's dark and those are two things I always love. I HAVE PROBLEMS, CLEARLY.
I do this exact same thing! I’ll also make reading a book last much longer than it really should. Like right now, I’ve just finished marathoning through all three Throne of Glass books and now I’m reading Assassin’s Blade but I’ve been reading it all month of February because I know – I just KNOW – that once it’s done, I’ll fall into a massive book hangover. I’ll be sad with my feels all over the place because I won’t have ANY Celaena or Chaol or Dorian left until Queen of Shadows. And that’s just too far away!!
Oh the problems of a bookworm … =)
Jazzie recently posted…Top Ten Tuesday #12: Top Ten Favorite Heroines
Oh oh oh you WILL have the worst bookhangover in the world, especially after the end of the Assassin's Blade. *cries all over again* I mean I knew the ending already of TAB because of the Throne of Glass actual books. IT STILL HURT ME IMMENSELY. We bookworms suffer a LOT.
Love this post! I thought that I was the only one who put off reading a much-desired book! I know that once I read it, I’ll have to wait forever for the next book in the series and what if there’s a epic cliffhanger? My heart might not be able to take it! And if it’s the final book in the series, well, the longer I put off reading it the longer I’ll put off heartbreak. Yeah, bookworm problems are the worst. 😉
Terri @ Alexia’s Books and Such… recently posted…Write On Review-a-Thon {13}
*hi fives* YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Cliffhangers are the worse. I just read a book 2 with the woooorst cliffhanger in the universe and it's a FULL FREAKING YEAR until I get the next book, and yes, I'm hyperventilating a little in the corner here. 😉
“Unless the ending series in question is by Cassandra Clare, then I don’t worry too much.” Heh. That got me snorting.
When I first read your question, my immediate answer was NO. But then, I remembered how it took me a month to finally get to City of Heavenly Fire because I can’t reconcile with the thought of the series being over. And the beginning was slow so I put it down several times before really devoting my time to it.
And then there was Blood of Olympus and Isla and the Happily Ever After, both of which I avoided for about a week because I dreaded the end. Yeah, I guess this usually happens with series enders. Good thing Cassandra Clare and Rick Riordan are so good with spinoffs. Hahaha
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*whispers* I do so love Cassandra Clare so I absolutely don't mind. It's actually NICE that I always know more books are coming. Like Simon and Isabel. <3. I need to read more Rick Riordan.
ahhahahha YES!!!! I agree with this entirely. I knew Allegiant would tear my heart in two and so I still have yet to read it. It also took me a while to read Mockingjay because I know that would wreck my soul. It took me 6 months AFTER the release date. Stuff like this is killer man!
Amanda P. recently posted…Retellings and Why I Struggle With Them
IT IS KILLER. The things we put ourselves through. Seriously. Why is reading not an Olympic sport yet?! I NEED A MEDAL FOR THE EMOTIONAL EFFORT I PUT INTO READING.
Wow. I totally get you, Awesome-Cait, I do. But… I’m your opposite. I get my sorry nose in books I think will destroy me as soon as I can (which isn’t the same thing as saying “as soon as it comes out into the world’s surface,” because Philippines). I have a love-hate relationship with “having to wait for sequels.” In the one hand, I get frustrated when a book ends with a CLIFFHANGER and you have to wait A YEAR wondering. In the other, I think the wait is an added experience, y’know what I mean? You get to wait with this bunch of wonderful, impassioned fans. You get bits and crumbs along the way and that fuel the enthusiasm and by the time you dive into the sequel, it’s more delicious.
I have an immese HATE relationship with waiting for sequels. >_< *flails and stomps* I NEED SEQUELS ASAP especially if the author is especially evil and likes horrific cliffhangers. *glares at Golden Son* XD But true true, it does kind of add to the experience. Unless one forgets the entire book before the sequel comes out. Yes. Confession. That happens to me like all the time.
I totally dooo! When I received ACOTAR, I thought I would drop everything and read it but I was like nope, gotta get some review reads out of the way before I delve into it. Partly because I’m scared I won’t love it and that I’ll finish the series/more books by the author. I’ve been procrastinating about The Mime Order, but I need to read it! Don’t worry, I know you’ll love Corruption.
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And part of the reason I haven't read ACOTAR yet is because I can't really even review it till May! I MEAN. I could but I wouldn't because that's just unfair on everyone too. XD SO IT IS DIFFICULT.*whispers* I did get up the courage for Corruption and afjdalkfda it was so perfect and I cried a lot because GUS.
Indeed! I am doing that right now with a LOT of books. Challenger Deep by Neal Shusterman is one of them, I loved his Unwind and Skinjacker series so much, and then they ended, and now there is a NEW BOOK, but… I don’t want that to end too! Actually, looking at my TBR shelf, yes, there are TONS of books that I am procrastinating about because… I am scared! Either they DO live up to the hype I have created in my head and I love them and then I have a book hangover, OR they do not, and then I am bitter and disappointed. It is too much pressure!
Shannon @ It Starts At Midnight recently posted…Review: The Fire Sermon by Francesca Haig
I NEED TO READ MORE SHUSTERMAN. I loved Unwind but I'm too terrified and now I've forgotten it and need to reread and boo. I haven't got time. >.>
I can totally relate to the not wanting to end a book series and the fears you have when you’re not sure if the author is on your side about how it should end. Ugghh! It can be so frustrating and disappointing and just plain darn emotional!
And oh, the AGONY of waiting for the next book in your favorite series that may or may not come out in the next year or two. I think they just do it for the amusement. They LIKE torturing us.
When I find or order a book I’ve really, really, really been wanting to read, I usually dive right in. Unless I feel guilty about not reading something else…like library books that have curfews 😛 That happens often since I tend to get carried away at libraries…
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It's sooo emotional. WE SUFFER A LOT. THE AGONY IS REAL. It's very real. *curls up in the corner to cry*
I don’t wholly procrastinate with books I know I’ll love. BUT I do tend to read them more slowly than books I don’t enjoy as much! If I had to guess I’d say it’s because I want to stay absorbed in the world for as long as possible
It's really hard to leave a really awesome and good and well-written book world right?! I UNDERSTAND THIS PAIN.
HAHAHAHAHA. Do I procrastinate reading books I know I love? Let me give you a story: at ~10 years old, little Chiara discovered the series Heartland. Little Chiara then fell in love. And then the last book came out when little Chiara was ~12 years old. I STILL HAVE NOT READ THE LAST BOOK. I am turning 22 in may, so it has been roughly TEN YEARS of procrastination right there. I would love to see if anyone else has procrastinated quite THAT much.
But yes, on a normal scale I do sometimes procrastinate. Although sometimes I just cannot wait, so I dive right into the book that I have been looking forward to and NOMNOMNOM it right up. Because I have no self control. YAY!
Also: waiting? PAIN, SUFFERING, CRYING. FANFIC. I absolutely LOATHE waiting for the next book in a series to come out because I ALWAYS forget things, and that makes me very sad. Rarely do I make an informed decision to wait until the entire series is released because, as mentioned before, I have no self control. YAY!
Chiara @ Books for a Delicate Eternity recently posted…Review: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater
OKAY. YOU HAVE IT BAD. 10 YEARS IS QUITE THE WAIT. Hehe. I think you win. I THINK YOU WIN THE PROCRASTINATION TROPHY. I've been putting off finishing the Giver quartet, but I think that's mostly because I'm lazy. But it's coming up to at least 6 years on that now. 0_0
haha I’m more of the sort that will devour a book as soon as I get it i.e. totally impatient 😛
Although that being said, sometimes I’ll put off a book until I know I’m in more of a mood to read it. Being a mood reader, the sort of mood I’m in can really affect my enjoyment of a book. I remember I put off Since You’ve Been Gone for aaaages because I knew I wasn’t in the mood to read that sort of contemporary. But when I did get around to it, I loved it!
So yes, in general: read asap, unless I’m not in the mood 🙂
Nara recently posted…Review: The Memory Key by Liana Liu
Ooh, yes, being a mood reader is sometimes tricky eh?! I tend not to be a mood-reader unless it's because I'm suuuure the book will break my soul. BUT THEN. Sometimes I am. Like I didn't feel like reading the Help AT ALL until suddenly. So I'm going with it. I've had that book on my tbr for too long. xD
I have this dilemma where on one hand I really, really wanna read the book, and I can’t WAIT for it, but on the other hand I love really looking forward to a book, and when I’ve read it, I know I won’t be able to read it again for the first time.
But I usually end up reading it anyway xD
– Love, Felicia
Felicia (asillygirl) recently posted…Chapter 42: How I spent a weekend in bed
THAT IS MY LIFE. YOU HAVE JUST SUMMED UP MY LIFE.
Aaargh I do this! I currently have all of the available Throne of Glass books sat next to my bed…and have avoided them for over a week (choosing to use Netflix as a distraction). I KNOW I will love this series – why am I not diving into it yet!?! I’m apprehensive
Lauren recently posted…February Wrap-Up
IT IS THE ONSLAUGHT OF FEELS YOU ARE DREADING AND I ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PAIN. But seriously, read them. 😉 They will hurt and you'll hate me, but REEEEEAD THEM.
I definitely do this, except I start the book and then read it super slowly. I’ve been reading We, The Drowned by Carsten Jensen since 2011. I started The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman in January 2013 and just finished it this month. I started The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker last summer. I draw out the reading experience because I don’t want it to end.
Abria @ Bee Splendid recently posted…I’m bringing back the Self Publishing Series
Yesss, I completely understand about drawing out the book. x) I DO THAT TOO. It took me aaaages to read Heir of Fire once I finally started it.
Oh my goodness! That is exactly the thing that I’m doing all the time, which leaves me nothing else to post because I procrastinate. I haven’t read Heir of Fire yet, which I should be reading now because the last time I checked it was January that I finished Crown of Midnight. And why, for goodness sake, didn’t I dive right into Heir of Fire? Because I don’t like waiting so long for the next book. This is why I don’t start series unless there are couple of books already release. Although, at times I couldn’t help myself but start. In the end though, I wished I didn’t. Because, PAIN. Pain is the only thing that I feel! AWESOME post!
Sharmaine@Bookworm’s Avenue recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #15
I COMPLETELY understand not diving into Heir of Fire. GOODNESS WE HAVE TO WAIT LIKE 12 MONTHS FOR THE NEXT BOOK AND THAT'S TORTURE. I almost wish I'd waited to start that series when they were all out. Buuut, lurve them so so much.
Ehehe, sorry-not-sorry! BUT I am in the same boat as you, with The Dying of the Light. I AM SO WORRIED ABOUT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN THAT I’VE PUT OFF FINISHING IT FOR NEARLY TWO MONTHS NOW. It’s gonna blow my mind, but in a sad way as well as in a happy way and I am just not ready for those sads.
nevillegirl recently posted…Top Ten Favorite Heroines From Contemporary YA
I'm already putting off book 5. WHAT AM I GOING TO BE LIKE WHEN I GET TO THE LAST BOOK? DEAD. I'M GONNA BE DEAD.
YESSSSS. I agree with everything you’ve said. Currently reading Heir of Fire–but it has literally taken me MONTHS to gather the courage to read it. I adored both books in the series… but what if I didn’t like this one? What if it was crappy? I’m loving it, of course, but it’s taken me ages to start it.
Kara @ Diary of a Teen Writer recently posted…Sunday Weekly Wrap Up (51) & Stacking the Shelves (32) Welcome March . . . and an Abundance of Dead Leaves
*hi fives* WELL. Im just glad I'm not the only one. x) Hehe. I felt like such a sook about Heir of Fire but I literally couldn't stand the thought of the book hangover. IT WAS SO GOOD THOUGH.
I love historical fiction and the downside to historical fiction is knowing how the story ends. Awhile ago I read Cleopatra by Margaret George. As I drew to the end and the inevitable end to Cleopatra my reading pace slowed down dramatically. I loved Cleopatra and did not want to leave her and the beauty of Egypt.
Terri M., the Director
Second Run Reviews
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Omg, too true. I never really thought about that. Especially when it's a famous historical figure…it's SADNESS.
YES. I have this same exact problem. I didn’t read any of the sequels of books I loved that came out in 2014. I still haven’t read Cress and that isn’t even the last book of a series. Just. . .the last for awhile? I love that series but I’ve yet to pick it up.
I think some of us definitely do procrastinate books we expect to love (especially because they contain “the end” within them.).
Kelsey Gulick recently posted…5 Ways to Get Through Required Reading
I usually suck at sequels BUT! I'm actually making a huge effort to finish up series this year and I'm proud of me. eheh. I totally understand about Cress. BUT WINTER IS COMING. I CANNOT WAIT.
Yes, I do this, too. XD I procrastinate lots of things, come to think of it, but books I like, especially. And books I think I’ll hate, too. But I tend to love books I think I’ll hate.
Eso si que es.
Heather recently posted…My Fan Month Declaration (And Giveaway Winner!)
I'm so odd sometimes I read books I don't think I'll love BEFORE books I KNOW I'll love. WHY DOES MY BRAIN DO THIS.
I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT DID THIS. SERIOUSLY. MY MIND IS BLOWN. I NOW FEEL LIKE A MUCH MORE NORMAL HUMAN BEING.
In fact, I’m even worse than you, I’ve had The Night Circus on my bookshelf for a good three years now and I’m SO sure I’m going to love it. But have I read it? No. It’s rediculous.
I think the reasons I do this are slightly different to yours though, the first is the ‘save it for a rainy day’ mentality. I feel like I want to store up on awesome books for when I really, really need them? But then I just keep storing and storing, like when you give a hampter seeds and their cheeks just get bigger and bigger until they literally can’t hold anymore. The second, like you, is if it’s part of a series I desperately don’t want to end, but the third reason is because often I build up how much I’m going to love a book in my head so much that I’m worried it won’t live up to my hugely inflated expectations. Like I’ve almost cornered myself into getting dissapointed. And so I put them off…and wait…because what if the book doesn’t measure up to the awesome in my head?!??!!? BUT I WILL NEVER FIND OUT UNLESS I ACTUALLY READ THE DAMN BOOK.
WE ARE LIKE TWINS, BECKY, BASICALLY TWINS. I haven't even touched The Night Circus for THE SAME REASON. OMG. Although I don't own it, I just plan to borrow it from the library. I've had Dorothy Must Die on my TBR on my bookshelf for nearly a year now and haven't picked it up once but I knoooow I'll like it because I'm addicted to fairy tales. GAH. MY BRAIN IS WEIRD. Oh I totally understand that “saving” feeling too. I once saved my birthday chocolate stash for a year and it went off. 0_0 Not like books, I know, but hehe, I understand saving.WE BOOKWORMS PUT OURSELVES THROUGH A LOT OF TRAUMA AND I THINK WE DESERVE CAKE FOR IT.
Yes, I definitely do this. YOU ARE NOT ALONE CAIT! All I can say is: Rose Under Fire. That is all. It took me forever to convince myself to start that after I finished Code Name Verity. (And, of course, my heart ends up being torn into a million pieces yet again when I finally force myself to read it). I’m really excited, but nervous, about Black Dove, Raven Write because I know my feels will be torn in half. Although I’m a bit skeptical too – apparently it’s not set during WWII. Although it’s Elizabeth Wein, so it has to be good, right? 😉 *shrugs*
Great discussion! <3
Zoe @ Stories on Stage recently posted…Fairest
YEs, omg, yes, and I will never ever trust Elizabeth Wein again although she is the most amazing and fantastic author I've ever known in my life but I CANNOT CONTAIN THE FEELS OF HER BOOKS. She makes my Vulcan soul cry. I'm sure BDRW will be good but I'm scaaaared. You read it first and let me know how bad it is. XD
Oh, I definitely do this, but I’m way worse than you. I don’t just wait a couple of weeks to read a book I know I’ll love – sometimes I wait MONTHS! Why? Why do I do this to myself? Well, for all of the reasons that you mentioned, but then I compound it by waiting so long that I actually lose my excitement for the book. So dumb! Anyway, this is a great post and it reminds me that the craziness has to stop!
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted…When Joss Met Matt by Ellie Cahill – Review & Giveaway & Author Top Ten List
I do the same and I have no clue why! I am currently procrastinating two Kelley Armstrong books (my favourite authors and I will probably love these), the last Bloodlines book and another Richelle Mead book. These are all books by favourite authors and those Kelley Armstrong books have been released for a long time, for one of them the sequel will be released soon and I still haven’t read the first book which was released about a year ago! I am really looking forward to readign these books and sometimes it feels like I rather keep them unread, so I know I can still read them, I like looking forward to things. So every time I think of those books I get happy because I probably will lvoe them and haven’t read them and I just keep procasting reading them.
Lola recently posted…Review: The Legacy Human by Susan Kaye Quinn
I do this too! I have tons of series I haven’t continued with because I just don’t want to feel all of the feels without out being 100% ready for them! With me though that ends up being years before I actually get to the next book because I hate the build up to the feels more than anything! I think that is going to be my biggest goal for next year reading wise.
Yup! Happens to me EVERY time. When I buy a book I want to read, I end up just putting it on my bookshelf. I have no idea why I do that…it just happens.
Leigh @ Little Book Star recently posted…February 2015 Wrap Up
I do this ALL THE TIME. I still haven’t read Dreams of Gods and Monsters because it’s the end and I will love it but I will also be the saddest because it’s my favourite series of all time. As for Heir of Fire… will I ever read it?! Well yes, obviously, but not yet. Maybe I’ll wait for Queen of Shadows and then read them both. Then I’ll have to wait forever for the next one. Arrrgghh. It’s so hard.
So basically, yes I do it and it’s perfectly normal so don’t worry.
Charlotte @ Educating Elsa recently posted…The Ship by Antonia Honeywell
I definitely do this. When I know a book will be really good, I don’t want to rush it! I want to savor it slowly on a lazy day off, with a plate of cookies and some tea.
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Mwahahaha much pain awaits you in the Skulduggery series. I swear, the books get more tragic with each instalment. I totally do this too! Like I still haven’t read City of Heavenly Fire because I don’t want it to end, just like I also avoided the 8th and 9th Skulduggery Pleasant books because I knew it would cause me much, much pain. FANTASTIC POST!
Kyra recently posted…Stacking the Shelves #77 – A.K.A.The edition where I requested Netgalley titles when I really shouldn’t have
Arg, yes I do procrastinate the ones I really really want to read. It’s definitely due to fear – the sadness that comes when the book didn’t live up to the love/hype I expected.
I think the books that I’m semi-excited for gets read first, haha.
Great discussion, Cait!
Cyn @ Book Munchies recently posted…Blog Tour Review & Giveaway: Dead to Me by Mary McCoy
haha!!! Yes, this is so me… I have to wait till I have a good stretch of quiet, uninterrupted reading time. The setting has to be just so (for me this means house clean and no distractions), and then, and only then will I begin the reading of a treasure. When really I should just rip open the parcel, drop onto the couch and start!
I totally do this! I have been putting off reading Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid because I know I will be sad that it’s over!
Megan @ Reading Books Like a Boss recently posted…Book Review â When Reason Breaks by Cindy L. Rodriguez
I usually procrastinate. Partially because I’m a slow reader. ^ ^’
I usually procrastinate because I can’t decide which one to read first! Right now I have a few dozen in my library just waiting for me to open them…but all of them look so exciting I can’t choose ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
ohvivreennoir.com ♥♥
Omg!! I actually fell in love with this post.. this is SOOOO TRUE and I can relate to a great extent. Except, I don’t do this with only new releases, I do this with EVERY HYPED BOOK OUT THERE.
This post actually inspired me to blog about the books that I procrastinate reading.. SO THANK YOUUU CAIT!! <3 <3
Jumana recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday #3 — Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
AHHH! So glad you liked the post!