Between Reality and Fiction: Uncovering Our Truths Amidst a Book Hangover
The struggle of a book hangover is real!
You know that feeling when you are physically in one place, but your head is in a WHOLE other one?
One that's LITERALLY a work of fiction?
I finished Same Time Next Summer by Annabel Monaghan, her latest book, and I've been in a state ever since.
(Her previous book Nora Goes Off Script was equally amazing)
And what I'm left with is a lingering book hangover.
You might ask- What is a book hangover?
Book Hangover: when the magic of storytelling captivates your soul, connects with the deepest parts of you and relating to the characters in a way that gives words to significant moments of your own life.
Finishing certain books leave you feeling almost adrift, longing for a way to stay connected to the world you've just left behind or needing a way to process the feelings or memories it brought up.
Know What Ails You
Apparently there is a whole psychology of book hangovers.
According to Maja Djikic, PhD, the persistence of the book hangover goes back to "that the central issues raised by the book are still very active inside one’s psyche, and therefore the reader wishes for more time to reflect and unravel whatever complexities still plague them.” (source)
Nailed It!
So rather than suffer through this, just willing it to pass, I took some of my own advice and pulled up the list of free journal prompts I created to use with any fiction book, perfect for curing a book hangover.
Know Yourself
Now, before you go all super-sleuth psychologizing me and trying to figure out exactly WHAT about the book spoke to me so deeply, I'd rather you take a moment to think about a story you have read (or even heard).
Ask yourself what drew you into the story? Or what turned you off about it?
If the situation suddenly involved you, what strengths or perspective would you be able to contribute? What would you need to have happen to make the main conflict feel resolved to you?
By taking the time to dive into the narrative and tease out the different threads of the story line, you start to open yourself up to the world beyond your mental swirl and see things from a different perspective.
Walking around inside the stories of your favorite book can help you climb deeper into your own skin. And the more you know about yourself, you can start to control and reframe your own personal narrative ...
...and grow your glow
To help you start to open yourself up to seeing something from someone else's point of view (and deeply explore your own), use this prompt and see where the inner conversation goes with yourself.
If you are looking for your next read (that just might induce your next books hangover, lol), check out the list of books I've read and loved lately. Or better yet, leave a comment or message me on Instagram or LinkedIn and let me find one to suggest!
And grab these free book lover journal prompts so you can be prepared for your next book hangover!
Wishing you a week filled with diving into a fun (and possibly life changing) book and moments to relax and reflect!
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Stephanie Rose is a mom, wife, business owner and a forever student in finding ways to know herself better. She acts as guide for your own journey, sharing insights, tools and practices to help you remember your magic and live a life that lights you up. Sign up for her newsletter and check out her free resources.