For the most part I dread it because try as I might to prolong the experience; it’s always over far too soon; curiosity usually trumps my desire to pace myself every single time. When I have to struggle to put a book down mid-read, then I know my chances of stretching my enjoyment out past the end of the day are practically nil. Even if I’ve learned from checking out others’ reviews that the novel ends on a monster cliff hanger; I still can’t resist walking straight into the author’s trap. I consider myself to be pretty strong-willed. Heck, I quit smoking cold turkey and never looked back. But, when it comes to books… I’m a lost cause.
I also fear reaching the end of a book I’m loving because it means that my wait for the next installment is close at hand, and that my unanswered questions will remain as such for the foreseeable future. I hate goodbyes but unfortunately, they are a big part of reading. It’s funny how a 200 page mediocre novel can seem like it goes on for an eternity, but a 800 page stellar one can be over in the blink of an eye. Endings aren’t always a bad thing though, especially when there’s a HEA involved. Sometimes they can make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, and leave me with a stupid grin on my face. I guess you could say, I dread finishing Urban Fantasy books and look forward to wrapping-up Paranormal Romances; one genre usually ends on a high note while as the other just leaves me wanting more.
Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Both! Seriously I want to know what happens but then if it is really good I suffer PABD (Post After Book Depression)
PABD – love it!
I’m the worst of both sides. I’m impatient to finish a new book b/c I NEED to know what happens, but then I’m pissed that it’s over and I have to wait another year for my next fix LOL.
Yeah, it’s tough whichever way you look at it. LOL
For me it’s like when you get to the front of the line for the roller coaster. You want to go so badly, but then you know it’ll be over quickly and you have to get back into the long line again. Luckily with books, we can re-read in between installments!
I like your roller coaster analogy; it’s pretty accurate!
Gosh, I go both ways. I can’t wait to see what will happen (if the book is good) so I race to the end. And then once I get what I want from the book, I don’t want it to end and those last few pages/chapter (depending) I try to stretch out as long as possible. Unless of course it’s one of those books that leaves me hanging and I don’t realize the end is coming so I don’t slow down. The worst is when you have several pages/minutes left so you think you’re good and then you discover that the book actually ends and the rest of those pages/minutes are ads, teasers, etc. I hate that trickery!!
A bit of both, excited to see what happened, sad to say goodbye to friends, especially when the book is the last in a series. There’s always fanfiction to fill the void after. 🙂
I don’t dread it exactly, but I do regret reading a book too quickly if I really enjoyed it.
It’s definitely both. I have to know how it’s going to end even if I know that there aren’t enough pages left to answer all my questions (those darn cliffhangers) but I can’t make myself slow down and savor.
I have to agree with you on the endings for UF and PNR. I think it’s because that final ending for UF is so final…we usually won’t get to spend any more time with the characters. With PNR’s, those series can stretch on for so long and past characters pop up here and there so we can see how they’re doing.
It’s been a crazy week at work this week, so I’m finally able to stop by and say hi. Hope you have a great weekend!