I had to read a lot of old books in HS (probably like a lot of us in the states) I even read and enjoyed the Scarlett Letter. Great Gatsby is the only one I spark noted. I just couldn't.

Literature, like comedy, can be difficult to get in a foreign language. I’d recommend looking up Lexile levels and finding books that have a lower score than that. There are plenty of awesome books that won’t be so challenging to a non-native speaker

I actually thought that the billboard thing was the man himself observing everyone because I misread things☠️ Gatsby's portrayal of the ashy place is really dense...

It's definitely a flowery, dated style of writing. As a native speaker myself, I had to reread a couple sentences, as they just aren't structured the same way I would structure those same thoughts.

I often say, for such a short book, it sure did feel like it took me a lifetime to read. It is one of the dullest looks I've ever read.

Ask a german, they have words for everything.

Op speaks books. PHM was a fantastic book, and the bookover you get is a serious issue. The worst is when you don’t have another ready to go or if the author has nothing else you haven’t read.

I generally feel that way after a series of books, or an 800 or 900 page book I really enjoyed. Clan of the Cave Bear comes to mind, The Outlanders is another series. When I read the last book of each series, I was left wanting more - I felt empty, disappointed, I was almost going through withdrawal! Such a longing for more.

This must be a normal reaction for avid readers since you raised the question!

Its the worst after finishing a series. Knowing that there is no more to come and you spent a few months with one series its like going back hone after holidays.

I felt nothing but relief at finishing Don Quixote. I know that a lot of people love it, but it wasn't for me.

It is one of my favorites. I couldn't stop reading it.

I'm reading this thread, because I've been struggling to find books that I enjoy lately. Lonesome Dove is good motivation to keep looking.

Or the way you put the book down and drag out the last pages, to keep it from ending? With some books, like Jennifer Coburn's new historical novel "Cradles of the Reich," I continue the story in my mind, spinning sequels and alternate endings.

I read a page every 5 minutes in Chinese so I think you're doing alright!

moby dick is so awesome

and I call that feeling a book hangover lmao

The audiobook was a DELIGHT. I desperately need a movie version with Gillian Anderson as Stratt.

God, I remember the first time I finished the Harry Potter series. I think I just sat there staring at the wall and silent crying for like 10 mins, realising I'd just ended an era of my life and my favourite book series at the same time.

Then my sister barged in and called me an idiot. Thanks, sis.

My god, yes. I've just sat here and experienced a world shift because the character I loved/hated died/found happiness (delete not applicable), and you're still standing there asking what I want for dinner‽ I banish thee, foul beast!

Especially when it’s a big series. I’m always so excited to get to the last book and then I’m empty when I finish it

Thats what i am always searching for, that fantastic feeling, even more when you are in absolute awe while reading, realizing you are holding a masterpiece in your hands.... and how you never want it to end

For me these were clearly (in no order):

1. Hyperion
2. The Sparrow
3. Radetzkymarsch
4. Swan Song
5. Debacle & La Terre (Zola)
6. The way back (Remarque)
7. Grapes of wrath, East of eden
8. Gone girl
9. No country for old men
10. Birdsong
11. Unknown soldier
12. Lonesome dove
13. Parts of the Red rising saga
14. City and the stars
15. Johnny got his gun
16. A fire upon the deep

Some of these do have ups and downs and don't wrap up as great as they should, but during parts of them you are simply WOW-ed by their magnificence.

It is equally frustrating when i "dont get" some supposed masterpieces and think that it would be a better experience if i had just read them in another time / phase of life.

See I try to do this with one of my friends but he doesn't stick with the book lol. And none of my other friends read 😫

It somehow feels like having to say goodbye to a friend.

After reading a great novel one starts looking for another novel with similar excitement.

One friend and I started a book-club-of-two at the beginning of the pandemic. We meet twice a week on FaceTime, and same for us :

>The first hour is basically group therapy and catch up, the second hour we talk about the book.

We are still going strong, and we have read so many books.

I recently finished reading Moby Dick (I had been so intimidated by the thought of reading it for so long). I read the final chapter so slowly, and after I read the last line I burst out crying. And it takes a lot to make me cry, and when I do it's almost always about an animal(s).

I didn't want to leave the world of Moby Dick. I want to go back to that world, that experience. I will go back.

A word for this? Post-biblial tristesse?

In my family we call this having “book longing.” I feel you.