Book Hangover

What is a book hangover?

Remaining attached to a book you just finished

After finishing a particularly gripping novel, emotionally-invested readers may say they have a book hangover. Book hangovers are comprised of two related symptoms:

  • An inability to stop thinking about your most recent read
  • A lack of desire to start another book

For example, after finishing the Harry Potter series for the first time, a reader may find themself daydreaming about Hogwarts and unexcited to start another series. This is a classic book hangover.

Overly-attached readers often discuss their book hangovers on Twitter, TikTok, Instagram, and other social media platforms. BookTok users, especially, love using TikTok to talk through their book hangovers with other superfans.

Example

My worst book hangover was after finishing The Song of Achilles. It took me weeks to want to open another book
A Twitter user describing a book hangover
A Twitter user describing a book hangover

Related Slang

BookTokTikTok users who discuss books
BookTwtBook Twitter
Comfort characterA fictional character who soothes you
YAYoung Adult
HeadcanonA fan's unverified beliefs about a story
ShippingHoping for two people to get into a relationship
TBRTo be read
FandomCommunity of fans
Show holeSadness after finishing a great show

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Updated February 4, 2022

Book hangover definition by Slang.net

This page explains what the slang term "Book hangover" means. The definition, example, and related terms listed above have been written and compiled by the Slang.net team.

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