Can’t Start a New Book? You Might Have a Book Hangover

In this episode of the Fully-Booked podcast, we welcomed Shirin back to the podcast after a six-month hiatus! The return wasn't pre-planned but fell into place organically, creating a light-hearted surprise for everyone. Shirin has been away dealing with personal life changes, including taking care of a new baby and adjusting to a new rhythm at home.

The hosts, Meaghan, Arthur, and Shirin, agreed that May would be a transitional month, easing out of the structured April theme of "fools and tricksters" into a looser, more fun assortment of topics. With Shirin returning and the team unsure how often all three would be recording together, the trio decided to start casually and reconnect with listeners through conversation.

They introduced the theme for this episode as book hangovers - an experience that most readers encounter at some point. The discussion would focus on what book hangovers are, how they affect each of the hosts differently, and what strategies they use to overcome them. This theme is particularly timely for Shirin, who is not just returning to the podcast but also to the act of reading for pleasure after a long break.

What's On Our Nightstands: Current Reads

Before diving into book hangovers, the hosts shared what they’re currently reading.

Shirin talked about trying to get through Quicksilver, a fantasy novel that she found compelling but difficult to consume via audiobook. She experimented with switching between audio and print versions but found that listening to complex fantasy without visual reference, especially for unfamiliar names and terminology, was frustrating. Shirin typically prefers audiobooks for lighter reads like romance, where the stakes and structure are easier to follow. Her experience illustrated how personal reading preferences can vary widely depending on format and genre.

Meaghan echoed this sentiment, sharing that she, too, only listens to audiobooks for titles she’s already read. That way, she doesn’t worry about missing important plot points if her attention drifts. The group touched on the trend of duet narration in audiobooks and how multiple narrators can enhance the listening experience, especially in genres like romance or fantasy where character differentiation is crucial.

Arthur, on the other hand, has been diving into Station Eternity by Mur Lafferty, a sci-fi murder mystery about a detective who flees Earth only to find trouble on an alien space station. This choice stood in stark contrast to Meaghan and Shirin’s current reads and highlighted the diversity of interests among the hosts. Meaghan and Shirin both admitted they wouldn’t have picked it up on their own, which Arthur found amusing. Their differences offered fresh perspectives and ensured that listeners received a range of book recommendations.

Meaghan had recently finished Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart, a cozy fantasy that suited her seasonal preference for lighter reads in the spring. She also reviewed The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick, a 1960s period piece that explores themes of identity and societal roles through the lens of suburban housewives discovering The Feminine Mystique. Meaghan was pleasantly surprised by how much she enjoyed the latter, even though literary fiction isn’t typically her go-to.

What Are Book Hangovers, And Why Do They Hit So Hard?

Once