Approaching the end of a series

Right after I finished "Catching Fire" I went to request my library's website to request the third and final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. Mockingjay came in on Wednesday and has been sitting in my desk drawer ever since. On one hand I want to dive right in and submerge myself in the world of the book and find out what happens to the characters following the end of the last book. On the other hand I'm a bit hesitant to start reading it. I know that once I start I will have a hard time tearing myself away; the writing is so suspenseful and there's an urgency to everything the characters do. Also I feel kind of nostalgic, almost melancholy, that I've reached the end of this series and there are no more books to read.

I can't help but think back to the way I felt before, during, and after the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. My motivation for blazing through that book were twofold: I was absorbed in the story and wanted to finish it before anyone else I knew so that they couldn't spoil anything for me. I wish I had taken my time with that book, because I can't go back in time or unread the book and experience it for the first time again. I can read it over and over again and find new things but it won't be the same as seeing it with fresh eyes and that particular mindset of wondering what will happen next.

I intend to set aside time to read Mockingjay next Saturday, and hope not to rifle through its pages from beginning to end. Right now I feel a slight tugging in my brain to open that drawer and start reading today. It's okay, you can just read one chapter right now. Maaaaybe two says my Id. No, you know yourself and don't give in to your emotions says my superego/Obi-Wan Kenobi. My tired and reasonable side is winning out right now, and as long as I distract myself with Important and Time-sensitive Work I'm sure I'll be okay.



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