I’ve forgone the challenge of keeping up with new book releases this year and have instead opted for classic, long books. The problem with classic long books is that they give tremendous book hangovers.

A book hangover is when you can’t hop from book to book after you finish. A book hangover has you lingering over the last read. Nothing new compares.

Take East of Eden, a 600-page read. Family saga, the Cain and Abel retelling many times, so many relationships to ponder. I needed to process it for a few weeks before I could pick up any other book.

THEN! Larry McMurtry totally spoiled me with his 800+ page read, Lonesome Dove. First, it took a while to read. When I knew a pivotal point of the story was upon us, I would stop reading for a day or two before I had to process the event. Then, when the story really picked up, I wanted to slow down. I didn’t want the story to end. So I kept pausing for a couple of days here and there to prolong the reading. Now I’ve finished the book, and nothing else compares. OY!

What to do?

After picking up and trying to get into a half dozen books, I came upon the answer.

Easy. Now I’m reading the first of the Lonesome Dove series, Dead Man’s Walk. I usually read one book in print and listen to another in audio. For this one, however, I am using both media for the one book. Yes, I know the book will go faster this way. I already have the two others in the series to keep me going!

The only question is…Lonesome Dove is the 3rd book in the series. After I finish 1 and 2, will I want to read or listen to #3 (some people on FB have said it’s a great audiobook) or move on to #4?

If I move directly to #4, the series will be over sooner!

But there’s always The Last Picture Show (and others)!

Which others would you recommend I read after the Lonesome Dove series?