Michael, I wonder if you are more prone to this because you read for pleasure and for work. My cure is usually to read something in a completely different form or genre -- or even a magazine. You need a "palate cleanser."
"Doritos (r)" books work well. I try to always have fluff books on hand to slot in after really meaty powerful ones. As an example, I recently read a Sophie Kinsella novel after Elie Wiesel's Night. I know. Huge contrast!
Hi Michael,
I guess that this is what we all wish for, that the next book from the stack be another great read.
I find that Books on the Nightstand and other book blogs and bookstore web sites help in that quest,that is pointing out some real finds amid all the books that are published each season.
I look forward to reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, however I am deep into The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and enjoying it very much.
Thanks to you and Ann for a great blog.
Here's wishing you both a stack of great books for the rest of your summer.
I experience this a little differently.. . in that I pay the price for reading a great author. If I love one book by an author new to me, I tend to stuff myself silly with everything else they've ever written. And once I've read everything Joan Didion or David Sedaris or Jonathan Franzen... well, there's just no where else to go, and I get into a similar funk, too.
I had the exact same experience with The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. You finish it and wonder what you could possibly read now. It was that good. I followed it up with The Road, because I'm probably one of the last booklovers on the planet that had yet to read it. Then I followed by rereading the Harry Potter series. That helped because although one cannot argue that it is a work of literary brilliance, it helped remind me why I love selling books. The way Rowling transported so many people into her world, and the absolutly wonderful joy of organizing and particiating in the release parties. I guess the key is you have to leave Edgar's world, as absolutely wonderful as it was, and allow yourself to visit another world for a while. And good luck, usually wonderful books make me want to just read and read and do nothing else, but Edgar was different. It was amazing.
Thanks for all of the great comments everyone. Forgive the single reply to you all:
Laura, I think you're right. I don't allow myself enough palate cleansers! I need to make that a mid-year resolution.
So glad you're enjoying GUERNSEY Thomas! Thanks for listening and reading the blog.
Ann, as I mentioned in a previous podcast, I do the opposite when I find an author I love... I purposely leave one or two books unread by each author I love so that there's always something there for me in case they stop writing. But I understand your perspective and thanks so much for sharing it!
EDGAR did make me want to do nothing but read, Vickie, but my wife and son had other plans for me! 
When I find a great author, I go out of my way to avoid reading two of that writer's books back to back. I prefer to read a few others, preferably of other genres or non-fiction books, in between. That way, the great author is approached freshly every time, for maximum enjoyment, and the fullest benefit and understanding of the fine author's ideas and themes.
Loved Edgar, loved Guernsey, have you read "The Art of Racing in the Rain?"
Tear-jerker, but wonderful!
I hate readers block (thanks for the name--it is dictionary worthy!) Sometimes I end up starting 5 books and finishing none until something comes along that grabs me. Unfortunately, I almost never finish the others I've started-they've been tarred with the "blah" brush...
Michael,
Happened to think of you when I just read that Edgar Sawtelle is Oprah's latest Book Club pick. (I'm slightly ahead of the curve, as I just received it as a birthday gift.) But the cool thing is that more people will read this book you recommended! (Maybe Oprah reads or listens to Books on the Nightstand?)
Laura
I know Laura, I'm so excited that more people will be reading Edgar Sawtelle!
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