Relationship Issues

Guys. I have a problem. And in terms of reading, it’s sort of a big one. But I’m putting it out there, because I can’t *possibly* be the only one who does this. Are you ready?

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I…rarely finish trilogies. Some of my favorites have gone without end for years. The Illuminae trilogy? Still going. Red Rising (though it’s grown)? Unread. Nevernight? Nevernope. And the list could go on. Even worse? IT’S NOT A CONSCIOUS CHOICE. I *have* the third book for every. single. trilogy. They were purchased with the full intent of reading them immediately. And yet…they sit, unread, TAUNTING ME.

I’ve thought a lot about why this may be, and as much as I’d like to say I have an actual answer – I don’t. I *do* have a guess, though. I do wonder if, in some distant part of my heart, I just don’t want the story to end. We all have those things, right? Where we think that if we just ignore it, we will never have to face it – whether it’s paying a bill, dealing with a child who keeps asking over and over again, or ending a relationship. And that’s what these trilogies are, right? Relationships.

Any time a reader devotes time and energy to the characters in a story, there is a relationship built. Between the author and the reader is where the first relationship is built – trusting that the book will be just what was hoped for. From there, the reader builds further relationships with the characters (one hopes) as they have their adventures, solve their problems, kill their bad guys, or whatever the case may be. In a trilogy (even a duology), those relationships are extended, and the characters are expanded, and eventually – for so many readers – it’s hard to say goodbye when it’s over.

So, that’s my thought. I apparently have relationship issues, and struggle to understand when they’re over. Instead, I look longingly at those third books, swear that I will get to them “as soon as this book is done”, and then when the time comes, I just…don’t. I move on to something else, someONE else, and feel guilt over my neglect. But now that I know, I will *absolutely* begin working on those endings. Just as soon as I’m done with the one I’m reading now.