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the_original_Retro t1_j6i8zg0 wrote

Okay, so it would be helpful if you cited how old you actually are and some of the books you read that left you feeling "hollow" or "broken and incomplete", because that doesn't sound like a positive outcome of reading.

It CAN be. Some tragic books like Cormac McCarthy's "The Road" generate that feeling, but that was their intention. Perhaps readers feel grateful that they weren't in that world and exposed to that hellscape. But it's not 'enjoyable' so much as it is 'eye-opening'.

But either way, maybe ask for recommendations on something that "changes up" what you're reading so you'll feel something different than what you describe, because that honestly sounds like it sucks.

Maybe you could gain benefit from a hero to support that beats the odds, instead of a book set in a dank setting that makes humanity look awful. Or read a biography about someone actually overcoming adversity that you can cheer on rather than someone that gets crushed by their circumstances.

As an example, Andy Weir's "The Martian" is a colossally good read, with manageable levels of science and a central character that you can really look up to.

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besssjay t1_j6igvj8 wrote

I think they meant they felt hollow when the book was over and they had to leave its world and characters behind, so more like leaving the book made them feel that way, not the book itself. So the problem now is that they're not emotionally invested enough in what they read to care when it's over.

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the_original_Retro t1_j6ioh1q wrote

On a re-read, you're probably correct here.

But it wasn't clear to me as it was phrased as a negative, not a "that book left a wonderful impression of its world with me and I was sad to see it end" sort of regret.

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notyomamabear OP t1_j6oo1px wrote

I'm sorry, i should've phrased it better. but thank you for the suggestion! im definitely gonna follow your advice :)

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