There’s a new word being bandied about online and in writing magazines: Abibliophobia.

The definition is ‘a fear of running out of reading material’. The word is being treated as something of a joke – a humorous witticism. But I think there is a lot of truth in it!

For the avid reader, nothing is better than starting a new book and realising that it is one you will enjoy. But on the flip side, nothing is worse than nearing the end of that book and knowing you will have to let go of the story world and return to reality. For me, there’s a sort of grieving that takes place after I finish a good book. The glow of having enjoyed it stays with me, but there’s a tinge of regret that the experience is over, and never again will I read that wonderful book for the first time and discover afresh.

When you really love to read, the only thing that can get you through the emotional journey of reading, I think, is to always have the next book ready. So even as you’re enjoying your book, you go to the library and find another that interests you, or you browse in a bookstore for a novel that captures your imagination. Then the reading becomes even better, because not only are you enjoying the book you are reading now, but you are simultaneously looking forward to reading the next book.

But is just one book lined up to read next enough? For me, no! I read quickly: something in the region of a book a week; sometimes more. So that moment of finishing a novel and feeling bereft comes often. To assuage concern, I like to have a good pile of books on the ‘to read’ pile. Five at least. More is a comfort. And when I travel, those books have to be packed up and come with me – even if I doubt I will have the time to get through them. They are my safety net; they are too important to leave behind.

I was fascinated to watch a segment on the BBC’s One Show recently that featured a couple, Bill and Laurel Cooper, who spent 36 years sailing around the world together after their children had left home. Laurel, a keen reader, insisted that the boat be fitted out with a library for her books. She said, ‘I couldn’t do without my books.’ The books weighed a lot and affected how low down in the water the craft sat – but she was adamant she must have them. I would be entirely the same, and would probably have to research means to get new reading material on the course of the adventure as well!

(The episode is available to watch for the next few weeks at http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04xm4pf– if you can take a look, I really recommend it. Their story is really inspiring. You can also read about them here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2106969/Bill-Laurel-Cooper-The-adventures-couple-spent-36-years-travelling-world.html.)

What do you think? Are you an abibliophobe? Is that a problem for you, or a sheer delight? I would love to hear your thoughts.