Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish and is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together. Each week a new theme is suggested for bloggers to participate in. Create your own Top Ten list that fits that topic – putting your unique spin on it if you want. Everyone is welcome to join but please link back to The Artsy Reader Girl in your own Top Ten Tuesday post.
Today’s Top 10: Books I Wish “didn’t” Had Have An Epilogue
In most cases, I don’t like the epilogues in books. I prefer that once the story is over, I can imagine a happy ending for the characters and usually don’t care to see them a year later, where she is pregnant with twins and he is the caring father to be… or it’s 5 years later and they have 2.5 kids and…whatever! However, I’ve never adjusted my review due to an epilogue either being good or bad.
- Meant to Be by Emily Giffin. The epilogue is 20 years later, but the Author’s Note is worth reading.
2. Part of Your Wold by Abby Jimenez. Epilogue is 7 months later.
3. Adult Assembly Required. Epilogue is only one page, but not needed IMO.
4. It Started with a Kiss by Lisa Hobman. Epilogue is 5 years later.
5. Book Lovers by Emily Henry. Epilogue is six months later.
6. By the Book by Jasmine Guillrory. Epilogue is one year later.
7. Flirting With Fifty by Jane Porter. Epilogue is one year later.
8. The Spanish Garden by Cherry Radford. Epilogue is 3 years later.
9. Summer at the Cape by Rae Anne Thayne. Epilogue is 4 years later.
10. Starry-Eyed Love by Helena Hunting. Epilogue is 4 months later.
When is an epilogue useful? For me, I like to see an epilogue in a book when it’s a series, and we get a sneak peak at the characters in the next book. Also, sometimes in historical books, I like to see an epilogue where they talk about the impact of the story in later years.
What do you think of Epilogues? Do you find them useful? Have you read any of these books? Comment below!
I love epilogues! 😁
Yeah, I think most of the time an epilogue is just the author trying to make sure the reader is happy. Or maybe the author wasn’t ready to say goodbye… I think you’re right about the best epilogues are when we’re getting a glimpse into the next book in a series. HOWEVER, there are those books that I adore and I want so much to stay in the book, I’ll even take an epilogue. Haha!
That’s true, when the book is AMAZING, it’s nice when it continues on for a bit.
i’ve only read book lovers, and while i normally don’t like epilogues myself, i kinda liked that one. otherwise things seemed to have ended weirdly (/with questions not answered). each to their own, i suppose!
Exactly, Chelsea! We can’t all love the same things.
I liked how you changed it to “didn’t.” I never used to like epilogues, but so many romance novels have them that I’ve become accustomed to having them. Now I’m often disappointed when there isn’t one. I didn’t really see the purpose of the epilogue for Starry-Eyed Love since it was just a few months later. If it was further down the line, I might have liked it much more and if it had been about more than just what happened in the epilogue.
Thank you!
I love how you personalised the theme this time Wendy 🙂 Lovely list, and a good reminder to me to pick up Abbi Waxman soon.
Thank you, Mallika!
I think epilogues can add a top off to the story, but often they don’t really give much value.
I agree, Jolen!
I usually enjoy epilogues and right off hand can’t think of any I didn’t like. But I sure can think of books I wish included them.
Thank you, Teri. I think it’s because I read mostly romance that I don’t like them.
In general, I’m indifferent to epilogues. Sometimes it’s nice to have the loose ends wrapped up, but not every epilogue does that. Sometimes they seem to leave more loose ends, and other times, nothing is added to the story.
Pam @ Read! Bake! Create!
https://readbakecreate.com/books-mentioned-in-a-recent-read/
Thank you, Pam.
I often enjoy epilogues, but as much as anything I like seeing what an author does with the book. Does the author think it needs an epilogue or not? Sometimes epilogues tie up loose ends. Sometimes they are more author’s notes and are usually labeled as such–especially with historical fiction. In general I think a romance or cozy mystery should be able to stand on its own.
Thank you, Linda. I read mostly romance and a few cozy mysteries.
Love that cover for Meant to Be. And your comment about Author’s Notes is spot on- sometimes they really add to the story, knowing where the author’s inspiration or whatever came from!
I agree, Greg. I always read the authors notes.
I love what you did with today’s prompt. I am not the biggest fan of epilogues and the only time I want an epilogue is when I am not ready for the book to end. Most of the time they are unnecessary.
Thank you, Cindy. I”m so glad I’m not alone!
This is such an interesting take on the prompt. I personally love epilogues. However, some of them do ruin the book a little bit so I get what you’re saying.
Thank you, Jenni! I know a lot of readers do prefer them.
How funny. We are exactly opposite on this one because I almost always want an epilogue. 🙂 I hope to read Meant to Be next month so I’m curious about the author’s note.
I think most people enjoy an epilogue.
I have mixed feelings on an epilogue as sometimes I enjoy reading, other times I do feel like the book could have ended earlier 😊
I agree Jenny. Every once in a while I find a good one.
I’m with you! I usually don’t like or feel a need for an epilogue at the end of a good book. Just a good ending will suffice. 🙂
Thank you, Lark! It’s nice to know I’m not alone.
I haven’t read any of these books but one I wish didn’t have an epilogue is the last Hunger Games book 😅
LOL, so funny, Stephanie!
I usually like epilogues, but I don’t need the marriage/baby stuff. It actually depends on the couple and how far in time it advances for me to like or dislike those things being thrown in.
Exactly, sometimes they are necessary and helpful.
I LOVE what you did with this prompt. As a huge romance reader, I too despise an epilogue about half of the time. There are times it works and times I’m like, ugh, leave it up to my imagination. I think I only really appreciate it when it hints at what’s to come in the next book.
I’m so glad I’m not the only one who thinks this way! Thank you, Kate!
I love an epilogue although The Book Lovers epilogue I didn’t really understand 🤣
I like the look of lots of those books.
Have a great week!
Emily @ Budget Tales Book Blog
My post:
https://budgettalesblog.wordpress.com/2022/06/14/top-ten-tuesday-books-i-wish-had-an-epilogue/
A lot of readers love epilogues and that’s why authors keep writing them.
I’ve read two books lately with epilogues and I’ve hated both of them. In both cases, they took the characters in a direction that I thought spoilt the story.
That has happened to me too.
This is an interesting topic because I love epilogues so much because it gives me a glimpse of a domestic moment. I don’t hate the baby ones but they aren’t my favorite either.
I know that so many people love epilogues.
I enjoy epilogues in most cases. I remember reading a book by one of my favourite authors (it was either Susan Mallery, Brenda Novak or RaeAnne Thayne) and I really wanted an epilogue. Many of her readers felt the same so she wrote one and attached it to her newsletter. I have read a few of these and enjoyed them. I guess this is one of those things that makes it nice there are so many different readers out there.
I know a lot of people who enjoy them, so I’m sure that’s why authors keep writing them.
I don’t care for epilogues either, especially in romances. We already know it’s a happily ever after, we don’t need to see the mundane reality of it. They also often feel rushed in my opinion! Great post!
Thank you, Amanda, I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels this way
Hi Wendy!
Hmmmm…. Interesting one. I’m not the worlds biggest series reader, so epilogues isn’t really something that bothers me all that much. I did wish that The book of two ways by Jodi Picoult had one though! Would have loved to know what happened now…
I haven’t read any of your books and I didn’t do a TTT, but I will be more mindful of epilogues after your post.
Have a wonderful Tuesday!!
Elza Reads
Thank you!