When you're reading a book, and you're absorbed in the story, and the tension is building, and something really terrible or horrifying or tension-breaking may or may not be about to happen, what do you do?

I read faster and faster, gripping the book tightly, until I can't stand it and I skim quickly ahead until I find out what happens (or doesn't). Then, somewhat relieved, I return to where I was when I was overcome, and read through at a normal pace.

Sometimes the narrative tension is just too much to bear.

I think I've been doing that for a long time, involuntarily, but I only recently became aware of it. It reminds me of a speed-reading technique that a coworker explained to me once, or maybe it was a method for improving reading retention. Try it: Skim a book from start to finish, looking at every page but not actually reading. Then read the book. Skimming it will have established a framework in your mind, allowing you to read more quickly. Or maybe you retain it better.

It also reminds me of the way you study any narrative art: The piece must be consumed at least twice. The first time you let the story unfold and affect you. It is in charge. The second time (and thereafter) you are able to examine it more objectively as you become more immune to its tensions, surprises, etc. You have to take charge if you're going to analyze it.