diff --git a/lib/chunkstream.js b/lib/chunkstream.js
index 71c8ce0..95b46d4 100644
--- a/lib/chunkstream.js
+++ b/lib/chunkstream.js
@@ -29,7 +29,7 @@ ChunkStream.prototype.read = function (length, callback) {
       this._process();
 
       // its paused and there is not enought data then ask for more
-      if (this._paused && this._reads.length > 0) {
+      if (this._paused && this._reads && this._reads.length > 0) {
         this._paused = false;
 
         this.emit("drain");