10 Bookish Habits That Only Avid Readers Will Understand

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“I can survive well enough on my own – if given the proper reading material.”

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Being an avid reader is more than just a hobby – it’s a way of life! If you love books, chances are you’ve developed some quirky bookish habits that only fellow bibliophiles would understand. From reorganising your bookshelves for the hundredth time to the distinctive joy of sniffing a freshly opened novel, these little quirks are all a part of what makes being a bookworm so special. Reading habits are as unique as the stories we immerse ourselves in, and many avid readers have their own select routines. Maybe you’re someone who resists adding to your TBR pile, or perhaps you’re prone to pulling an all-nighter to finish a page-turner. Here at What We Reading we love celebrating all the weird and wonderful bookish habits that every passionate reader will recognise, whether that be crying over fictional characters or hoarding bookmarks you’re never actually going to use. Let us know which of these sound familiar to you! 

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1. Sniffing Books

There’s something magical about the smell of books that only a true reading enthusiast can appreciate. The smell of a freshly printed novel evokes excitement, while the musky aroma of old books stirs up a feeling of nostalgia. Science even backs this habit, revealing how the combination of ink, paper and glue creates a very distinctive fragrance. Avid readers can often be found discreetly sniffing books in libraries or bookstores. For these bookworms, it isn’t just about the words on the page – sometimes, the smell is all a part of the experience. 

2. TBR Pile Chaos

Every seasoned reader knows the struggles of a never-ending TBR (to-be-read) pile. Despite already possessing dozens of unread books, we can’t help ourselves adding more to the collection – whether it’s a new release, a library sale bargain or a gift from a fellow bookworm. Having a towering stack of books is both exciting and overwhelming, even if we know we’ll never get to finish all of them deep down.

3. Bookmark Hoarding

For those of us who don’t turn the corners of pages, bookmarks are a reader’s best friend. Many book lovers collect them, from elegant handcrafted designs to random freebies we scoop up at bookstores. Despite this, when comes time to mark a page, we often find ourselves reaching for whatever’s nearby: a receipt, a sticky note, a pen etc. Despite owning more bookmarks than we will ever conceivably need, losing them or forgetting to use them is a common bookworm habit. 

4. Recommending Books Like A Matchmaker

For readers, recommending books feels deeply personal, almost like matchmaking. We carefully consider a friend’s interests and personality before picking out the perfect novel for them. There’s an immense satisfaction in seeing someone fall in love with a story we all adore. But the pressure is also real – what if they fall flat? Sharing books is our way of sharing a part of ourselves, so getting it spot on is a labour of love. 

5. Pulling All-Nighters To Finish A Book

Who needs sleep when a book’s plot has reached its most compelling point? Avid readers often find themselves promising ‘just one more chapter’, only to realise that the sun is rising outside. The late-night marathon might result in some bleary-eyed mornings, but the satisfaction of finishing a gripping story normally outweighs the exhaustion. It’s just impossible to walk away when the stakes are stacked. 

6. Reading Multiple Books At Once

This is another one of the most hotly debated bookish habits in the literary world. Some readers need variety; so sticking to one book at a time just isn’t enough. One novel for cosy evenings in, a thriller for the morning commute, perhaps a non-fiction read for when you’re feeling productive – it’s all about balancing moods and interests. While some fear mixing up plots, for others, juggling stories enhances their reading experience. It’s a habit that reflects the diverse tastes of book lovers. 

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7. Getting Emotional Over Fictional Characters

For bookworms, characters feel like real people. We laugh at their triumphs, cry over their tragedies and mourn when a story comes to an end. Whether it’s a shocking twist or a bittersweet farewell, fictional characters have a way of attaching themselves to our hearts. This emotional connection is why readers return to their favourite stories time and time again – these characters become our lifelong companions. 

8. Judging A Book By It’s Cover (Guiltily)

This is undoubtedly one of the most common bookish habits that we find ourselves doing. But, let’s face it – covers matter. Readers are drawn to beautiful designs, striking typography or illustrations that spark curiosity. Even though a plain cover can absolutely hide a masterpiece, there’s an undeniable thrill in picking up a book that is as beautiful on the outside as it is within. It isn’t shallow – it’s appreciating the art of the whole package. 

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9. Library Vs. Buying Books

The eternal debate: borrowing or buying? Libraries are havens of discovery, offering endless choices without the tinges of guilt that come with buying. But buying books satisfies a collector’s craving – there’s joy in building your personal library. Most readers pick a combination of both, checking out books first and purchasing their favourites. 

10. Reorganising Bookshelves For Fun

For reading enthusiasts, a bookshelf isn’t just storage – it’s a canvas. Some arrange their books by genre, author, or alphabetical order; others prefer colour-coding aesthetics or chaotic stacks that only they can make sense of. Reorganising shelves is both a tool for therapy and inspiring, a chance to rediscover old favourites and admire the growing collection. It’s a habit that brings order and joy to a reader’s world. 

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Wrap Up

Being a serious reading enthusiast comes with quirky habits that make the reading journey special. From sniffing books to reorganising your shelves or getting profoundly attached to individuals who don’t exist, these traits connect us all as book lovers. They remind us that reading is much more than just a pastime. So, embrace your quirks and celebrate the habits that make you a true book lover. After all, these little behaviours are part of what makes the journey through pages and stories so magical. 

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