Being a bookworm is more than just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. From obsessing over new book launches to always carrying your favourite read in your bag, there are certain quirks only true bookworms can relate to. If you’ve ever been told, “You have too many books” (as if that’s possible), this one’s for you.

1. Smelling Books Like It’s a Fine Wine

New or old, there’s nothing like the smell of a book. You’ve probably cracked open a fresh paperback or buried your nose in a vintage hardback just to enjoy that unique scent. It’s not weird - it’s magical.

2. Bringing a Book Everywhere (Just in Case)

Whether it’s a trip to the dentist, the school run, or even a quick coffee run, you never leave home without a book. Who knows when you’ll get the chance to sneak in a few pages?

3. Reading Multiple Books at Once

You have a thriller for your commute, a cosy romance for bedtime, and maybe even an audiobook for chores. Balancing multiple storylines? It’s a skill only true bookworms have mastered.

4. Judging a Room by Its Bookshelf

Let’s face it: whenever you walk into someone’s home, your eyes immediately dart to their bookshelves. Their collection (or lack of one) tells you everything you need to know.

5. Owning More Books Than You’ll Ever Read

Your TBR pile is more like a mountain, but that doesn’t stop you from buying new books. The thrill of adding to your collection is half the fun!

6. “Just One More Chapter”... Until 1 A.M

You’ve said it before: “I’ll stop after this chapter.” But when the plot thickens, stopping is not an option. Next thing you know, it’s the middle of the night, and you’re promising yourself just one more chapter.

7. Crying Over Fictional Characters

When a character dies or a love story ends tragically, it feels personal. Non-readers don’t understand, but you’re mourning someone you love!

8. Carefully Curating Your Bookshelves

Your bookshelf isn’t just storage; it’s a masterpiece. Whether you organize by colour, genre, or author, hours are spent arranging and rearranging to perfection.

9. Getting Emotionally Attached to Book Covers

Sometimes you buy a specific edition because the cover is gorgeous. And if there’s a new, prettier version of a book you already own? You might just “accidentally” buy it again.

10. Being Distracted by Bookshops

A quick stop at a bookshop is never quick. You could spend hours browsing, reading blurbs, and mentally adding to your TBR list. And let’s not talk about how much money you’ve spent!

11. Memorising Your Favourite Quotes

Certain lines stay with you forever. You might even have a notebook full of quotes, or you find yourself weaving them into everyday conversations as if they’re your own!

12. Hating When a Book You Love Ends

Finishing a great book is bittersweet. On one hand, you’re satisfied with the ending and you can update GoodReads with a smile on your face; on the other, you’re heartbroken it’s over. Book hangovers are real.

13. Evangelising Your Favourite Reads

If you love a book, you want everyone to read it. You’ve probably loaned out copies to friends or started entire conversations with, “You HAVE to read this!”

14. Getting Defensive About Adaptations

When your favourite book gets turned into a movie or series, you watch with cautious optimism -and a lot of judgment. (“That’s not how it happened in the book!!!”)

15. Fantasising About Owning a Library Like Belle’s

Admit it: when you saw Belle’s library in Beauty and the Beast, you thought, That’s the dream. One day, your home will have floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a rolling ladder.

Once a bookworm, always a bookworm…

Being a bookworm comes with its own set of unique habits, quirks, and joys. While others might not always understand why you smell your books or stay up all night reading, fellow book lovers know exactly where you’re coming from.

Keen to develop more weird bookish habits? If you’re not already a Chapter 25 member then why not find a book club near you or join the waitlist for our many clubs that are launching soon!