“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” – Stephen King
If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the pages of a book, completely oblivious to the world around you, you know exactly what he means. For many of us, reading is more than just a hobby; it's a way of life. Whether you’re diving into a gripping novel on a crowded train or sneaking in a few pages during lunch breaks, being a bookworm is a badge of honour. So, how can you tell?
Here’s a list of 10 signs (and a few personal anecdotes) that could prove you’re one of us.
1. “Just One More Chapter” Is Your Life Motto
We’ve all been there, right? It’s midnight, you’ve got a morning meeting or school, but the book is just too good to put down. “Just one more chapter” becomes “I’ll just finish this part,” and suddenly the birds are chirping. Once, I told myself I’d close the book at 3 a.m.—then my alarm for 6 a.m. went off, and I had to face the day with no sleep but plenty of plot twists. Spoiler: I made it through school in zombie mode, fueled by caffeine but no regrets.
2. You’ve Perfected the Art of Reading in Awkward Places
We bookworms read everywhere. In line at the grocery store, in waiting rooms, on public transportation. There was one time I was so engrossed while waiting at the hospital that I completely missed the doctor calling my name, four times. I only realized it when another person nudged me and whispered, “I think they're calling you.” Guess who still had two chapters left to go while going through an examination? I finished the book after the appointment ;)
3. You’d Rather Buy Books Than... Well, Pretty Much Anything
My wardrobe is lacking, my tech is outdated, and I still insist on using that old, fraying backpack. Why? Because I just couldn’t pass up the entire series of my favorite fantasy author when it went on sale. I might have to eat instant noodles for a month, but hey, you can’t eat a new laptop, right
4. Your TBR Pile Could Double as Furniture
The “to-be-read” pile is a familiar monster, one that lurks in the corner and silently judges you every time you bring home a new book. Last month, a visitor tried to set a coffee cup on top of my TBR pile, mistaking it for a table. I had to politely let them know it was my reading pile and not a contemporary piece of furniture.
5. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Fictional Feels
Oh, the public crying incidents. I remember once being on a train, reading an especially gut-wrenching chapter, and trying so hard to hold back tears. The conductor came by with a tissue and a kind smile, whispering, “Don’t worry, we all cry on trains sometimes.” Little did she know, I was crying over a fictional character’s heartbreak, not the delay.
6. Book Hangovers Are a Serious Condition
Ever finished a book so incredible that nothing else seems good enough to read next? You wander around the house in a daze, clutching the book to your chest, unsure how to go on with life. It's almost like grieving a loss.
7. The Library is Your Second Home
The librarians know you by name, and you’re familiar with every hidden reading nook. I once spent so much time in my favorite library that a new hire thought I worked there. I had to explain I just really liked being in the library. Until they had to change it from this moody, dimly lit space to bright and colourful. Ugh
8. You Speak in Literary References
Ever notice yourself responding to things with quotes like “To be or not to be” or “I am both happy and sad, and I’m still trying to figure out how that could be”? I once replied, “Winter is coming” to someone who asked if it was going to snow. They stared blankly while I giggled awkwardly to myself. Spoiler: winter did indeed come.
9. Book-to-Movie Adaptations Are Personal
“Oh, they’re making a movie of my favorite book? This is huge!” Cut to the casting announcement, and you’re ranting to anyone who’ll listen: “He doesn’t even look like the character!” My workaround? Watch the movie or series before you read the books.
10. You’re Secretly Judging Everyone’s Bookshelf
And last but not least, going to someone’s house and sneaking glances at their bookshelf is totally normal, right? Once, I was at a friend’s place and spent more time quietly analyzing their book collection than actually talking to people.
Being a bookworm means you’re part of a world of imaginary friends, sleepless nights, and perhaps still well-worn library cards. Here's to you, my fellow book lovers, may your TBR piles grow taller, your book hangovers be brief, and your coffee strong. cheers!
What’s your favorite book that gave you a hangover? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s celebrate the joy of reading together!
Add comment
Comments