Okay, be honest: how many bookish habits do you have that you didn’t even realize were habits? You know, those little quirks that make reading feel even more personal and, well, yours? I swear, if you look closely enough, you’ll find that you’ve developed all kinds of sneaky little rituals around books. Whether you’re marking up pages like it’s your job or sniffing that fresh new book smell like it’s the best thing ever—trust me, we’ve all got these hidden bookish habits.
But you’re not alone. I mean, who hasn’t secretly flipped to the last page to see how much heartache is coming your way, right? Speaking of quirky bookish habits, have you checked out my blog on Why Annotating Books Is the New BookTok Obsession? If you’re into marking your favorite passages and adding your own notes to your books, this one’s for you! And for those of us who fear finishing a good book, Why Book Lovers Fear Finishing a Good Book will totally resonate with you. But now, let’s dive into those sneaky little reading habits we do without realizing it—the hidden bookish habits you didn’t know you had.
Anyway, let’s dive into these habits that we all have, but don’t always talk about. You might be surprised by just how many you actually do.
Reading Multiple Books at Once (Oops, You Do It Too)
Okay, let’s be real: we all know that person who’s totally into reading multiple books at once. And that person? Yep, it’s probably you. You’ve got one book for when you’re in a cozy mood, another for when you want to get your heart racing, and maybe a third that everyone on social media is telling you to read. You might not even realize it, but you’re juggling these books like it’s no big deal.
And honestly? It feels right. Sometimes you need different genres to match your mood. One book feels like a warm hug, another is full of suspense, and maybe that third one is just there for when you want to pretend you’re actually keeping up with the trends. I mean, who says you can only read one book at a time? Not us.
The “Smell Test” (Don’t Lie, You Do It)
If you’ve ever taken a deep whiff of a book (new or old), you’re definitely not alone. Don’t pretend like you’re above it. There’s something about the smell of fresh ink and paper to make you feel like you are inhaling pure happiness. And if you feel guilty, don’t. That smell? It’s something to do with the whole experience. It’s not only about what’s in the pages, but how the book makes you feel. So yeah, sniff away. We all do it.
Your Bookshelf Looks Like a Pinterest Board, Right?
Okay, so maybe you’ve never admitted this, but you definitely organize your bookshelf based on how pretty it looks, right? I’m not talking about just the genre thing—though that’s cool, too—but I’m really talking about those color-coordinated shelves that look like they belong in a magazine.
It’s totally okay. I get it. If your bookshelf looks like a rainbow, it just gives the impression that you have your life together. Sure, the title you want may not always pop up on the first try, but who cares at this level of appearance? This is one of those secret bookish habits that just feels right. It’s not about being practical—it’s about creating a little visual oasis that’s uniquely yours.
Ultimate Bookish Habit: Dog-Earing Pages (We All Do It)
Look, I know, we’re supposed to use bookmarks, but be honest—how often do you find yourself dog-earing pages in your favorite books or using random things as a bookmark? It’s like, you just get so into the story, and before you know it, your book is full of those little creases marking the most epic moments.
Do I feel guilty about it? Eh, not really. Sure, we’ve all been taught that books should be treated like fragile treasures, but the truth is, dog-earing a page means you’re connecting with it. That’s your way of saying, “This part hit me right in the feels.” So, I’m not judging you. Just don’t tell your most OCD bookish friend about it, and we’re good.
Reading the First and Last Pages (I Won’t Tell Anyone)
I won’t lie: occasionally I turn to the first and end pages of a book before starting. Don’t act like you’ve never done it, too. It’s almost like you’re prepping yourself for what’s coming. Maybe it’s to check the vibe, or maybe you just really need to know if you’re about to go on an emotional rollercoaster.
And hey, it’s not about spoiling things—it’s more like a little preview, right? A way of reassuring yourself that you’re not about to get your heart broken in the worst way. So, if you’ve got a habit of flipping ahead? You’re definitely in good company.
The Hidden Bookish Habits of Re-Reading Your Favorite Parts (Again and Again)
How many times have you re-read your favorite scenes? Be honest. You know that one chapter, the one that makes you feel all the things, that you just have to go back to every now and then. And honestly? There’s no shame in it.
Whether it’s that epic romance or that badass battle scene, re-reading those pages just hits differently. It’s like you’re revisiting old friends, and who doesn’t want to experience that? So go ahead, keep marking up those pages, keep revisiting the parts that make you smile (or cry). It’s your reading experience, after all.
Skipping Ahead to See How Many Pages Are Left (It’s Fine)
Okay, you definitely know this one: you’re reading along, and suddenly, you just have to know how much more time you have left in the book. You flip ahead to see how many pages are left, just to prepare yourself. Is there more heartbreak coming? How much longer do you have with these characters? It’s like a coping mechanism.
You might feel guilty about it, but you know what? We all do it. It’s like a little cheat sheet for the emotional toll of the story. So, next time someone catches you flipping ahead, just shrug. They’ve probably done it, too.
The Hidden Bookish Habit of Starting a New Book
Finally, there’s nothing like the feeling of starting a new book. You’re cracking open the cover, the pages feel fresh, and it’s like stepping into a whole new world. Even if you’re in the middle of a bunch of other books, there’s always that excitement when you finally get to start something new.
It’s not just about the plot—it’s about the possibilities. You get to meet new characters, discover new places, and dive into a fresh story. Honestly, it’s that thrill that makes reading so addictive. And let’s be real, who doesn’t love that feeling?
Final Thoughts: Hidden Bookish Habits You Didn’t Know You Had
So, there you have it—those secret bookish habits that we all have but don’t always talk about. Whether you’re sniffing books, re-reading your favorite scenes, or flipping to the last page to prepare your heart for what’s coming, these little quirks make reading so much more than just turning pages.
And hey, if you’re still looking for more bookish content, check out my posts on How to Romanticize Reading When You’re in a Reading Slump, Fiction’s Favorite Fantasy Creatures and Book Character Spotify Playlist: What They’d Listen To for even more fun bookish discussions!