Odds are, in your lifetime, you have come across somebody that is deeply, unquestionably in love with books. It may be something as simple as a stack of books perpetually occupying their bedside table. Or, it may be as genuinely concerning as not sleeping for days, reading an entire series in preparation for the next book release. If you've never come across somebody like this...congrats! You are that person, the "lit nerd," of your friends! (Or, you are just hanging around the wrong people.)
1. Ebooks simply just don't cut it.
Any real "lit nerd" will tell you that Ebooks are not the same thing as a real book. Further expanding upon this, most of us will tell you that a "real," tangible paper copy of a book is much more satisfying. After all, there's a difference between cracking open a book and cracking open an Ebook: cracking the Ebook requires repairs.
2. Finishing a book brings mixed emotions.
Completing another book: simultaneously the most satisfying and painful thing a book lover can ever do. On one hand, you've made it through a riveting tale and hopefully, you've even learned something. On the other, you feel lost and have no idea what to do with your life now that your time is no longer occupied with one story. On to the next book!
3. Emotional attachment is real.
Every good author knows that the key to a successful story is hooking readers. The best way to reel in the audience? Relatable, lovable characters that, by the book's end, you feel you've known your entire life and would love to sit down to a family meal with.
4. Books are for reading, not for decoration....but that's still a benefit.
I'll refrain from judging those people who buy books because they "want to look educated," but only because a shelf that is fully stocked with well-read books can be one of the most beautiful things to the book lover. Book collecting is highly addictive.
5. "I've been reading for how long?"
If you've never been so absorbed in a book that somebody became genuinely concerned for your wellbeing, are you really a "lit nerd"? Do you even read, bro?
6. Iconic quotes make or break a book.
Face it, without the ever-eloquent words of Augustus Waters, the powerful diction of Harry Potter, or the classic musings of Holden Caulfield, literature would never survive past one generation.
7. Words have power.
Reading a good book can be a lot like talking to a college professor: thought-provoking, intriguing, and often very confusing.
8. Spoilers? Not Once.
If we wanted to know the ending, we would just go on Cliff's Notes or Spark Notes. Instead, the typical "lit nerd" reads to enjoy the process of the story to progress towards the "big reveal" of the ending. If you value your life, you'll keep this sacred ending or any related details to yourself. Seriously, don't even think about it.
9. Idle periods spent waiting for a sequel? The worst.
Let's face it, authors are only human and can only write so fast. But does that mean we have to wait years between books, sitting around looking for something to fill our time in the absence of quality reading material?
10. Cliffhangers suck.
What's the one thing that's worse than waiting around for a sequel for a seemingly interminable period of time? Waiting all of this time to get extremely important and anxiety-inducing answers about the previous book.
11. "New Book Smell" is better than any expensive cologne or perfume.
Anybody that loves to read knows the smell: fresh ink on crisp paper held together by the uncracked novel before you. Simple bliss.
12. "The book was better."
Regardless of who is cast, who the director is, where the film is made, and even how big the budget is...movies will never live up to the true joy that comes from reading a good book.
