There are people who read, and then there are readers. You know who you are- the kids who stayed up all night reading your favorite story only to be tired the next day. We're the kids who always had their nose in a book, who read because we genuinely loved it, and who got excited at the prospect of something new to devour. Even now we carry our love for reading into adulthood, and there are some things readers do that other people just don't get.
1. Mispronouncing words that you’ve only ever read.
Mine are “enveloped” (I pronounced it envelope-ed) and “epitome” (eh-pih-tome). You usually grow out of this as you hear people talk, but I know sometimes to my great embarrassment I accidentally say eh-pi-tome when I’m not thinking!
2. You mix up stories.
You read so many books in the past month and you loved them all, but the stories just blend together. Did one character travel back in time or did the other? Or was that something I read last year?
3. You annoy your friends when you see the movie.
“He didn’t do that in the book.” “Where are they? This didn’t happen until later.” I can’t stand the ending of the last Harry Potter movie, but someone who hadn’t read the book might just be able to enjoy it for what it is. Sometimes it’s almost like second nature. We can’t help but pick apart the portrayal of our favorite characters on screen- even if it’s annoying!
4. You miss book characters after a long book or a series.
I’m a big science fiction and fantasy reader, so I read a lot of books that are series, but I can’t be the only one who feels like the characters become like your friends. I miss finding out what they do next and what they’re thinking- I get addicted to the characters and the story. It’s sad when a book or series ends and you don’t have them every day anymore!
5. You have books on your shelf that are falling apart.
Now, I know some readers out there who take impeccable care of their books, and I commend you on that. I, for one, am not that person. My books will be in the pool with me, left open to a page overnight, creased, wrinkled, and torn. I think most of my Harry Potter Books don't have covers anymore. To me though, I love looking at these books and knowing how often I’ve read them and how long I’ve had them. The wrinkled yellow pages show me that it’s mine!
6. Bookstores aren’t boring, they’re exciting and nostalgic.
While I don’t go as much anymore (so sad), I always used to ask for gift cards to book stores for birthdays and Christmases. The excitement of getting to pick out whatever book I wanted was the best. Going into bookstores now really reminds me of childhood.
7. You miss reading for fun!
This mostly applies if you’re a college kid. I read every day, all day, but I can’t remember the last time I read for pleasure. From homework to class readings to trying to squeeze in a social life, it’s hard to find time to go back to the bookshelf. I know that I’m looking forward to when I can do that again, as I’m sure many busy readers are too.
