Anyone else feel like they need an AA meeting because they are a little (a lot) interested (obsessed) with reading and books? For the about of time, energy, and money spent because of this passion (addiction)? Us book lovers can’t seem to function without reading and can develop a twitch just thinking about the time not spent reading. In fact, all we do is think about getting through whatever it is we are currently doing to get back to reading. Literally counting down the hours or minutes until we are reunited with the story that has ensnared us in its prose.

1. When time literally means nothing to you

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Seriously though, time has absolutely no meaning. We become so engrossed in the story, an hour flies by in what felt like ten minutes. Then another, and another, and before you know it, it’s two in the morning and you need to get up in four hours to get to work, and all you’re thinking is who needs sleep? Or food? Or a shower? Or sunlight? I NEED to know what happens next!

2. The smell

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If I could bottle up the smell of books and create a candle, I’d burn my house down with the number of candles that would be burning at the same time.

Do yourself a favor, and fan a book’s pages in your face and take a deep breath.

3. Uncomfortable? Nope

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We are masters at ignoring whatever uncomfortable position we may find ourselves in. We are amateur contortionists, but somehow only have this skill with a book in our hands.

4. When book stores become the only store

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Places like Barnes and Noble are to you what Target is to a white girl. You say to yourself, I’m only going in to browse, or I’m only buying ONE thing! But you’re giddy, literally giddy, as you walk up to the doors and immediately pause at the entrance to take it all in.  The smell alone ignites all your senses and you’re on high alert for bargain deals, or the book you just gotta have!

5. Tuning out skills are next level

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You know you’re a book lover when you can easily tune out an entire room full of people. No matter where you are or what you are doing, your attention is focused on the book. Your friends and family and learned to accept this and act accordingly by repeating your name over and over, or throwing things at you until you notice. At least they’re having fun.

6. Books are the biggest emotional investment

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You stopped questioning the range of emotional responses a book brings out of you. You’re laughing, crying, yelling, nostalgic, sad, happy, and depressed. It’s normal behavior, and if a book can’t get you there, it’s not worth it.

7. The book is ALWAYS better

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Everyone else is gushing about the movie and how well it was made and how good the acting was, and us readers aren’t even participating. We’re brooding in the corner with our arms folded lamenting at the injustice Hollywood did on the great story. There is no convincing us, the books are always better.

8. Giving book recommendations is life

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We pride ourselves in our excellent taste in books and are so excited you actually took our advice but also terrified you’ll hate it. It’s not just a book recommendation. It’s like setting you up on a blind date, and we better deliver or you will never look at us the same again.

9. Finishing a book is like losing a friend

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Whether it’s a book or series, finishing is like saying goodbye to a friend.

10. Feel lost when in-between books

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The time between is a little confusing. You ask yourself what people do with their life when they’re not reading, and you know you’d never want to live like those heathens ever again.