These ten GIFs perfectly describe some of the uniquely niche experiences that come with being a big fan of all things book and reading related.
As readers, we all experience certain things that only other readers can relate to. You try and tell a non-reader why you’ve had to put yourself on a book buying ban, or why you absolutely will not be coming out to the bar on the day Rebecca Yarros’ next book drops — they just won’t get it!
Us, though? We get it. We understand.
If you want to feel seen as a reader, take a look at these 10 GIFs that we think all readers will relate to. Whether you’re a TBR grower, a DNFer, or someone who loves to quietly cozy up in the evening — we know you.
Me If Buying Books Were a Sport
We’ve all been there, when you walk into a Barnes & Noble and come out with a bag the weight of your head, and a bank account significantly lighter. But what if we celebrated reading instead? What if I could win awards for my book shopping habits, rather than shame?
Me Pretending I’m the Main Character
Ever read a book and just feel like you have found kin with the main character? You just relate so hard, or you love them so much, that they’ve invaded your mind and heart?
Then a few days later, realized that you’ve kind of… absorbed parts of their character? Just us?
I’m Like a Book Dragon, I Hoard…
Listen, some people buy books to read them. Some people buy books because they simply cannot stop. And I’m not saying that I’m the latter, but I am saying my TBR is in triple figures, and I know all the staff at the local bookstore…
When Someone Asks to Borrow a Book
Do I shout about all my favorite books like it’s nobody’s business? Yes. Am I desperate to find people to talk to about books the second I finish reading them? Also yes. Will I willingly give you one of my books so that you can read it? Probably not.
My books are my prized possessions! I’ve spent years of my life curating my bookshelf, finding the books and editions I want, and keeping them safe… If I lend you a book, just know that it means I trust you with my heart and my soul.
That Feeling When You Start a New Book
Is there anything more exciting than opening the first pages of your new book and reading those all important first few lines? Your heart racing, your mind hooked immediately… It’s even better when it’s a book you’ve been waiting to read for a while or one that comes highly recommended.
We feel this the most when it’s a book we’ve been waiting to read, but is something new, something unlike anything we’ve read for a while.
When You Promised You’d Stop Buying Books, But…
It may have only been a promise to yourself, but we both know you never intended to keep it. Were you ever really going to keep out of the local bookstore? What about thrift stores? Second-hand stores? Vinted? Amazon? There are books everywhere! You can’t expect yourself to hold out, really, not when they’re just so easy to buy…
Besides, you’ve been thinking about buying a new bookshelf for a while anyway, right? Or at least, that’s what you’ll tell everyone that asks.
When You Want to Read but Life Gets in the Way
This is genuinely how it feels knowing that all of your books are waiting at home, and you’re stuck outside at work, or in your office. It’s like heartbreak, knowing they’re there, waiting to be read, and you’ve got to… adult? Who invented that! It’s not fair!
If I’m not reading, I’m thinking about reading. Dramatically, like this.
When Your New Book Arrives in the Mail
All packages are good, but is there anything more exciting than book mail? Whether it’s a book you’ve pre-ordered or one you found online and just knew you needed it immediately, this is pretty much exactly the little dance I do when I hear the mailman come by. Cue the running to the door, to the sofa, and ripping the box open as quickly as humanly possible.
Carboard? Thrown on the floor? Bubble wrap? Torn to shreds. Book? In my hands, flicking through the covers and the pages, inhaling that oh-so-perfect new book smell.
The Best Feeling in the World
After a long day or a long week (hell, after a short day too!), there is truly nothing more wonderful than curling up in your book nook. Your drink of choice by your side, the lights just high enough to read, maybe some candles off to the side… Add in some sweet treats, or push the boat out with a tasty glass of your favorite wine, and you’re in for the perfect evening.
When You See Someone Reading One of Your Favorite Books Out in Public
Does anyone else get that little burst of excitement when they’re out in public and they see someone reading one of their all-time favorites out in the real world? Maybe on the subway, or in a cafe, or wherever?
I always feel a need to go and talk to them, to ask them if they’re enjoying the book, to tell them what I think about it. I basically just want to rush over and tell them that we’re friends now. But that’s a bit much… right?
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Millie Ramm
Millie has been writing since she was a child, and has spent more time with her nose in books than anywhere else. She has been ghostwriting novels and editing for the past few years, and when not working she is curled up with her cats, looking for her next read.
