How to Be More Bookish

What does it mean to be bookish? And how to be more of it.

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If you don’t own the book cart are you even bookish?

First things first, this is largely meant to be satire. It’s my commentary on recent “bookish” trends or quirks, many of which I take part in myself. This is simply meant to be silly and fun, not to offend anyone. Whether you consider yourself a bibliophile, book nerd, bookworm or bookish, some of these things may ring true and some might not make any sense to you, it doesn’t make you any less or more of a book lover. Okay? Okay!

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Bookish adjective 
Book•ish (bu-kish)
1 a: of or relating to books
   b: fond of books and reading
2 a: inclined to rely on book knowledge
   b: of words  : literary and formal as opposed to colloquial and informal
   c: given to literary or scholarly pursuits
   also : affectedly learned
(As defined by Merriam-Webster)

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Maybe you, like I, thought bookish was a relatively new term, you would be wrong. Shakespeare actually used the word “bookish” in his play The Winter’s Tale, which was first performed in 1611, but the word dates back even further. While the term bookish may be enjoying a recent uptick in popularity, the first known use of the word was actually in 1542. That’s the same year of the words adulteress, hippopotamus and dictatorship’s first known use as well. Quite a year for words, and it has me wondering: what were they calling hippos before 1542?

So, what does bookish mean? As evident from the definition above, Bookish can have both positive and negative connotations. On one hand it describes a love and fondness of books, which is the way I like to use it. On the other hand it can be used to describe a person who is so involved with books that they miss out on real world experience, and with the amount of times I’ve considered canceling plans to stay at home and read, I am dangerously close to fitting this definition as well. Bookish for better or for worse, here are some tips on embracing the bookish lifestyle when reading just isn’t enough:

Have multiple types of books on hand at all times

We all have preferences when it comes to how we like to read. Personally, I will always prefer a paperback over a hard cover, or an e-reader, but that doesn’t mean I only read paperbacks. In fact, there’s never a time that I don’t simultaneously have a different book going on my kindle, on audio and a physical book. That’s right, I read three books at once, and I know a lot of people who do this as well. I also know people who read one book, but have the physical copy, e-book copy and audio version. Whether you read one book at a time or three, why not have a physical book to read at home, an audiobook to read in the car and an e-reader to take on the go?

Own a book cart

We’ve all seen the viral book carts, decorated in an assortment of bookish stickers and saddled with the burden of carrying our out of control TBRs. If you don’t own one of these are you even bookish? I hope so, because I still don’t have one. I do have one on my amazon wishlist, and I think they are adorable and the perfect addition to any reading nook or home library. Plus, having one would kind of make me feel like a librarian, which I would love to be, but you won’t catch me paying for a Masters in library science in this lifetime, so a book cart will have to do.

Decorate your kindle with seasonal book stickers

Whoever had the idea of decorating their Kindle with stickers under a clear case without actually sticking them to anything is an absolute genius. Whoever you are, you deserve some kind of award ma’am. It’s something we all take for granted now, but remember when we actually used to stick our stickers to things? Never again. I’ve found some of my favorite book stickers on Etsy, Amazon or received them through subscriptions, like my Night Worms subscription. You better believe I’m going to change up my Kindle case with seasonal stickers at the turn of every season, like any book nerd would.

Subscribe to a book box or own a membership card to a bookstore

I am guilty x3 here. With a stack of unread BOTM books, a hoard of Night Worms artwork, coffees and teas that I cherish and as a Premium Barnes & Nobles awards member, it’s safe to say that I’ve spent more than I’d like to admit on books. Oh, I’ve cut back on my spending but there are some things I just can’t give up. Also, I’ll say my will power is pretty strong, otherwise I’d be paying for many more book box subscriptions. In fact, lately I’ve been reading the majority of my books for free! Still, if you are bookishly inclined chances are you either do subscribe to a book box, or you want to.

Own entirely too many bookmarks

The good thing about bookmarks is that owning a lot of them will cost you significantly less than owning a lot of books. I have so many bookmarks that I’ve gotten for free, or for purchasing books, which I was going to do anyway. I’ve gotten bookmarks from subscriptions, on Etsy, Amazon, at B&N and I’ve even made them on Canva for myself and for my book club. I especially love the little magnetic ones that sit at the top of the page. Since I would rather eat a book than dog ear its pages, it’s good to have an ample supply of bookmarks around.

Know where all the Little Free Libraries are wherever you go

If you’re a serious bookworm you’ll know that you can search for a Little Free Library in your area. If you’re really lucky, you’ll have one of your own. That’s my dream. Why not take it one step further by searching for and visiting LFLs wherever you go? This is a great way of reading more for free and to make space on your shelves when you have books that need to find new homes. I love the idea of Little Free Libraries and think it is one of the most wholesome things about the book community.

Have book related glassware, cups and mugs

Besides dogs, what goes great with reading? Coffee of course, and hot chocolate and wine and beer or basically just any of your favorite beverages. Maybe you love staying hydrated. A Stanley tumbler with “A well read woman is a dangerous creature” engraved on it will help you hit your water goals. Like to unwind with a little bit of wine every now and then? Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a brother who thinks gifting you a glass that says “When I think about books, I touch my shelf” is the perfect Christmas gift (jk Dill, I love it.) If you can’t be bothered before you’ve had your coffee, well then, you’re going to have to collect coffee mugs from all your favorite indie bookstores.

Have a closet full of bookish totes, forget to use them, buy more

With the plastic bag nearing extinction, you better not be caught out without a reusable bag. I love my quirky Trader Joes bags, even though I rarely shop there and the giant reusable T.J. Maxx bags are a staple in my house, but a book haul or trip to the library just doesn’t feel right if I’m not using a dedicated bookish tote. I like to collect them from indie bookstores whenever possible, and my current favorite is from Beacon Hill Books. Why do I have so many, you ask? I should probably start keeping one in the car, so I don’t keep forgetting to bring them.

Join a bookclub in person or online

Yes, reading can be a great way to enjoy solitude and books are great for whisking you away to your own imagined world, but having no-one to discuss your last read with can be lonely. That’s where book clubs come in. They’re also a great way to make new friends as an introvert and with so many virtual book clubs, it takes the pressure of being social in person when you’re not feeling like it out of the equation. I love my in person book club, and everything that comes with it: book discussions with friends, charcuterie boards, cocktails and sometimes book themed desserts. Like the time I made “Stinky’s Brain Parfait” for our Holly book club meeting.

Create the ultimate reading sanctuary

Everyone should have their own personal sanctuary in their home, regardless of what you plan to do in it. What we bookworms dream of is a home library or a perfect little reading nook. My vision includes a comfy chair which fits me and at least two dogs, a corner bookshelf from Ikea, a fireplace and some dreamily scented candles. While there are plenty of bookish candles out there, my favorite has to be my Mythologie candles. While not directly related to books, though a few are, they are mostly fantasy and mythology themed and a great tool for creating the perfect atmosphere to send your brain on a little reading vacation.

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How’d I do? Did I miss anything? Do you think of yourself as bookish, and if so what makes you a bookish person?

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