In the hallowed halls of bookwormdom, where the scent of old paper is the preferred perfume and book stacks double as furniture, lies a series of challenges known only to the true devotees of the written word.
From the thrill of hunting down a rare edition to the agony of waiting for the next installment in your favorite series, we’re about to embark on a literary journey through the 20 unique, humorous, and sometimes challenging bookish problems that every literature lover faces.
Whether you’ve ugly-cried over a fictional character’s misfortune at 3 a.m. on a Tuesday or engaged in the risky business of reading while eating, we hope you’ll find your experiences reflected here. So, fellow bookworms, let’s turn the page and delve into the shared trials and tribulations that come with our beloved obsession.
Ah, the life of any bibliophile is filled with peculiar predicaments that only fellow literature lovers can understand and appreciate. Each type of reader faces their own unique problems, yet some issues leave no one unscathed.
Imagine the daunting sight of an ever-growing TBR pile that threatens to eclipse your living space, or the paralyzing indecision in a bookstore when every title calls to you, yet your wallet gently weeps. Then there’s the delicate dance of juggling multiple books at once, each vying for your attention like jealous suitors in a Jane Austen novel. And who has not been a victim of the late-night reading marathons, leaving you bleary-eyed yet utterly content, unless, of course, you’re grappling with the heart-wrenching aftermath of a story that ended too soon or too tragically.
Not to mention the social hazards—like trying to explain your emotional investment in fictional characters to non-readers without sounding like you’ve completely lost your grip on reality. Yes, being a bookworm is a unique blend of joy, madness, and a dash of masochism, but it’s a life we choose again and again, one page at a time.
Let’s delve deeper into the charmingly chaotic world of book lovers, and explore the most prominent problems that sprinkle our days with a mix of frustration and delight.
The TBR list—we all have one, a towering monument to our literary ambitions and perhaps our greatest source of bookworm angst. Every bookstore visit, every bookish conversation, every seemingly innocent scroll at Book-Tok adds another title or ten to the list of unread books we own. This ever-expanding scroll of titles represents not just books we wish to read, but worlds we can’t wait to explore, characters we’re destined to meet, and adventures we’re eager to embark on. Every book lover knows the thrill of adding a new gem to their TBR list, coupled with the nagging dread, “Will I ever get to read all these?”
How to overcome: Instead of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume, set achievable reading goals. Whether it’s a book a week or a book a month, having a clear target can help you make steady progress through your list. Sometimes, a little external motivation can also go a long way. Joining a reading challenge with specific prompts can encourage you to pick up books from your TBR list that fit the criteria, adding a fun twist to your reading journey.
Every bookworm knows the siren call of a bookshop’s aisles, the tempting allure of new glossy covers dragging you to the depths of uncharted lands. There’s an undeniable thrill in acquiring new titles and expanding your literary horizons with each purchase. However, this passion can lead to a common predicament: spending an exorbitant amount of money on books. Shelves overflow, stacks multiply, and yet the desire to own more books never wanes. It’s a delightful yet financially daunting cycle, where the love of books can sometimes lead us to empty pockets.
How to overcome: Fear not, fellow bibliophiles, for your bank account need not be a casualty of your literary love affair. Getting a member card for your local library can significantly cut costs, offering a well of books at your fingertips, completely free of charge. If you prefer owning your titles, you can consider thrift stores or used bookshops, where treasures await at a fraction of the original price. Setting a clear monthly book budget can also keep your spending in check, ensuring you enjoy your hobby without financial stress. Don’t forget the digital realm, where e-books and audiobooks often come at a lower cost or even free.
Ah, the emotional hangover—the proof of a book’s power to transport, transform, and sometimes, let’s face it, traumatize. It’s that poignant ache of parting with characters who’ve become dear friends, or the lingering shadow of a story that shook you to the core. Finishing a particularly moving or jarring novel can leave you adrift, mulling over plot twists at odd hours, or mourning losses as if they were your own. This literary-induced hangover is a peculiar mix of satisfaction and sorrow, a side effect of deeply immersive readings that leave a lasting imprint on our hearts and minds.
How to overcome: While there’s no magic cure for an emotional hangover, there are ways to ease the transition back to reality. First, give yourself permission to feel, acknowledging that the stories stirring such deep emotions signify the author’s impact. Sharing your thoughts with fellow readers can be therapeutic, too, offering a sense of camaraderie and closure. Diving into a new book can also help, perhaps choosing one with a different tone to cleanse your emotional palate. If the hangover is particularly heavy, a temporary switch to lighter or entirely different genres can provide a much-needed respite.
Series separation anxiety hits hard when you reach the end of a book and realize you have to wait an agonizingly indefinite amount of time to find out what happens next. It’s that mix of anticipation and frustration, the eagerness to continue the journey with characters you’ve grown to care deeply about, and the storyline that’s captured your imagination. This anxiety is a unique blend of impatience and longing, particularly poignant in today’s world of instant gratification, where waiting for the next book in a series can feel like an eternity.
How to overcome: While waiting for the next installment can be trying, immersing yourself in fan theories or engaging with a community on online forums can provide a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement. Another avenue to explore is fanfiction. Many fans turn their longing for the next book into creative fuel, crafting their own stories within the series’ universe. Reading or even writing fanfiction can be a satisfying way to stay connected to the characters and world you love, offering endless possibilities for what could happen next. Alongside this, delving into other works by the author or exploring similar genres can introduce you to new realms and narratives. Revisiting previous books in the series might also reveal nuances you missed, enriching your connection to the story.
Navigating the world as a book lover can sometimes feel like tiptoeing through a minefield of spoilers. One wrong click to a book review or overheard conversation can reveal a crucial plot twist or ending, diminishing the joy of discovery and the thrill of the unexpected. In today's age of instant communication and social media, avoiding spoilers for your current read, especially if it's a popular title, can be a Herculean task that requires vigilance and a bit of luck.
How to overcome: Be cautious with social media, especially platforms where book discussions are rampant. And for those moments when you do encounter a spoiler, try to reframe your perspective: knowing an outcome can sometimes enhance your appreciation of the storytelling craft, allowing you to focus on the how and why rather than the what. And if you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the spoiler-filled waters on purpose; some studies suggest that spoilers might actually enhance enjoyment, although, understandably, that’s a path not every bookworm will choose to walk on.
For book lovers, organizing a growing collection is a never-ending puzzle. How do you categorize your books? By genre, author, color, or perhaps some personal system that only makes sense to you? And let’s not forget the challenge of physically accommodating your literary acquisitions. As your collection expands, so does the need for more shelves, leading to the all-too-familiar dance of rearranging furniture, donating old books, or convincing yourself that stacking books on the floor is a new interior design trend.
How to overcome: First, take a breath and remember that organizing your books is part of the joy of collecting. Then start by deciding on a system that appeals to you and will make finding a book when you want it easier. If you’re visually inclined, organizing by color can transform your shelves into a rainbow of spines. For the more traditional, sorting by author or genre might be the way to go. Don’t be afraid to mix and match methods; perhaps your favorite authors deserve a special spot, or your to-be-read books could have their own dedicated shelf.
The classic bookworm dilemma of overpacking books is upon us yet again. Whether you’re heading off on vacation, a business trip, or just a day out, the question looms: how many books should you bring? There’s the fear of running out of reading material, countered by the practicality of luggage space and weight limits. This results in the all-too-familiar sight of a book lover staring at their suitcase, trying to decide which books make the cut and which must sadly stay behind.
How to overcome: To tackle the overpacking conundrum, start by realistically assessing how much reading time you’ll actually have. While it's tempting to imagine whiling away hours with a book, your itinerary might say otherwise. Choose versatile reads that can be picked up in brief interludes or one engrossing book that will last the entire trip.
Considering an e-reader or audiobook app, where you can store multiple books without the bulk, can be wondrous if you are indecisive. If you’re devoted to physical books, think about those that you’re close to finishing or paperbacks that won’t weigh you down.
There’s no shame in it—we have all been there. For many book lovers, getting lost in a powerful story isn’t limited to the privacy of home. Public reading can lead to unexpected public emotions. There you are, on the bus or in a park, when a story’s climax hits you right in the heart. Suddenly, you’re trying to disguise tears as allergies or a particularly intense yawn. Crying over a book in public can be awkward, drawing curious glances from bystanders who wonder why you’re weeping into your paperback.
How to overcome: First, embrace your emotional connection to the story—it’s a testament to the author’s skill and your empathy as a reader. Carry a “book lover's emergency kit”: tissues, sunglasses for a quick cover-up, and perhaps a less emotionally charged backup book or magazine. And if the tears do come, own it. If someone asks, it's a chance to share your passion for a great story. Who knows? Your public display might inspire a fellow reader to pick up the book and experience the heartbreak themselves.
Oh, unconventional reading habits. We all have them. Usually, it goes like this… The clock strikes midnight, but you promise yourself, just one more chapter. Before you know it, it’s 4 a.m., and the book’s grip tightens. Late-night reading sessions, while utterly enchanting, can lead to a next-day haze of exhaustion, fueled by the irresistible lure of a good story. The regret seeps in with the morning sun, questioning your nocturnal choices, even as a part of you whispers that it was worth every lost hour of sleep.
How to overcome: To combat late-night reading regrets, consider setting a reading alarm—a gentle reminder to put the book down at a reasonable hour. If the book’s pull is too strong, try switching to lighter, less gripping material as your designated bedtime reading. You can also create a wind-down ritual post-reading to signal to your body that it’s time to sleep, whether that's jotting down thoughts in a journal or doing some gentle stretches.
If all else fails and you find yourself bleary-eyed after a night spent in another world, embrace the day with a strong cup of coffee and wear your dark circles like a badge of honor. After all, part of the joy of reading is getting lost in a story so captivating that the real world fades away, if only for a night.
Adaptation agitation strikes when beloved books make the leap from page to screen, sometimes losing their soul in the process. It’s that gnawing fear that the intricate world and nuanced characters you fell in love with will be diluted or misrepresented. Remember the disappointment when “The Hobbit” was stretched into three overly long movies? Or the collective cringe as “Percy Jackson & The Olympians” veered off the narrative path fans cherished? These examples serve as cautionary tales, fueling the trepidation every time a new adaptation is announced. Will they honor the source material, or will our favorite scenes be left on the cutting room floor, characters altered beyond recognition, and plots twisted into unrecognizable shapes?
How to overcome: While it’s natural to feel protective of the books you love, remember that adaptations are a different medium and can offer a new perspective on familiar tales. To ease adaptation agitation, try to view the adaptation as a separate entity, an homage rather than a replica. Engage with fellow fans to share expectations, hopes, and, eventually, reactions to the adaptation. And remember, no matter how the movie or show turns out, the original book will always be there, on your shelf, unchanged and waiting to transport you back to the world you adore.
Lending books to friends or family is a generous act, an invitation to share in the joys of a good story. But sometimes, these beloved volumes embark on one-way journeys, never to see your shelves again. It’s the mystery of the vanishing books—a phenomenon that leaves bookworms wistful and wary. Will that cherished copy of “Pride and Prejudice” or the borrowed edition of “The Catcher in the Rye” ever return, or have they found new homes, leaving empty spaces on your bookshelf and in your heart?
How to overcome: Gentle reminders to borrowers can nudge them to return your books. And for those volumes too precious to part with, it’s okay to set boundaries and keep them for your eyes only. Alternatively, if you love sharing reads but hate losing them, consider gifting books instead.
Even with shelves groaning under the weight of countless stories, every bookworm occasionally faces the paradox of choice: so many options, yet nothing seems quite right. This literary limbo leaves you adrift in a sea of unread possibilities, unable to choose your next book. It’s a peculiar form of reader’s block, where indecision clamps down, immobilizing your reading momentum.
How to overcome: When faced with the dilemma of what to read next, sometimes a little structure can dispel the chaos. Consider a reading challenge that prompts you to pick up books you might not have otherwise considered. Alternatively, turn to bookish communities online or in real life for recommendations; sometimes, a passionate pitch from a fellow reader is all it takes to ignite your interest in a new book. Book clubs can also offer a sense of direction, providing a curated list of reads to explore. If all else fails, trust the time-honored method of closing your eyes, reaching out, and letting fate decide by picking a book at random. Embrace the serendipity of discovering your next favorite read in the most unexpected way.
Just as you’re reaching the climax of the story, where every word tugs you deeper into its world, the inevitable happens; an interruption. The doorbell rings, your phone buzzes, your pet decides it wants attention, or someone determines it’s the perfect moment to strike up a conversation. These disturbances can yank you out of the narrative, leaving you stranded between two worlds, and the frustration of losing that immersive thread can be immense. It feels like being abruptly woken from a dream, trying to grasp the strands of the plot as they slip away.
How to overcome: To preserve your reading time, try to create an environment that minimizes potential disturbances. Inform those around you that you’re diving into your book and would appreciate some uninterrupted time. Consider turning off your phone or using noise-canceling headphones to block out the world. If finding a quiet time is challenging, schedule your reading sessions during the night when interruptions are less likely.
It’s a moment every book lover dreads: the point in the story where a beloved character doesn’t make it. This loss can feel profoundly personal, as if you’re not just losing a fictional character, but a best friend you’ve laughed with, cried for, and rooted for page after page. The void left by their absence can loom large, casting a long shadow over the remaining chapters and sometimes making it difficult to press on or even pick the book up again. It’s a unique form of sorrow reserved for those who invest their hearts in the fictional worlds they explore, a testament to the bond forged between reader and character across the pages.
How to overcome: Coping with the loss of a favorite character requires time and acceptance. Allow yourself to grieve, acknowledging the impact the character had on you. Discussing your feelings with fellow readers can offer comfort and a sense of shared experience. If the story continues, try to stay engaged, appreciating how the character’s legacy influences the narrative and the growth of other characters. Creating fan art or writing could also serve as a therapeutic outlet, offering a way to keep the character's memory alive. Ultimately, remember that the most compelling stories often evoke strong emotions, and the impact of a character on your heart is a testament to their well-crafted persona and the immersive world you’ve been a part of.
Book collection amnesia strikes when you can't remember whether a particular book is nestled on your shelf, or if it was just a browsing whim that never materialized into a purchase. This forgetfulness can lead to duplicate buys or, conversely, missing out on a book you thought you already owned. It’s a peculiar side effect of having a vast collection, a lot of books to keep track of, where titles can blend into one another, creating a labyrinth of literature in your own home.
How to overcome: To combat book collection amnesia, consider creating a digital or physical catalog of your collection. Numerous apps and software are available to help you track your books, making it easy to search and confirm whether a title is in your possession before acquiring another copy. Regularly reviewing and organizing your collection can also keep your memory sharp about what’s on your shelves.
One of the greatest joys of reading is sharing your excitement about a book with someone who understands. However, not having a fellow book enthusiast to discuss plot twists, character arcs, or that jaw-dropping finale can feel isolating. This lack of shared enthusiasm can dampen your own excitement, leaving you with a bunch of thoughts and feelings about a book that you’re just bursting to share, but no receptive audience to appreciate them.
How to overcome: If your immediate circle doesn’t share your passion for reading, look beyond it. Join book clubs, either locally or online, where like-minded individuals gather to dissect and delve into discussions about their latest reads. Social media platforms dedicated to book lovers can also be excellent places to share your excitement and find others who are just as eager to talk about their favorite books. Libraries often host author talks and book discussion groups, providing another avenue to connect with fellow readers.
Another peculiar dilemma that some bookworms face; the speed-reading conundrum. You pick up a good book, and before you know it, you’re turning the last page, the story concluding almost as quickly as it began. While devouring books at lightning speed can be exhilarating, it often leaves readers feeling a tad empty, longing for the story to have lasted longer, allowing more time to savor the characters and the world they've temporarily called home.
How to overcome: To extend the pleasure of reading, try pacing yourself. Set reading goals that limit how much you read in one sitting or dedicate specific times for reading, making it a ritual rather than a race. Close-read the novel by taking notes, pondering themes, or even predicting plot twists. Alternatively, you could dive into books that are known for their complexity and depth, requiring a slower, more thoughtful pace.
Every reader encounters a book that just doesn’t resonate with them, yet there’s a peculiar reluctance to simply pull the bookmark out, put the book down and move on. Call it optimism, determination, or just plain stubbornness, but something compels us to keep turning the pages, hoping it’ll get better, even when every chapter feels like a slog. This reluctance can turn reading, usually a source of joy, into a chore, overshadowing the pleasure of discovering new stories and experiences.
How to overcome: It’s essential to remember that reading is a personal journey meant to be enjoyable and enriching. Giving yourself permission to quit a book that doesn’t engage you is not a failure, it’s an acknowledgment of your reading preferences and time’s value. If you’re struggling with this, try setting a benchmark—a specific page number or chapter by which the book must capture your interest. If it doesn’t, allow yourself to move on without guilt.
In the ever-evolving world of literature, staying updated with the latest releases and buzz-worthy authors can feel like a full-time job. For avid readers, there’s the constant challenge of balancing the desire to keep up with new books while also enjoying the timeless classics or catching up on past reads. The fear of missing out on a groundbreaking novel or a cultural phenomenon adds pressure to the already overwhelming choice of what to read next.
How to overcome: To stay informed without feeling overwhelmed, consider subscribing to book-related newsletters—like our very own—or following literary blogs and websites that resonate with your reading tastes. Social media platforms like Goodreads, book clubs, and podcasts can also be valuable sources for discovering new books and authors. However, it’s crucial to remember that reading is not a race. It’s okay not to read every new release or bestseller.
For many readers, annotating a book is a way to engage deeply with the text, jotting down thoughts, reflections, or questions. However, this can become a dilemma when deciding whether to mark up a cherished book. The thought of underlining passages, scribbling notes in the margins, or bending a page corner in a pristine book can be akin to a minor existential crisis for a book lover. On the one hand, annotations can enhance understanding and personal connection to the text; on the other, they can feel like a defacement of a treasured object.
How to overcome: If you’re torn about annotating, consider using removable methods first. Sticky notes, page flags, or even a dedicated notebook where you jot down page numbers and corresponding notes can be excellent alternatives. For those who decide to take the plunge and annotate directly, remember that these marks are a testament to your engagement and interaction with the author’s work, adding a unique layer of personal history to the book.
While navigating the world of literature comes with its unique set of quirks, remember that these “problems” are, in fact, a testament to our love for books—a love that connects us across pages and genres. So, whether you are a night owl reader, a book annotation aficionado, or someone perpetually in search of their next favorite book, embrace these quirks. They’re what make the reading experience so deeply personal and endlessly rewarding.
Don't let the story end here! For more bookish insights, tips, and shared commiserations on the quirks of being a book lover, subscribe to the Crewfiction newsletter. Dive into a community where your love for reading is not just understood but celebrated.
And while we’ve chuckled over the quirks of being a bookworm, don’t forget there’s a brighter side too! Head over to our post on the benefits of being a bookworm, where we celebrate the joys, discoveries, and life-enhancing perks of our shared passion for reading.
First and foremost, Nina is a reader; she devours literature with gusto, from classic novels to contemporary poetry to graphic novels and everything in between. She believes that within each story, there's a universe waiting to be explored, and loves exploring with company. She's often found sharing her perspective on characters, plot twists, and literary themes with friends. When her friends get tired of listening to her ranting, she writes blog posts sharing her explorations with the other bookworms of the internet. In recent years she has developed an inexplicable addiction to matcha lattes, but has asked us not to talk about that.
