Books open up worlds of knowledge, imagination, and perspective—but not everyone has experienced that joy.
Sometimes, it’s hilariously obvious when someone has never cracked open a novel. Here are 15 signs they might just not be a reader, and while it’s not the end of the world, it is a shame for them.
1. They confuse famous authors with celebrities.
When someone thinks Tolstoy is a new pop artist or confuses Jane Austen with a movie star, it’s a giveaway they’re not hanging out in the literary section. They might even try to bluff their way through by dropping random names they’ve heard in passing.
2. They claim they “just watch the movie.”
Source: Unsplash If their answer to every book recommendation is, “I’ll just catch the film adaptation,” it’s safe to assume they’re not spending evenings curled up with a good read. They probably don’t realise how much depth and detail they’re missing out on.
3. They have a bookshelf filled with decor, not books.
When their “library” is perfectly curated with fake plants, framed photos, and artfully placed knick-knacks but no actual books, you know they’ve prioritised aesthetics over reading. They might own a book or two, but they’re usually untouched coffee table editions.
4. They think all books are boring.
Anyone who declares that “books are boring” probably hasn’t explored genres beyond the required reading from school. They’ve likely missed out on the excitement of a gripping thriller or the charm of a laugh-out-loud memoir.
5. They mispronounce common book titles or characters.
Whether it’s calling it *The Great Gaspy* or misnaming Hermione as “Hermy-own,” these slip-ups are clear signs they’ve never read the actual text. They’ve heard of these works, but the details are hilariously lost on them.
6. They think “classic” means old and irrelevant.
To them, a classic novel is just a dusty, outdated relic with no modern appeal. They probably don’t realise these timeless stories still resonate deeply with readers today, addressing universal themes and emotions.
7. They’ve never used a bookmark.
When asked about bookmarks, they might laugh and say, “What’s that for?” They’re missing out on the joy of picking up exactly where they left off, though they might argue it’s because they’ve never needed one.
8. They think bookshops are for coffee, not books.
When visiting a bookshop, their focus is on the café and snapping photos, not exploring the aisles. They might vaguely glance at the shelves, but it’s clear they’re more interested in the ambiance than the literature.
9. They can’t name a favourite author.
Ask them who their favourite author is, and you’ll probably get a blank stare or a joke about Dr. Seuss. Without a connection to any writer, their understanding of books might be stuck in childhood favourites—or non-existent.
10. They don’t understand the appeal of libraries.
Libraries might seem like an outdated concept to them, something they associate with overdue fines and whispering librarians. They don’t realise the treasure trove of free books and knowledge they’re missing out on.
11. They’re surprised books are still being written.
“Wait, people are still writing books?” is a question they might genuinely ask. They seem to think the literary world stopped somewhere in the mid-1900s, unaware of the amazing contemporary authors making waves today.
12. They assume all bookworms are introverts.
They’re convinced that anyone who loves reading must be shy and reclusive. They don’t understand that books attract people of all personalities, from the outgoing adventurer to the quiet thinker.
13. They have no idea what a book club actually does.
They picture book clubs as a stuffy gathering of intellectuals dissecting Shakespearean sonnets, not realising they’re often social, lively groups full of laughter, wine, and contemporary reads. The concept of discussing a book seems foreign to them.
14. They assume audiobooks don’t count.
They’re quick to dismiss audiobooks as “not real reading,” showing they haven’t experienced the immersive joy of being swept into a story while driving or relaxing. They miss the point that storytelling is about the content, not the format.
15. They’ve never had a “book hangover.”
Ask them about the feeling of finishing an amazing book and being unable to start a new one, and they’ll have no idea what you’re talking about. They don’t understand how a story can stay with you long after the last page is turned.
