Let’s Talk Bookish: The Difference Between Book Addicts and Book Lovers

It has been two months since I’ve written a discussion and I am very excited to get back into them. When I first read this topic, I instantly knew that it would be interesting to hear other people’s opinions. So of course, I knew I should share my own.

Let’s Talk Bookish a weekly meme created by Rukky @ Eternity Books and is hosted by Rukky and Dani @ Literary Lion where we discuss various topics and share our opinions. Today’s topic is The Difference Between Book Addicts and Book Lovers (suggested by Jillian @ Jillian the Bookish Butterfly).

First of all, how do you define a book addict and a book lover? What are the differences between the two?

For me, I think a book addict has a negative connotation to it, while book lover sounds more positive.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, an addict is defined as: “one exhibiting a compulsive, chronic, physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, behavior, or activity.”

In this case, a book addict would need the activity of reading. I would define a book addict as someone who needs books to live–like truly needs them. If they don’t have them, it impairs their ability to live a normal and stable life. Book addicts may use books as a way to escape from the world, to spend a while in someone else’s shoes besides their own. However, these people take it a bit too far, relying solely on reading. They might begin to neglect other important deeds.

On the other hand, a book lover is someone who loves books. (I’m very literal, I know.) Reading is a major hobby of theirs and they enjoy doing it. They may think they wouldn’t be able to live without books–myself included–but it’s not an absolute necessity for them in order to live. Book lovers are able to focus on other activities that don’t involve reading, without being physically hurt by the fact.

I also think socialization plays a role. Reading is usually noted as a solo activity, unless you’re reading to someone or vice versa. I think a book lover could use reading as a way to take a break from the world, from other people, and just have some alone time. Addicts, however, use reading as a way to escape all the time. This may be because they don’t wish to socialize with others, which is something that we as humans need. Even the most introverted introverts need some sort of human contact. This can become unhealthy to that person.

Which one are you?

I am 100% a book lover. Reading is one of my favorite hobbies and has been since I learned to read. I may say that I can’t live without books, and while it would be very hard if that were the case, I would somehow manage to live. I also love to interact with my friends and family, try new things, and experience other hobbies.

Do you think that being a book addict is harmful for a person?

It depends on how severe it is. Like with any addiction, things can go too far. If someone is constantly using books as a way to escape from the world and people, yes, I think it can be harmful. I use books as a way to escape from the world, but not on a constant basis. Like I said above, socializing is a key part of life. If someone just shuts themself off from other people by reading books, or they begin to neglect other important things in life, then it becomes a bit of a problem.

Are there merits to being a book addict vs a book lover?

For a book addict, I don’t think so. Nothing good comes from being addicted to something. You can love something, but if you become overly obsessed with it, it could lead to an addiction. As for book lovers, sure! But these merits apply to reading in general, so both book addicts and book lovers receive these. Reading gives you a lens into people’s lives. You can learn about different cultures or traditions, historical events, unique experiences–there’s a myriad of things one can discover through reading. I’ve learned a lot of different things from reading books, whether they be fiction or nonfiction. While reading about these different people, you can also learn to empathize with them and what they’re going through.

Conclusion

Being an addict of anything isn’t good, even if it is something beneficial like reading. Reading books for pleasure is one thing; reading books so much that they become an absolute need to live is another.

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What are your thoughts on the differences between book addicts and book lovers? Is being a book addict harmful?