What Kind of Reader Are You?

Oregon J. Sinclair
Mar 17
4 min read

If you’ve spent any time on bookish corners of the internet, you’ve probably seen someone describe themselves as a type of reader. But what does that even mean? Are we all secretly divided into reading categories? Let’s dive into some of the most fun and relatable types of readers out there. Whether you’re scribbling in the margins or letting the books pile up on your nightstand, there’s a category for you.

The Annotator
Do you mark your books up like they're a treasure map? Highlighters? Notes in the margins? The Annotator doesn't just read books—they engage in a deep relationship with them. Every piece of wisdom, every quote that speaks to their soul, is carefully captured for later reflection. Their shelves are filled with books covered in colorful ink, and every time they pull one down to reread, it’s like opening a conversation with their past self.
The Re-Reader
Some readers crave the thrill of discovery with every book, but The Re-Reader knows that good things are worth revisiting. They’ll happily pick up a book for the 3rd, 4th, or even 10th time, sinking back into the comfort of familiar characters and worlds. Every time they revisit a story, they find something new to appreciate, something they missed the first time. These readers believe that, much like good relationships, great books get better with time.
The TBR-Hoarder
You know the feeling—you’re browsing a bookstore, your local library, or scrolling through your online wish list, and you find a book that calls to you. You grab it without hesitation, despite the fact that your shelves are already overflowing. The TBR-Hoarder thrives on acquiring books. They may not get to them immediately, but their to-be-read pile is a monument to possibility. It’s a visual reminder that there’s always something new to explore—once you finish the other 37 books you’ve bought this year.
The Audiobook Aficionado
Who says you can’t read and multitask? The Audiobook Aficionado has unlocked the ultimate superpower: enjoying books while cooking, cleaning, walking, and even running errands. Whether they’re diving into the latest fantasy epic or getting lost in a memoir, audiobooks allow them to experience stories in a whole new way. For them, every commute is a chance to absorb more plot twists, character arcs, and emotional highs. Some might even say their listening experience is as immersive as reading a physical book—but hey, they get to do it in their pajamas while sipping coffee.
The One-Chapter Wonder
The One-Chapter Wonder starts strong, making their way through the first chapter of a book with enthusiasm and excitement… and then they put it down. For some reason, the momentum just doesn’t carry through. Maybe they’re distracted by the next shiny new book, or life gets in the way, but somehow that book never gets finished. They are always in the middle of multiple stories, always wondering if the next book will be the one that captures their full attention. But hey, at least they know what the first chapter feels like.
The Bookstagrammer/Booktoker
For these readers, books are not just for reading—they’re for sharing. The Bookstagrammer/Booktoker documents every bookish moment, whether it’s a gorgeous hardcover nestled in a cozy nook or a thoughtfully staged flat lay. Their bookshelves are organized by genre, color, and, occasionally, their mood. Their love for books is matched only by their desire to create visually captivating content, sharing recommendations, reviews, and beautiful photography with a dedicated following. The TBR pile? It's as much for the aesthetic as it is for the reading pleasure.
The Speed Reader
For The Speed Reader, the objective isn’t necessarily to savor every word or note every detail. They’re in it for the thrill of getting through it. These readers can devour a book in hours, flipping through pages at lightning speed. They might miss a few subtle details or have to go back to reread, but their love of consuming stories at warp speed makes up for it. They often challenge themselves to read more books per month than they could possibly count—and they do it all with a sense of pride.
The Genre Enthusiast
This reader isn’t about dabbling in different genres—they’re all in on one. Fantasy? They live in that world. Romance? They’ve read every trope from enemies to lovers to fake dating. Thriller? They can solve the mystery before the last page. The Genre Enthusiast knows their niche and digs deep into it, exploring every subgenre and sub-subgenre until they’re a walking encyclopedia on the topic. Sure, they might branch out occasionally, but they always come back to their one true love.
The Collector
The Collector’s relationship with books goes beyond reading; it’s about owning a piece of literary history. These readers search for first editions, limited prints, signed copies—the rarer, the better. Their shelves are a curated library, a treasure trove of literary artifacts. Each book has its own story, not just from its pages, but from its journey into the collector’s hands. To them, reading isn’t just about the content; it’s about the experience of owning something special.
The Mood Reader
If you ask The Mood Reader what they’re reading, don’t expect a clear answer. They might have five or six books in progress at once, all depending on their mood. One day, they’re all about fantasy, and the next, they’re diving into a cozy mystery. The important thing is how a book feels in the moment. This type of reader follows their gut and trusts that the right book will appear at just the right time. If you're looking for a book to change your perspective on the world, they'll probably be your best recommendation—if they're in the mood to discuss it, of course.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum, each of these types brings something special to the reading community. Maybe you’re a mix of a few (who could resist the pull of an audiobook when life is too busy to read?). Whatever type of reader you are, the important thing is that you’re part of the vast and wonderful world of books.