Okay, here’s a thing:

Not all book lovers are introverts, and not all introverts are bookworms.

Yes, there’s definitely some crossover, and that’s why there’s this general misconception that all bibliophiles are introverts. 

Personally, I think it depends on what kind of books a person reads. For example, if a person reads books on interpersonal or social skills, chances are they’ll be extroverts (or ambivert at least). 

If they read philosophical, inspirational, classical or fantasy books, they’ll probably avoid small talks, because they react at a more mature level than most of their peers (hence, Introverts). 

Again, there is no fixed rule. No one-size-fits-all scenario. I know people who love reading and are very outgoing, and I also come across those who keep it to themselves.

Now back to why most of the book lovers are introverts:

 

They Find a Better World in Books 

For many bookworms, the world of books beckons to them with almost a magnetic force. To them, stories are not pointless. In fact, they allow them to have the most enriching experiences. 

They learn about things they wouldn’t have learned anywhere else. They experience emotions and witness ideas most people wouldn’t talk about; which also helps them avoid rigid thinking, snap judgements, and poor decision-making. 

They immerse themselves in a story because it makes them live other lives, be a part of many fantasies, and forget about the real world – at least for a bit.

 

They Find an Escape 

As a book lover and introvert myself, I love how fiction stimulates my mind and allows me to explore new ideas and possibilities I wouldn’t have considered otherwise. 

A good book lets you daydream, escape the mundane, and take a plunge on a far-off adventure that doesn’t involve leaving my room. 

 

They’re Wise Beyond Their Age

Most of the book-readers are wise beyond their age. They react at a more mature level than their peers. 

Imagine a person who reads authors like Jane Austen, Charlotte & Emily Bronte, Charles Dickens, Dan Brown, Ralph Helfer, Napoleon Hill, or Salman Rushdie. Imagine them acquiring the wisdom these great authors have shared through their writings. 

Now, if this person hangs out with their non-reader peer – who still prefers talking about concert tickets, alcohol, and who’s dating who – why wouldn’t they go back to their books?

But here again, it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation. It all depends on the genre and the authors they read.

 

They Get Used to Thriving Alone, With Their Thoughts

If we think about it, reading is not a group activity. People read books alone. It’s only them, the narrative and their mind. They enter a character’s mind as if it’s their own. 

They observe and understand people and their emotions, and end up reflecting on the lessons they learnt, the twist they never saw coming, and how the author made everything so thrilling — and that’s how they get used to thriving alone, with their thoughts. 

Summing up, the link between being an introvert and a bookworm is apparent. But it’s not a mutually exclusive relation. But with all the fascinating benefits a great book offers, it’s understandable why reading is so attractive to introverts.