Despite what the rest of the world may think, we readers are not all the same. We have many different reading styles and preferences. Your reading personality is as true and varied as other personality analyses, and can tell a person much about you. So what kind of reader are you? Are you a Chronic Reader? A Neverland Reader? A Chaos Reader? Or maybe a combination of a few?
Below we've explained 12 common reading personalities. Can you identify these reading personalities in your life?
1. The “Skim” Reader
This reader seems to read at otherworldly speeds. However, upon closer inspection, you find that this reader can’t be bothered with reading long passages of descriptive prose and instead skips from dialogue to dialogue and only back tracks to skim descriptive texts if something doesn’t make sense. This reader always knows the plots and characters of the stories they read, but if you start asking them about details, you may find their knowledge lacking.
2. The “Slow and Steady” Reader
This reading personality is the opposite of the skim reader. Instead of rushing through the books to get to the end, they take their time and read every word in every passage slowly and carefully. They may also find that their lives have become busier and find it more difficult to read for long periods of time. It might take this reader weeks or months to make it through a book, but they know their books very well when they're finished. Since reading a book is such a big commitment for this reader, they also tend to take time and care when selecting their next book and rely heavily on the recommendations of their friends who read faster than them.
3. The “Two-Time” Reader
This reader is a combination of the Skim Reader and the Slow and Steady reader. This reader first rushes through a book so that they know how it ends, then reads the book a second time, this time making sure to take their time and enjoy all the foreshadowing and subtleties now that they aren’t dying to know how it all ends.
4. The “Audio” Reader
This reader hasn’t “read” a book with their eyes in years, but they listen to book after book while cleaning the kitchen, commuting to work, on long road trips, by the pool, in the shower, or whenever the fancy strikes. Since this reader can listen to their books while doing a variety of other tasks, you’ll find that they’ve read quite a few books. However, since they rely on books popular enough to have audio versions, they don’t often know books by smaller publishers or authors.
5. The “Can’t Let Go” Reader
This reader falls hard for the books they’re reading. So hard that when they finish a series or novel that they really like, they have a hard time starting a new novel because they’re so attached to the characters in the previous novel and aren’t ready to get to know new characters yet. So instead, this reader often takes to the internet to find all the extras and interviews the author has released about their book, and to find other fan communities where they can discuss and read theories, read fanfiction, and sometimes even start writing fanfiction themselves.
6. The “Display” Reader
This reader owns bookshelves full of books, but if you look closely, all the books are books off the bestsellers lists, or books with well-known movies or television shows made after them. This is because while this reader loves the idea of books, and even may have been a great reader in their youth, they don’t often take the time to read books anymore. So their book collections are now for show, since they’re a bit out of touch with the reading community. This reader probably does read a book or two every year, but if you asked them, they will tell you that they read much more than that.
7. The “Scholar” Reader
This reader is all about reading books about philosophy, or with deep plots that really make you think. The harder to read they feel a book is, the more accomplished they feel when they’ve finished it. They enjoy books that they feel expand their current knowledge, and love telling you about all the new things they learned once they finish a book. Although this reader won’t admit it out loud, they sometimes look down on those who just like to read for fun. They are also constantly asking you to read whatever book they have most recently read, because they’re looking for someone to discuss it with but know very few people who enjoy the kinds of books they do.
8. The “Chaos” Reader
This reader doesn’t just read one books from start to end, but they usually have a few books in progress at the same time and take turns reading chapters from each. This reader has even been know to leave off a book in the middle, and come back a year or two later and finish reading the book from where they left off. They usually can’t read a whole series in a row, and instead take breaks throughout to read different types of books. This reader reads all genres of books and difficulty levels, but doesn’t take the greatest care when picking a new novel up. They sometimes read multiple books at a time to give them a break from the books they aren’t enjoying as much, but still want to finish.
9. The “Chronic” Reader
If you were to put a bookcase in front of this reader, they would start with the first book, read it to completion, then pick up the second book, read it to completion, and so on and so forth until they had read every book on the bookcase and then move onto a second bookcase. This reader doesn’t read particularly slow or fast, but it is consistency that is their defining trait. They are always reading a book and they always read that book to completion. Not to say that they’ve enjoyed every book they’ve ever read, but they get a feeling of deep uneasiness at the thought of not finishing, so they bear through it so that they can pick up the next book in their never-ending list.
10. The “Neverland” Reader
This reading personality enjoys reading and reads quite often, but they read purely for enjoyment and to give their brain a break from the demands of real life. As such, this reader typically reads young adult novels or easier reads throughout their entire life, and doesn’t much enjoy reading “adult” novels or classics. They acknowledge that these adult books and stories are good, but they just don’t enjoy having to work that hard to read them. Some people refer to the types of books these readers like to read as "brain candy."
11. The “One Genre to Rule Them All” Reader
This reader has one genre—whether it be romance, fantasy, mystery, etc—and has stayed true to that genre for as long as they can remember. They are very knowledgeable about their genre, and look slightly down on those who only know the big-named authors from their favorite genre, because they know less-known authors who’ve written much better books in their opinion. They read any and every book in this genre no matter how big or small an author is. If a book fits their genre, they'll give it a shot. These readers show very little, if any, interest in books that lie outside their genre.
12. The “Fan Club” Reader
This reader tends to read a few books until they find one book that they absolutely love. Once they find a book that they love, they look up the author and read every single book that author has written. This reader often follows this author on social media and follows their newsletters. When an author they love releases a new book, they always pre-order it. Once they’ve finished a favorite author’s collection, they start the process of reading new books again until they hit on another gold author. Eventually, this reader typically has around 5 to 10 authors that they follow religiously.
So what's your reading personality? Let us know in the comments and make sure to share with your friends so they can discover their result too!
Happy reading!
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I'm a Two-Time Reader and Fan Club Reader.
Chaos reader...in the middle of several now. Will read all eventually. I enjoy reading all genres, but concentrate on the paranormal and/or romance authors.
I am proud to say I identify with both the “Scholar” reader and the “Chaos” reader! I have eclectic taste in books and enjoy keeping a book log where I rate what I’ve read, written notes and favorite passages. Sometimes I write a review and sometimes only write down the names of the lead characters.
I would be the chaos reader, two or three at a time...one in every room, by every chair, never leave home without a book in my hand.
i have just found out that i am a chronic reader and it suits me to a T cause i am never without a book in my hand and before i finish one book i already know the next to be read!! this was very interesting, thank you.
Ha, ha. I think I'm somewhere between #2, #7 & #9. I'm a "thorough" reader that always finishes. I prefer to read a "series" in order. But if I have to wait on the next book to come out, I will pick up something else, reading 1 to 2 e-books a week. I have several genres of fiction that I enjoy. But I also love reading non-fiction: biographies, histories, cooking, growing, paleontology......you name it. And I like to think I've learned something along the way 🙂
I'm #9!! It's horrible when you hate a book but can't stop reading because I must finish. Gah!
I'm a slow and steady reader who goes back time and again to re-read a story I really like, while reading another story.
Cross between Chronic Reader and Fan Club Reader is my style. I do gut out any book I'm reading before deciding if I like it or not - there are VERY few books I've dropped once into them, but once I've found a good author, I definitely read everything they've written in decently short order. I'm normally found daily with a book in hand (or 3 or 4) but seldom read something partially and drop it to read something else....it's just too confusing otherwise, since I read so much.
One of the great things about My Book Cave and other reading apps is the chance to find lots of previously unknown authors, and go crazy over the good ones.
Wow - well, definitely Chaos and Neverland, with a touch of Skim and Fan Club 🙂
I'm a steady reader and a can't let it go reader.
I only enjoy clean, wholesome, non-sexplicent books. I prefer only to receive info on such as these books, please. Thank you.
Jean, I just wanted to let you know, if you don't already, that there are many authors that write "clean, sweet western romances" and I read them and they are definitely, and honestly clean and sweet. Just a thought.
I don't fall into any of these categories. Sorry, you might want to think again.
Have A Joyful Day!
Carol Bisig
#11-The one genre reader. I love mystery and have all my life. I started with the Bobbesy Twins, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew.
I now like Jack Patterson, Willow Rose, Sue .....
If the book is lame I skim it (#1) to get to the end. I read every word (#2) if it is a good book and well written. I love audio books (#4) when doing chores. I like to read several books at a time if they are different genres (#8). I often read brain candy (#10), usually stick to one genre (#11), and I follow authors that I like and read everything they've written (#12).
I favor Science Fiction and Fantasy, which I read constantly.
That was pretty insightful. I fall into two categories #10 and #12.
Can't let go; Scholar; Chaos. Combined
I am a cross between the Chronic Reader, and the One Genre to Rule Them All Reader.
Chaos,and I love every minute of it.
Somewhere between a Skin reader and a Neverland reader, I guess. I enjoy mysteries, cozy mysteries and really good westerns. Can't abide bad editing and will drop even a good plot if there are distracting errata in the book.
This article is great! I've gone through most of these as phases, and sometimes it just depends on my mood (I'm a bipolar Gemini, so what do you expect!). Depending on my mood, the book itself, the number of irritating errors (I'm a grammar nerd), the author's writing style, and the amount of description, I may be a skim reader, and certain authors turn me into a fan reader. I always have at least three books going at one time, so I'm definately a chaos reader. Sometimes a book will get too deep, or almost traumatic, so I have to put it aside for something lighter. I may go back to that book a week or year later. I guess I'm a bit of a Neverland reader also, because I do read fiction primarily as an escape, but I don't shy away from the heavier stuff. Two-time also applies to me, as often I'll re-read a book to get more detail or just to experience it again. Frequently I can't let go, and will follow a series to the end and cry when it's over. Heck, I cry at all emotional scenes! I just feel too much. I am also a bit of a display reader as I have probably a few hundred books on the shelf that I haven't read, but seem interesting. I'll get to them someday. I will. Really.
I am a slow and steady reader
This was very interesting. I am a combination of a Two-Time Reader, a Chaos Reader and a Fan Club Reader! I have a Kindle and it goes everywhere with me....room to room and out and about. I never leave home without it!
I'm chronic as far as I don't start another book until I finish the one I'm on. I won't continue to read something I don't like though. If it hasn't caught me in the first few pages, I'm done. Fan club suits as well, as when an author is good, most of their books are, however, I dont like Nora Roberts much but really enjoy JD Robb, who is Nora R by a different name. Also a slightly different genre though. I am caught up in a few different series and genres and read books mostly for enjoyment. Brain food is usually obtained by articles and news stories on the internet, though I've been known to read cereal boxes and such if it's in front of me because I can't just stare into space
Well, it appears that I'm a little bit of a few of them. Number #1, because it's so good I need to find out how it ends,sometimes up all night to finish. #11 I do read mostly mysteries but on occasion I do read others that have caught my attention or recommended by a friend. #12 I also will read several authors books in series and so have lots of favorites that I look for first but I do enjoy reading very much that people hate to help me moved due to the amount of books I have, and I also have a kindle filled.
I'm not sure which one I belong to! I love Old Western love stories, Mail Order Brides, Ginny Dye's "Bregdan Chronicles" (these I devour as soon as she releases one). I like some Historical Romance books and any books that have to do with American Indian Romances.
I do audio and chaos reading
Im kind of a combo of a reader I like to read cozy-mystery and when I find a series I start with book one and read till end than have to wait till author puts out a new one in the mean time I find another one I now read about 60 or more authors and growing
I think I'm a mix. Not much a of a slow and steady, though. I have been known to have more than one book that I'm reading at a time.
I'm a combination of #3,#9 and #11
Chaos and Fan Club Reader
I guess I'm an 11 & 12
I am a Chaos Neverland reader. 🙂
I am a mix of "mini" skim reader, in that while I don't read every word, it's usually the connecting words I skip over.. I am also a two time reader in that I will reread any book that I enjoyed a 2nd or 3rd time. And true to form, I am a can't let go reader. If I truly love a book, I will wait a while before starting a new book. I can't wait long, though. I usually read 2-3 books per week.
Fan club. Chronic, Chaos... LOL
I'm mostly #10 "Neverland", but I primarily read romance so that also makes me #11 " One genre". If a book has too much descriptive sex, I become #1 "The skim" because I skip those parts.
Lol, How Interesting I guess I'm a combo of the Fan Club reader Along with being an Audio reader in my car, don't drive w/o one, And depending on the circumstances a touch of the Chronic. I have books stacked Everywhere, But predominantly use my Kindle. I won't pay crazy prices, So will hit up the library for some books and If I walk by a "free" bookcase , Without fail, Always can find a book ❤️ Thanks
Tried audio books in the car once but after getting engrossed in the mind movie in my head and nearly running up the southern end of a north-bound semi I decided that was way too dangerous for me and other road users. Scared the hell out of me and sent me straight back to listening to the music.
I am slow and steady, chronic, neverland and one genre to rule them all.
I am not any of those or maybe too many. I love to read, period. I read mostly nonfiction: fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, romance, action and whatever. I like to finish one book and begin the next. I can read a book in a day or two. I may read a book a few times, if I really enjoy it. Though I may have two books going. I have hundreds of books yet to read paperback and e-Books a like, never too many books. Books are for enjoyment. Though I will skim a cookbook from cover to cover when I get it.
Combination of #'s 2, 8 & 10
plus I will go back and read books over and over - no matter how slow I read ( and it's pretty slow) I always miss something that I find on the third or fourth reading!
I kind of fit into the "fan club reader" slot, but only if it is a series I get hooked on eg CJ Bishop and the Phoenix Club books, or the Lee Child series about Jack Reacher etc. I have wide ranging tastes in books from psychological head-spinners to gay shirt-rippers and pretty much everything in between. The one thing that really ticks me off though is the author who drivels on with unnecessary descriptive passages and/or dialogues that disrupt the flow of the story or who takes forever to get to the actual story.
I like my mind-movies to flow smoothly. Also, if a story does not grab me within the first half chapter it get deleted. Not sure what slot that puts me in - maybe I need a new slot altogether; Picky? Pernickety? Impatient?
Cheers & blessings everyone....... 🙂
I am a" slow and steady reader"
I don't know if I am unique in this but I am a mixture of these choices. I am a slow and steady reader, I am a can't let go reader, I am a scholar reader, I am the Chaos reader, I am the Neverland reader, and I am the fan club reader. This is Numbers 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 12. It all depends on what book I am reading and what author the book is written by. If it is Nora Roberts or her J.D. Robb novels I am slow and steady and can't let go. If the authors are Preston and Child I am also extremely slow and steady and can't let go. I only allow myself one chapter a week because I want to make it last until the next book in the series is about ready to be released. Janet Evanovich is also a slow and steady author and can't let go, and there are many more, but then I have my "brain candy" western romance, Oregon Trail romance, that I read at leisure and may read more than once because they are fun. I do have my scholar reading covering the Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Westward Expansion, Orphan Trains, and my very favorite: 1,000 White Women. English Literature, American History were my college majors and I can't get enough of reading this genre.
Chaos and Fan Club and a bit of Scholar
What about those of us who live in their books no matter the genre, but we think about what the characters are up to while we scrub toilets and throw dinner together and can't wait to get to the real world in the book?
My honey has offered the audio things, but I keep refusing....simply because in my mind I put the voices and inflections to the characters, and audio things tend to may go too fast or too slow; an can you tell I am not much of a movie or tv lady? Since I taught myself to read 62 years ago I just put it all together in my mind.....i dont want someone telling me how the character feels are sounds......I want to enter the world and collaborate with the author......
Dilu
O'l Lady Dilu
I think i may be your kind of reader too
Two timer and fan club
I'm both the Cronic and Fan Club reader. I have my favorite Authors and am always looking for more. Also, I am always reading going from one book to another finishing one series before going to another. Being retired I spend 90% of my day with my Kindle in my hand and very happy reading from my favorite authors.
I am #3, #8, #9 and #10. I am always reading something. I carry my ebooks and often times a paperback with me as well everywhere. The more I need to decompress the more chaotic my reading gets looking for the perfect thing to keep me from thinking, but once my brain has cleared I always finish all my open books. Anything I really love I usually rush through it to get to the end but then revisit it a few weeks later and take my time.
I agree whole heartedly to your "need to decompress" comment. As the world gets more and more volatile, reading is often the only way to disconnect and rest our brains
I'm a combo of all except the skim reader. At various times I have various needs and wants as to what and the speed I'm reading.
I'm several readers#2,3,9 &12. I read every day if I'm really into a book I've been known to not go out with friends and family It drives them crazy at times With the invention of the I pad I can carry my books with me wherever I go. Yea!!! I do rely on sites like book cave for recommendations and introduction to new authors.
Ok, I'm like #5, #9, and #12. I love a mixture of reads, but can only read one at a time, even if its extremely boring. Therefore it usually takes less than 3 days to read a book.
I am a combination of 2, 5, 8, 10, and 12, although not completely any completely. I tend to read slow and steady but also have more than one book going at a time. I read more than one due convience and where I am at the time. I will be reading one book on my phone which I have with me everywhere so it is always handy if I am out. I have another book on my tablet which I read at home while relaxing. I may even have a third book on paper going at the same time but usually in a stationary place. When I find an especially good writer I read everything I can find written by that writer any all genre, at least until I find if they are as good in all. I prefer certain genre but there are also several I read from and although I mostly read fiction I also read certain genres of non fiction as I am a life long student of certain areas. I read a lot of "brain candy" but not exclusively by any means. So where do you place me.
I'm a two time reader. It is interesting to discover that.
I'm a Slow & Steady reader and also a Fan Club reader.
I am a #3, 5, 9, and 12. I do love to read.
I love romance
I am a 10, 11, 12 and a little bit of 2. I am a readaholic and so I Love my fire.
The "fan club" reader and "can't let go" reader
I love it! Just found out I'm a "chaos" reader. This made me chuckle. Great list.
I guess I'm "The Fan Club" reader. If I find an author I love (no matter the genre') I will try to read all of their books. Unlike the fan club reader I have about 20-25 authors on that list. Different genres' too. I also like to read two or three books at a time. Two are usually on e-book. They are always a different genre' and hardback/paperbacks are for at home. Ebook travels with me. I may have a romantic suspense, historical & Amish being read at the same time. Once again, if its a favorite author - that's the only one I will read until I finish it. If any author's book is a page turner then I don't read any book but that one. If an author touches my emotions, my heart or has a book I can't put down - automatic 5 star reviews go online. Will never leave a bad review.
The one genre to rule them all is the closeist to me. None completely fit.
I reade romance. It may be historical, regency or my favorite, American historical. Modern day love stories, Christiian, romance, clean or at least mild. Romance suspense, prefer clean but not cosy, I love many different authors, one example is Lynnette Eason.
This picked up on wrong name. I am not Pat Moore. I am Yvonne Butler
So many books, so many genres! Reading has always been my addiction, I read the Wizard of Oz books walking home from school. Dr. Suess, Horse Books, Dog Books, Animal Books, Nancy Drew, and then in Junior High it was Science Fiction with Heinlein, Asimov, etc. High School was the Hobbit, lots of Fantasy along with more Science Fiction. Detectives, Romances and Thrillers kept me busy until gentle mysteries, Christian fiction and sweet romances felt more aligned with my faith. Biography was sprinkled around, with the Bible and other scriptures threading through usually daily. If it is in print I will read it, newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes, etc. When I had a busy family of six children, it was story time for them, and I would stay up late for my quiet reading, so I could wind down to sleep. Now I read lots of books to my grandchildren. I spend too much time on email and Facebook, but retirement has given me more time to read on my Kindle. Pretty cool to finish a book at 1 am, find the next in the series on Amazon, and read on! What kind of reader am I? I was a #1 for years, then slowed down to a #2 to get more out of the books, switching to a #3, #5, #9, #10 and even #11 for a few years. Sometimes I flirt with book clubs, but really, I am a solitary reader.
I'm a hodge-podge of most of them. Often several at a time, but never a year between begin and end, or I have to start over. I love series, but sometimes get tired and have to break it up with something different. There are very few books I've started and not finished. They have to Really stink for that to happen. But you left out hoarder. I have more books in my cloud than I'll ever be able to read in a lifetime! Many free, but many paid for, also. I can't be the only one!!! Please!
I'm definitely a Neverland Fan reader
I am a mix of 8 and 9, with the tiniest hint of 3, 5, and 10 mixed in.
I read all the time everywhere. Lull in the conversation, read. Waiting in line, read... and so on and so forth. (9)
However I don't just start left at the top I go back and forth, (8)
I also believe in books and timing. If I would found a religion it would be based around kindness and reading (almost every book broadens your horizon and helps you understand your fellow human - but not every book is always the best to read in that moment. Let it go. You'll encounter it again at a time where you'll learn something from it, when it resonates with your life.) (8)
I also always want to know what happens and then take my time (3)
I also get quite attached to characters, but I don't pursue authors or info online. (5)
And while I'm reading something else in between another series that gets too heavy and/sad or so..... I read neverland books. I love fairy tales. (10)
So I'm a mix