People who smell new books before reading them usually have these 8 traits

Olivia Reid by Olivia Reid | May 19, 2025, 1:21 pm

If you crack open a book and take a deep inhale, you’re not alone. There’s a certain charm in the scent of a new book. But what does this say about you?

Well, there’s more to it than just a love for literature. In fact, individuals who sniff their books before diving into the narrative often share these 8 defining personality traits.

This isn’t just about bookworms and bibliophiles. It’s about understanding the fascinating link between our behavior and our character.

So, join me as we explore this intriguing aspect of human nature. We may be talking about the smell of books, but we’re also uncovering some fascinating insights into what makes us tick.

Stay tuned, and let’s get to know these book-sniffers a little better.

1) They’re sensory seekers

Ever find yourself lost in the aroma of a new book? Then you’re likely a sensory seeker.

Sensory seekers are people who crave sensory input. They love experiencing the world in all its tactile, auditory, and olfactory glory. For them, the smell of a book isn’t just about the scent, it’s about the entire sensory experience.

Smelling a new book allows them to connect with it on a deeper level, merging their love for literature with their love for sensory experiences. It’s a unique way of connecting with the world, and it’s not limited to books.

You might find them reveling in the aroma of freshly baked bread or the feel of rain against their skin.

It’s not just about experiencing sensations for the sake of it. It’s about finding joy and meaning in these seemingly mundane experiences.

So, if you’re someone who loves smelling books before reading them, you might just be a sensory seeker at heart. Embrace it. It’s a beautiful way of experiencing life in all its richness.

2) They’re nostalgics

And boy, do I know this firsthand.

As a kid, I used to spend hours in libraries and bookshops, inhaling that distinct smell of paper and ink. The scent was more than just a pleasant aroma – it was a promise of adventure, of worlds waiting to be discovered.

Now, as an adult, the smell of a new book takes me right back to those days. It’s like a time machine, transporting me back to the joy and excitement of my childhood.

So, for those of you who breathe in that new book scent before diving into its pages, chances are you’re not just smelling paper and ink. You’re probably smelling memories, moments from your past that were marked by the joy of reading.

You see, nostalgia has a powerful pull. It can make us seek out experiences and sensations that remind us of happier times.

So next time you find yourself instinctively smelling a new book, remember this: It’s not just about the now. It’s also about the then. And there’s something incredibly beautiful about that.

3) They’re more likely to remember what they read

Here’s something that might surprise you: the simple act of smelling a book before reading it can actually help you remember its content better. That’s right. Smelling a book might just give your memory a little boost.

You see, our brains are fantastic at linking smells with memories. It’s a phenomenon known as the Proustian memory effect, named after the French novelist Marcel Proust who wrote about vivid memories triggered by the smell of a madeleine cake.

So, when you smell a book, you’re not just indulging in a sensory delight. You’re also creating a sensory memory that can help you remember what you read in that book.

This means that book-smellers might have an edge when it comes to remembering plotlines, characters, and themes.

4) They’re curious explorers

Curiosity is at the heart of those who love to sniff their new books before reading them. They aren’t just content with diving into the story, they want to explore the book in its entirety.

They’re the ones who examine the cover art, read the blurb, and yes, sniff the pages. They approach their books much like an explorer would approach a new land, with a sense of curiosity and a desire to discover.

This trait goes beyond just books. Curious people are always on the lookout for new experiences, knowledge, and perspectives. They have a thirst for understanding the world around them, and books provide an ideal platform for this exploration.

So, if you’re someone who smells their new books before reading them, you might just be an explorer at heart. Enjoy your journey, there’s always something new to discover!

5) They appreciate the small things

And let me tell you, it’s a trait I admire.

People who smell their books before reading them understand the importance of appreciating the small things. They aren’t just focused on the story within the pages, they appreciate the physicality of the book itself.

This appreciation extends beyond just books. I’ve found that people who love the smell of new books often have a knack for finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Whether it’s the smell of freshly cut grass, the sound of rain against a window, or the feeling of warm sand beneath their feet, they’re experts at savoring these little moments of joy.

So if you, like me, enjoy smelling your books before you read them, take pride in your ability to appreciate life’s small pleasures. It’s a trait that can bring so much joy and satisfaction.

6) They’re often digitally savvy

This might seem surprising at first. After all, sniffing a book is a decidedly analog experience, so you’d think it would be more common among people who prefer traditional forms of media.

But in reality, those who love the smell of new books are often quite technologically adept. They appreciate the sensory experience that physical books offer, but they’re also not afraid to embrace digital innovations.

In fact, their love for books might even fuel their digital savviness. They’re always on the lookout for new reading apps, e-books, online book clubs, and literary podcasts.

Their passion for literature drives them to explore all the different ways they can engage with it, both analog and digital.

There’s a good chance you’re also pretty handy with technology. It’s a unique combination that beautifully marries the old and the new.

7) They’re patient

Patience is a virtue, especially for those who love smelling their new books before reading them.

They understand that good things take time. They’re not in a rush to dive into the story. Instead, they take a moment to appreciate the book in its entirety, including its scent.

This patience often extends to other aspects of their lives. Whether it’s taking the time to prepare a meal from scratch, waiting for the perfect shot in photography, or simply being patient with people around them.

So, if you’re someone who takes the time to smell your new books before reading them, it’s likely that you’re a patient person. This ability to slow down and appreciate the journey is truly a gift in our fast-paced world.

8) They’re deeply connected to the reading experience

Above all, people who smell their new books before reading them have a profound connection to the act of reading. It’s not just about absorbing information or enjoying a good story.

It’s a complete sensory experience that engages not just their minds, but their senses as well.

The smell of the book, the feel of the pages, the sound of flipping through it – all these elements combine to create a deeply immersive reading experience. For them, each book is more than just words on paper. It’s a tangible object that carries a world within its pages.

And if you’re someone who loves to smell your books before reading them, cherish this connection. It makes each reading experience unique and enriches your relationship with books in a truly special way.

The charm of the new book smell

As we journey to the end of this exploration, it becomes clear that those who take a moment to smell their books before reading them are not just quirky bookworms.

They’re sensory seekers, nostalgics, and explorers. 

This is about more than just the scent of a new book. It’s about how this simple act reflects larger aspects of their personality and how they engage with the world.

So, the next time you pick up a new book, don’t rush. Take a moment to smell it. You might be surprised by what this simple act reveals about you.

And for those who already do this, continue embracing your unique way of enjoying books. It’s a beautiful reflection of who you are as an individual. It showcases the depth and richness of your character, making you not just an avid reader, but an exceptional one at that.

In the end, it’s these little quirks that make us who we are. And what’s more fascinating than discovering new layers to our own personalities? So keep sniffing those books.

Who knows what else you might discover about yourself along the way?