I’ve been a book lover for as long as I can remember. Long before I took up writing full-time, I spent my days in a corporate office and my free hours scanning the shelves of my favorite secondhand bookstore. 

Now that I’ve retired (and finally have more time to read), I still find myself buying books at a faster rate than I can possibly get through them. It’s like a magical pull that draws me in with the promise of new ideas, new adventures, and new possibilities. 

If you can relate to this phenomenon, rest assured—you’re not alone.

Now, I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with stacking your shelves higher and higher. In fact, I’d say it says a lot about who you are—or at least, who you might aspire to be. 

Over the years, I’ve noticed certain common traits in folks whose TBR pile  keeps growing and growing, much faster than they can actually read. 

So, if you’re someone who can’t resist “just one more book,” even when your nightstand is already a literary Jenga tower, here are seven traits you might just recognize in yourself.hoard reading material like it’s going out of style. 

1. They have an insatiable curiosity

Have you ever walked into a bookstore or browsed an online shop, only to end up with a cart full of everything from historical biographies to cookbooks? 

If so, it might be that your curiosity knows no bounds. 

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, book lovers tend to be explorers at heart—always hungry to understand something new, dive into a different perspective, or answer the random “what if” questions that pop into their minds.

It’s not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about satisfying that itch to keep learning, to keep growing, to keep seeing the world through new lenses.

In my case, I’ll catch sight of a compelling cover, flip through a few pages, and think, “Wow, this is something I’d love to learn more about.” 

One minute, I’m reading about gardening, and the next I’m intrigued by ancient Roman history. Suddenly, I have half a dozen new additions to my shelf—each one fueling that burning desire to discover something new.

2. They value variety and novelty

People who often buy books rarely stick to one genre. One day, it might be a stack of mystery novels; the next, a deep dive into neuroscience. 

And let’s not forget the self-help guides, children’s classics, or that random photography coffee-table book that just looked so darn appealing.

Variety keeps the mind fresh and adaptable. If you’re the type who thrives on novelty, you probably relish the idea of jumping between worlds—one day it’s a complex thriller, the next it’s a beautiful memoir. 

This need for fresh perspectives and different styles naturally results in a growing to-be-read pile that never quite seems to shrink.

3. They adore the atmosphere of books

I don’t know about you, but there’s a unique kind of comfort in simply being surrounded by books. 

Even if they’re not all read (yet!), knowing you can pick up any title at any time provides a sense of contentment. 

I vividly remember being a kid and sneaking into the local library after school. The musty smell, the gentle hum of pages turning—it was a soothing environment that felt like an endless well of possibility.

As adults, we might re-create that environment at home. There’s something almost nurturing about the presence of unread books—a future waiting to unfold, stories and information there for us whenever we’re ready. 

Many of us like to keep options open, so having a variety of unread books on our shelves feels like a hug from the literary universe, saying, “Whenever you need me, I’m here.”

4. They believe in the transformative power of reading

One of the key things I’ve learned over the years is that reading isn’t just about entertainment or acquiring facts. It can be genuinely life-changing. 

Whether it’s a thought-provoking novel that shifts your perspective or a personal development book that challenges you to grow, reading is a chance to expand your world.

This belief in reading’s transformative power is something that people with towering book piles share. 

They’re convinced that somewhere in those pages lies the key to unlocking a new insight, a new spark of creativity, or perhaps a new direction for their life. 

5. They are continual self-improvement seekers

I’ll be honest: retirement has been a journey of self-discovery for me. Actually, my whole life has been that way. Part of why I still accumulate so many books is because I’m always eager to become a better version of myself. 

Whether that means polishing my writing skills, learning a new hobby, or diving deeper into psychology, I never want to stop improving.

Folks who share this self-development streak often end up with a never-ending reading list. 

Each new book represents a potential milestone—like an unopened door. I’ve come across advice from experts like Dr. Carol Dweck, who emphasizes the power of the “growth mindset,” and it resonates so well with the “buy now, read later” approach. 

We’re driven by the hope that these books will push us to learn, adapt, and evolve as we continue on our paths.

6. They have a respectful (and sometimes nostalgic) view of books

Some of us buy more books than we can read simply because we respect the craft and history behind them. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stumbled upon a worn classic in a secondhand store—its cover faded, pages slightly yellowed, maybe even a handwritten note on the inside flap—and felt an instant connection. 

The stories these books could tell (not just between the covers, but of the people who read them before) sometimes captivate me more than the text itself.

In many ways, we’re collectors. We see value in holding onto books, passing them down, or even lending them out to friends in need of a good read. 

This respect for the written word might appear as “hoarding” to some, but for us, it’s more about preserving a small piece of art and history.

7. They’re big dreamers

Finally, the folks who accumulate books faster than they can read often have one overarching trait: they’re dreamers. 

I’ve met people who buy inspirational biographies because they envision starting a non-profit someday, or they’ll scoop up personal finance books because they’re convinced they’ll make a major career shift. 

Buying that next book becomes a tangible step toward a dream, a possibility.

In my own life, each unread book signifies a future adventure waiting in the wings. Sure, it might sit on my shelf for a few months—or years—before I crack it open. 

But every now and then, I’ll get the urge to explore a specific topic or story. When that happens, I’m thrilled that I have just the right title waiting for me. 

In that sense, unread books embody our aspirations, our “someday” plans, and our unstoppable faith that there’s always something new out there worth learning.

Parting thoughts

So, if you find yourself in the camp of people who buy books faster than they can read them, don’t be too hard on yourself. It might just mean you’re a curious, variety-seeking dreamer who believes in the power of words to transform and enrich your life.

It’s never a bad idea to embrace your passion for the written word, no matter how quickly that “to-be-read” stack grows. After all, you never know which unread book will end up shaping your next big idea.