Swimming in the Dark by Tomasz Jedrowski
By now, we can safely assume that this novel is becoming a good contender for my Top 5 Wednesday lists. It was in my list last week, and here it is now yet again.
There is a slight complication with how the “bookworm” part of this novel works, but it is pretty obvious that the main character loves to read. It so happens that the supporting character [his love interest] is actually quite a reader as well. It is an interesting thing entirely, if you are aware of how this novel’s story progresses. Like any other, he reads not just to pass time but to distract himself—to leave the comfort of reality for something entirely different; better even.
A book high in my recommendations list for this year. A brilliant debut novel !
Keep the Aspidistra Flying by George Orwell
Another itsy-bitsy controversial “bookworm” character. Hahaha ! I guess I love my characters not in-your-face kind of bookworm, non ?
The main character of this book is quite the reader as well. He is an aspiring, or would I say an actual, writer of poetry. So it is only given that he is interested in reading. I guess that’s sort of stereotyping poets, but I do believe that aside from other beautiful inspirations they are great readers too. Moreover, the setting of the novel provides a certain limitation with the characters capability to read. This is a time where reading is strongly a luxury thing only done by those in the higher hierarchy.
Call Me by Your Name by André Aciman
If you’ve seen the movie, you’ll easily identify the main character as a reader. He has many a hobby and that one hobby is reading. In the book, it is seldom obvious how strongly he exposes himself to reading but I believe that the main character of this book is, indeed, a bookworm.
At the time of reading, I found this book quite lyrical and it really hits a spot—a certain sort of connection that I never felt from other LGBTQ+ novels. I really felt for the main character which is why I think he fits the category for this week’s prompt. He may not be the most obvious reader, but I do believe that it isn’t just a casual thing, and rather a completely founded hobby.
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V. E. Schwab
And we, my friends, have finally stumbled upon a book where the main character is actually a sure-ball bookworm.
With the situation she is in, Addie found comfort in the pages of a book. I think it’s beautiful. It encapsulates the idea of what a book has to offer. It shows us the capacity of what reading can give. And most importantly, it shows the beauty of an experience we cannot exploit from any other method of entertainment.
Between the Sea and Stars by Chantal Gadoury
This is one of those books that completely made my heart leap when I reached the point where a character who loves to read was introduced. The character is an integral part of the story so you’ll see him quite a lot. It reminded me of how fun it is to find someone to relate to—even when it’s just as simple a similarity as reading.
Do you have any favourite bookworm characters?
Top 5 Wednesday is a weekly book meme hosted by the lovely Lainey and Sam. If you’re interested in participating in the topics and such, make sure to visit their Goodreads group page!
