Redefining “Booktrovert”

With all the “bookish” paraphernalia that has arisen in the past few years, one of the shirts I’ve long wanted to order is: 

From Piper and Ivy

I’ve latched onto the term. I decided it aptly described me as an introvert who reads. But the other day, I looked up the definition as others understand it. 

From Amazon

Mind you, this is not an actual dictionary word. But this definition is the one bandied about in the culture of readers: someone who prefers the company of fictional characters to real people. 

Of course, I laughed the first time I read it. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized it was not what I had been thinking when I pegged myself as a booktrovert. 

I am a classic introvert. I prefer people one-on-one or in small groups. I hate chit-chat. I prefer more substantial conversations. Lots of people—whether all at one time or smaller groups over a short time—exhaust me. I have to refuel. 

Now, introverts tend to refuel alone. But this doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some, it’s napping. For some, it’s simply quietness. For some, it involves movies or binge-watching TV. For my husband, refueling often involves watching baseball games. And reading. 

Do you see where this is going? 

I love to read. I love story. I love learning about new locations and time periods. But I don’t prefer fictional characters to real people, even if they don’t drain me like real people do! If I did prefer fictional characters, I would not be a life pleasing to God. For God has called me to love flesh-and-blood people the way He does. And this means giving preference to time in the company of others. 

Reading, however, does help me to love people better because: 

Reading about characters whose experiences are different from mine helps me relate to people I might not normally understand. Reading to refuel helps me have the energy to interact in meaningful ways the next time I am with people.  

Do I still want the Booktrovert shirt (the cute, first one)? Yes. I love the term and believe it truly applies. But I would hate for anyone to get the wrong idea and think I prefer fictional people to the real ones, the people Jesus died and rose to save from sin and fill with new life. 

Maybe I need to buy the shirt and only wear it at home, when I’m truly “booktroverting.” 

Do you consider yourself a booktrovert in either sense of the definition? I’d love to hear what you think!