Penguin reveals what the size of your book collection says about you

We’ve all read a Penguin book at some point in our lives, whether a ladybird book or a good old Penguin Classic. As one of the world’s biggest publishers, it’s no surprise that Penguin Random House (opens in new tab) knows a thing or two about books. 

We all know the age-old saying that a picture speaks a thousand words. But now the popular publisher has suggested that your book (opens in new tab) collection could in fact speak volumes. 

Whilst some can’t wait to visit their local bookshop (opens in new tab) and choose the next read, others can’t bear to part with much-loved titles. 

But which category do you fall into? 

Those with 0-5 books

Penguin suggests that people who only own between 0-5 books are Book Monks. They’re selective and very decluttered readers. They might have a cookbook ready to grab in their kitchen or a stunning coffee table book on display in your lounge. But above all, you’re focused on having a functional and calm living space. 

Those with 5-50 books

This might be quite a step up, but that doesn’t mean people with 5-50 books enjoy having their space cluttered with all their past reads much more than those with 0-5. Books are the perfect way to absorb knowledge and that is what these book collectors seek. They might well keep certain old favourites, but otherwise their newest titles will be kept on e-readers, audiobooks or on phones. 

Those with exactly 42 books

Readers who have a very exact number of books are very disciplined - referred to as the Meaning of Lifers. The skill lies in knowing exactly which book you want to replace in your collection whenever a new one is introduced to the existing collection. Should you stick with what you love or branch out? In our experience making this decision is far easier said than done!

Those with 50-150 books

If you have between 50-150 books in your collection it’s clear that you’re used to having shelves of much-loved titles. The best of these will remain in your collection forever, though you aren’t too afraid of letting go of some books here and there as your collection evolves. Each of the books you do choose to keep shows some aspect of your personality.

Those with 150-500 books

Readers with this many books may well be unofficial librarians. You read extensively and you have enough of a collection to provide the answers to most questions you might be asked. These readers are deeply drawn to books in a way all those others won’t have experienced. The written word is essential to your everyday life and reading is your happy place. 

Those with 500+ books

By the time you have a collection of over 500 books you know that your house has become your own library. Here the written word is law and you’re a true collector of all things literary. Each book reminds you of your personal journey through life. They show exactly what you’ve learned and still have yet to learn.