As avid readers, we often find ourselves drawn to books that feature bookish characters who share our love for literature and storytelling. There is something special about reading a book where the protagonist is a fellow reader, someone who finds solace and escape in the pages of a good book. With that in mind, here is a list of the top ten books on my to-read list featuring bookish characters:

1. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin: This novel follows the life of A.J. Fikry, a bookstore owner who finds new purpose and joy in his life after a series of unexpected events.

2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows: Set in the aftermath of World War II, this novel tells the story of a group of book club members who form a bond through their love of literature.

3. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: This novel follows a young boy named Daniel who discovers a mysterious book that leads him on a journey to uncover dark secrets from the past.

4. Matilda by Roald Dahl: A beloved classic, this children’s book tells the story of a young girl named Matilda who finds solace in books and uses her intelligence to overcome challenges.

5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: Set during World War II, this novel follows a young girl named Liesel who finds comfort in stealing books and sharing them with others.

6. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: This young adult novel follows the life of Cath, a college student who finds refuge in writing fan fiction and struggles to navigate the challenges of adulthood.

7. The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald: This heartwarming novel follows the story of Sara, a bookworm who travels to a small town in Iowa and forms connections with the residents through their shared love of reading.

8. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan: This contemporary novel follows the adventures of Clay, a young man who stumbles upon a mysterious bookstore and finds himself embroiled in a secret society obsessed with books.

9. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce: This novel follows the journey of Harold Fry, an ordinary man who embarks on a pilgrimage to deliver a letter to an old friend, finding solace and hope along the way.

10. The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles: Based on a true story, this novel follows the life of a young woman named Lily who works at the American Library in Paris during World War II, where she forms connections with fellow book lovers and discovers the power of literature to bring people together.

These books are sure to delight any reader who enjoys stories with bookish characters and celebrates the joy of reading. Whether you prefer contemporary fiction, historical fiction, or young adult novels, there is something on this list for everyone to enjoy. So grab a cup of tea, curl up with a good book, and immerse yourself in the world of these bookish characters as they embark on their literary journeys.