This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Both books and music serve as powerful conduits for emotion and memory. A song can instantly transport us to a specific moment, while a book can immerse us in entirely new experiences. Being an introvert I can testify to books and music being my companions most days, helping me to process my emotions and experiences. Spending days inspired by literature to write poetry, and curating playlists for when I had friends visit. The unknown psychological harmony between the two made me a better host, and probably a better lover.
While writing this I paused to briefly look at my ever-growing book collection and my music selection that includes music from an era before I was born but speaks to the old soul within me. I recognise books I collected during certain times of my life, books I kept from my adolescent years that shaped my worldview. Nostalgia plays a significant role in both collections.
The escapism offered by both books and music is another connecting thread: fantasy novels and dreamy ambient tracks provide a mental refuge from daily life. This escapist tendency might indicate a personality seeking new perspectives or occasionally disconnecting from reality, something I’m sure many of us experience.
Intellectual curiosity is another factor linking reading and listening choices. A diverse library spanning multiple genres and cultures often correlates with an eclectic music taste. This variety indicates an open-minded personality eager to explore different ideas and expressions.
The organisation of these collections can also be telling. Anyone in my space will tell you, that if you move a single CD, vinyl, or book and put it back in the incorrect spot I will notice it the moment I enter the room. It feels like a disturbance of the energy in my space that I must correct. So a meticulously arranged bookshelf might belong to someone with equally well-curated playlists, hinting at a detail-oriented personality that values order and categorisation – and I know I am guilty of this.
By examining someone’s collections of books and music, we gain a more nuanced understanding of their psychological landscape. These curated works serve as a mirror, reflecting emotional needs, intellectual interests, and personal experiences. The next time you browse someone’s bookshelf or glimpse into their music collection, and consider the harmonious story these collections tell about the person you’re in the company of.
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