The Funniest T-Shirts for Book Lovers and Literature Nerds

Calling all bookworms, page-turners, and lit nerds! Whether you’re someone who reads 10 books at a time or proudly considers yourself a member of the “I read that book before it was cool” club, we’ve got something you’ll appreciate more than a first edition of your favorite novel: funny t-shirts that celebrate your bookish lifestyle.

At Bonthings.com, we know how seriously you take your reading (and maybe not much else), so we’ve gathered 10 of the funniest t-shirts for book lovers and literature nerds. From witty wordplay to inside jokes that only fellow bibliophiles will get, these t-shirts will turn heads—and probably spark some nerdy conversation.

So, grab your bookmark and a cup of tea, because it’s time to explore the funniest shirts that will make any reader say, “I must have this!”

1. “I Like Big Books and I Cannot Lie”

Starting with a certified classic, this t-shirt lets everyone know what you’re all about: big books. Whether you’re tackling Tolstoy or getting lost in George R.R. Martin’s epics, this twist on the popular 90s song lyric is perfect for those who love hefty novels and can’t lie about it. It’s a surefire way to get laughs from fellow book lovers and a confused look from people who haven’t picked up a book since high school.

Best For: People with bookshelves that need a weight limit.

2. “So Many Books, So Little Time”

If your To Be Read (TBR) pile is taller than you, this t-shirt hits a little too close to home. It’s both a funny and slightly depressing reminder of the cruel reality that there are more books than you could ever read in one lifetime. Wear this shirt to your local library or bookstore, and you’ll likely find some sympathetic souls nodding in agreement.

Best For: Readers who have accepted that they will never catch up.

3. “Plot Twist”

Life, like books, can be full of unexpected turns—and this t-shirt is the perfect homage to that idea. Simple, cheeky, and oh-so-relatable, the “Plot Twist” tee is a must-have for anyone who appreciates a good narrative surprise. It’s also great for fans of mystery and thriller novels who know a twist is coming…but love it anyway.

Best For: Fans of thrillers, mysteries, and anyone whose life feels like a series of plot twists.

4. “Go Away, I’m Reading”

This one is for the introverts and the folks who don’t want to be disturbed when they’re deep in a good book (or pretending to read to avoid social interaction). The blunt “Go Away, I’m Reading” shirt sends a clear message to the world: leave me alone with my stories, and no one gets hurt. Perfect for introverts, bookworms, and anyone who’s had to pause mid-chapter to answer a dumb question.

Best For: Solitude seekers and library hermits.

5. “I’d Rather Be Reading”

We’ve all been there. Stuck at a social event, trapped in an awkward meeting, or enduring a boring lecture, all the while thinking, I’d rather be reading. This t-shirt says what you’re already thinking out loud—without you having to say it at all. It’s an especially great pick for those who never leave home without a book, because who knows when you’ll need an escape from reality?

Best For: Readers who wish life came with more opportunities to read in peace.

6. “Books Turn Muggles into Wizards”

For all the Harry Potter fans out there, this shirt is magical. We all know that books have the power to transform us, transporting us to new worlds and giving us knowledge beyond the ordinary. This shirt cheekily declares that the real magic happens when you open a book—and maybe, just maybe, you’ll start feeling like a wizard too.

Best For: Potterheads, fantasy lovers, and anyone who believes in the magic of reading.

7. “Prose Before Bros”

Sorry, not sorry. Literature will always come first. This hilarious play on “Bros before… well, you know” will have any literature nerd grinning. It’s perfect for the person whose idea of a good time is curling up with a novel rather than hitting the club. Bonus points if you’re someone who has ever canceled plans to finish a book (no judgment, we’ve all been there).

Best For: People who value characters in books more than real-life humans.

8. “Book Dragon, Not Bookworm”

This shirt is for readers who feel fierce about their love for books. Sure, “bookworm” is the common term, but if you’re hoarding novels like Smaug hoards gold, then you’re a book dragon through and through. This t-shirt tells the world that you’re not just a passive reader—you devour books with fire-breathing passion.

Best For: Readers who consume books like they’re about to go extinct.

9. “Currently Reading”

Sometimes, you just need to let the world know what you’re up to. The “Currently Reading” t-shirt is great for when you’re on the go but still making time to read. Think of it as a walking status update. People will see the shirt and instantly know that your mind is probably in another world entirely, and they’ll respect that—or at least they should.

Best For: Multitaskers who read while commuting, eating, or doing pretty much anything else.

10. “My Weekend is All Booked”

A pun? About books? On a t-shirt? Sign us up! The “My Weekend is All Booked” shirt speaks to the dream weekend of any book lover: staying in with a pile of books and no distractions. It’s an invitation to cancel plans and dive into whatever literary adventure awaits you—no interruptions allowed.

Best For: Book lovers whose social lives are intentionally scheduled around reading.

Why Funny T-Shirts Are the Perfect Gift for Book Lovers

Funny t-shirts aren’t just about getting a laugh—they’re about creating connections. If you’re looking for the perfect gift for the book lover in your life, these humorous shirts are ideal. They tap into the shared experiences of literary fandom, and they’re a fun way to express a passion for reading without needing to say a word. Plus, they pair well with a cozy blanket and a stack of unread novels.

Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a fellow bibliophile, head over to Bonthings.com to check out these awesome t-shirts and more. Because if there’s one thing better than getting lost in a good book, it’s doing so while wearing a shirt that says, “Yes, I’m obsessed with reading. And yes, I’m proud of it.”

Happy reading—and happy wearing!