World Book Day: Read it, loved it, got the tattoo

Books often linger with us long after the final page. For some readers, this connection is so profound that they carry it permanently through literary tattoos – a single line, a symbol, or a meaningful word – it’s a reader’s enduring love for their favourite stories. On World Book Day, here’s a look at some tattoos.
‘Literature is timeless, and that is why it resonates with people’
“Even today, classic literature evokes a profound personal connection for many. That is the power of literature, it captures emotions and experiences in a way that lasts for a long time. So, when someone chooses a tattoo from a book, they are not just celebrating that book but also honouring it,” says Joyeeta, a professor from Kolkata.

‘People get literary tattoos to carry a piece of their favourite literary worlds with them’
While one might assume literary tattoos are exclusive to readers, the appeal is far broader. People from all walks of life are choosing ink inspired by books and characters that have touched them, ranging from childhood favourites to classic novels. “I have been reading The Little Prince since I was eight. Reading the book every year has become one of the most cherished traditions in my life. It has helped me define my attitude to life and love. The tattoo is a reminder to guide my approach to life forever. It’s also a children’s book, so it reminds me to often be curious like a child,” says Niranjana Menon, a political consultant in Bengaluru.

Most popular literary tattoos
- ‘I am, I am, I am’ from The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
- The word ‘always’, the ‘lightning bolt’ or the deathly hallow symbol or the platform number 9 ¾ from the Harry Potter series
- ‘Courage, dear heart’ from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C S Lewis
- ‘So it goes’ from Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
- ‘Most ardently’ from Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
‘A literary tattoo isn’t just about being a fan of a book’
Literary tattoos aren’t always about belonging to a fandom; often, they carry deeper, individual resonance. Symbols, lines, or words drawn from books can hold layers of meaning, becoming personal anchors for memories. “I have a tattoo of The White Tree of Gondor from The Lord of the Rings series. I read the books in middle school, and it was one of the first pieces of classic, ‘grown-up’ literature I read. I didn’t want the tattoo to merely state that I’m a fan of the book. It is meaningful to me outside of that. This tree is also emblematic of how greed can cause ruin,” says Sihi Nagathihalli, a visual designer in Bengaluru.

Popular books that have inspired ink: