Smelling books may trigger stronger emotional memories, says psychology
A systematic review suggests scents can bring back memories with greater emotional intensity compared to images or sounds.
According to a report by the Times of India, the habit of smelling a book before reading may be linked to a strong connection between smell and memory. This sensory experience can act as a cue that brings associated personal experiences to mind.
Psychologists refer to the relationship between scent and autobiographical memory as the ‘Proust phenomenon’. A 2026 systematic review titled ‘Is the Proust phenomenon fact or fiction?’ examined 18 studies on smell-triggered memories.
The review found that smells had a small but significant advantage over cues like images, sounds, and words in bringing back memories with greater emotional intensity and pleasantness. However, this advantage was not found across all characteristics, such as specificity and vividness.
The distinctive scent of old books is caused by the breakdown of paper components, which release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A 2009 study titled ‘Material degradomics: On the smell of old books’ identified products of paper degradation, including furfural and acetic acid, as contributors to this smell.
Research also suggests that anticipation can influence how people perceive odours. A 2020 study found that anticipating a smell improved the ability of people to detect and perceive it.
The habit of smelling books does not necessarily indicate a specific personality trait or level of nostalgia. It may simply be a sensory preference or part of a personal reading ritual.