The phrase "cracking books" usually means reading books avidly or dutifully. Antonyms for this expression would be to neglect, ignore or avoid books. Another opposite action would be to skim or browse books rather than reading them carefully. Additionally, some people may view "cracking books" negatively as a sign of being a nerd and consider activities such as sports or socializing as more desirable activities. However, it is important to remember that reading offers numerous benefits, including mental stimulation, vocabulary expansion, and increased empathy. Ultimately, people should engage in activities they enjoy and find fulfilling, but they should not dismiss the value of reading.