I subscribe to a little trivia newsletter called “Wisegeek” that comes a couple of times a week in my inbox. The other day, the topic was, Do Americans Still Read for Pleasure?
Here’s what their data shows:
Americans still read for pleasure, with about 75% of adults claiming to have read at least one book during the previous year, according to a 2013 survey. The number of Americans who have not read a book in the past year is estimated to have tripled since 1978, however. For people who do read for pleasure, the format has changed, as about 40% of American adults surveyed said they had read books electronically. Another 2013 survey found that adults age 18-39 who owned e-readers or tablets had read an average of 21 books in the previous year, compared with 13 for people who did not own such a device.
More about reading habits:
• A little more than half of all Americans older than 16 visit a library during a year.
• India is the country where people read the most, at an average of more than 10 hours per week.
• More than 80% of Americans age 50-64 say they read the pleasure, which is the highest rate of any age group.
Do these figures shock you? For me, they were a real eye-opener. I was amazed to find out that there were 25% of our population of adults that had NOT read one book in the past year! In the past 35 years, the number of people who have NOT read a book in the past year has tripled. That breaks my heart! And it’s astonishing to me.
The one good thing—if you can call it that—that this survey shows is that on average, 8 more books per year are being read by adults with some kind of electronic device to read them on. Now don’t get me wrong. I love my Kindle. But…I read a lot of paperback books, in addition to this. I’d like to know about people like me who have both—an e-reader and the paperbacks all over the house.
What was the best book you read in 2013? I think mine would have to be The Outsider by Penelope Williamson. It’s an oldie, but a goodie—and I just discovered it this year, thanks to our own Kathleen Rice Adams. It was so good, in fact, that a movie was made from it. I’m anxious to hear your thoughts about this survey and if any of this surprises you—then let’s talk good reading. What’s your pick for 2013?
Two things DO NOT surprise me: 1) that people with electronic devises read more than those without; 2) that 80% of people 50-80 read for pleasure.
ReplyDeleteAbout 50% of the reading I do for pleasure is using the Kindle app on my smart phone. I can pull that out anywhere, anywhen and read in those precious gaps of time given to me by late appointments or tardy children. It's always with me. And I don't have to lug around a paperback - which is no longer a pocketbook.
My carries around a tablet and reads and/or listens to podcasts on his commute. He might be on the bus for a couple of hours in each direction, depending on traffic.
The age thing is even more understandable. The key phrase is "reading for pleasure". I don't have much time for that. I'm either writing or researching most of the time. When professional journals, contracts, raining materials, minutes of board meetings you'd rather forget take up your day, watching movie or favourite TV show is more inviting at the end of the day.
My uncle, a retired actuary, rediscovered the joy of reading fiction when he no longer had to keep up with current trends in his profession. He still keeps a finger in the pie, but the rest of his hands are busy holding his Sony Reader.
I am a lifelong avid reader. Now that my children are grown and out of the house, I read more than ever. My Kindle goes everywhere with me! I have piles of books all over my house and still read the newspaper every day. My children all read....some more than others and I'm trying to encourage a love of reading to my grandsons. There are so many distractions, mostly electric, for them. I don't watch much tv at all. Even when I was working outside my home I had a book at hand. Reading is my passion.
ReplyDeleteCheryl,
ReplyDeleteWOLF CREEK: Book 1 BLOODY TRAIL, for a lot of reasons. I meant it when I said Dr. Keith Souter's chapters blew me away!
The entire concept of multiple authors worked, and I was astonished.
I still read, but not four books a day anymore, unless it's a long lonely weekend and I am really laid up and not too sick to read.
Good Post!
Charlie
I am not surprised as it seems to be part of the dumbing down of America. The entertainment is not exactly geared to get people to think but just the opposite. I read a lot of non-fiction but did get in some fiction recently although out of my genre. They say we are better off not reading in our genre to avoid being influenced by what we read without realizing it. Where I do a lot of research and then a lot of time writing, blogs, books, etc. I don't have all the time in the world to read for fun. I plan for that to change eventually as I grew up reading a lot. My kids and their spouses and the grandkids all read a lot; so it does carry down what we do.
ReplyDeleteAlison, you're sure right enough about the convenience of an e-reader, and wow--there is nothing like it for portability, especially if you travel, or if you're waiting a lot on kids--wish they'd had those when mine were that age. When I think of all the sports, dance and ice skating and gymnastics and karate lessons I sat and waited through, a Kindle would have been so great to have had.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that people in that older age bracket read more for pleasure didn't surprise me, either. Right now, I don't have a lot of time to read something I pick off the shelf because I'm editing so much, but I still make time--about 20-30 minutes a day, to read for pleasure. It's slow going to finish a book, because I'm a slow reader anymore, but I cherish those books I get to read for pleasure!
Thanks for coming by. I always enjoy your thoughtful comments.
Congratulations on RAWHIDE AND ROSES!
Cheryl
Michelle, when my kids were little I read to them every night before bed. Remember "back in the day" when people sat in the parlor and read in the evenings? Well, we continued that bedtime reading all the way through elementary school. What I discovered was, even though they could have read for themselves, they enjoyed being read to, having the camaraderie of us all reading the same thing, and being able to discuss it. If there was a word or a situation that they didn't understand, I could explain it to them. Although there was 3 years' difference in their ages, we would generally find stories that both were interested in, even though it might take a bit more explanation for my son, since he was younger. They both are avid readers to this day. It's so good that you're fostering a love for reading with your grandsons. Anymore, life is so hectic that parents don't have the time to do some of those things, and they can never get enough reinforcement in that direction. I don't watch tv much, either. I love Antiques Road Show, though. LOL
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Charlie, wow, that means a lot to me, since I had a part in WC:BLOODY TRAIL. I am still in awe that Troy was able to get that all together and manage it all, and continues to do such a fine job of it 12 books later! Wolf Creek is still going strong, and it's a testament to all the fine writing and editing and realism within those pages that the authors have created.
ReplyDeleteKeith Souter's chapters/writing are always ones I look forward to, as well.
Cheryl
Rain, did you see my post on The Worst Writing Advice Ever? a couple of days ago? Not being able to read within your genre for fear of being influenced falls into that category for me. LOL The way I see it, if you DON'T read within your genre, you can't know what's being bought--and more importantly, reading within your genre is what (in my opinion) helps writers become stronger in their writing of that genre. If it's what you love to write, it would only make sense that it's what you love to read.
ReplyDeleteI grew up reading a lot, too. Progress is really not "progress" in a lot of ways. I have wonderful memories of summer, on an old packing quilt under the shade trees with a pitcher of cold lemonade and a book. THAT was heaven!
Thanks for coming by today. I agree that America is being dumbed down. It's very sad to me.
Cheryl
I spoke with a young man at one of my jobs who was reading his e-reader. He said he was reading more now than he used to. I found that fascinating. The younger generation is so tuned in to the electronic universe, I guess it makes sense.
ReplyDeleteFor myself, I still love the feel of a book in my hand, but economically the e-reader has allowed me to purchase more books to read. But...I also spend a great deal of time at the library doing research and I don't count that as reading for pleasure (although I get a great deal of fun out of doing it), but I am exposed to more books that I might not have seen as I head out the door.
If I had to choose one book, I don't think I could. I truly love all the stories I read. Doris
Doris, it's hard to pick just one, there are so many wonderful books and short stories and anthologies out there.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I still love the feel of a book in my hand, but it's true--the e-reader is much more affordable and convenient.
Always enjoy hearing from you my friend!
Cheryl
I guess if people only read one book a year it would be easy to pick a favorite book. I read all the time. I have bookshelves in my home filled with hardback and paperback books. I have additional books through kindle on my iPad and phone. I keep the two electronic devices synced when I read on them.
ReplyDeleteI used to track the books that I read starting as far back as 2000. I read an average of 40 books a year. I have authors that I have read every book they have written. Some are still writing, so I wait for more books from them.
Because I am a reader, my daughter is too. Although right now she reads college text books, but I know she has a list of books she wants to read the first chance she gets.
Belinda, I read all the time too. But since so much of it is editing, I really miss being able to just pick up a book and sit down and read what I've selected to read. SIGH. I remember those college days, and reading constantly, but always in preparation for a class. I know your daughter will be thrilled to be through with school and just get back to reading what she likes again. I really did miss that during my school years.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about having your favorite authors and waiting for more books by them to be released. My husband loved John D. McDonald and when he died, there was just no substitute for his writing. But he reads a lot of other people, too--that was just his favorite author.
I have a ton of books too, at home in the shelves and on my Kindle. I was really discouraged after reading this little report of Wisegeek's, but in my heart, I know there are a lot of people who do read a LOT. Thank goodness.
I'm so glad you stopped by today and commented!
Cheryl
I have to say, the feel of the book in my hand has no appeal to me at all, unless someone invents one where you can change the size of the text at will and doesn't weigh four pounds. I knew I was a convert when I was trying to find some info in a print book and kept swiping the surface of the page to get it to turn. LOL.
ReplyDeleteAbout reading in general, it's sure hard to find the time to relax with a good book, and that's definitely the down side to being a writer. But when I do read, I absolutely love the choices we have now. I don't have to depend on 100 people in New York to decide what I'll like--I can decide for myself. As a reader, that is the best thing ever. I've found some wonderful books and authors in the last few years.
I have three stacks of books by the bed: research, curiosity (as in "Hmmm, what is my friend Cheryl Pierson writing these days?"), and fun reads.
ReplyDeleteUsually, I am reading on four or five in each stack. Now and then comes that wonderful surprise of getting completely lost in a story...with no thought of the author's technique or writing devices. I can't "feel the writing."
That feeling is what I hope for every time I open the cover (or sweep my finger across the Kindle version) of a new book.
Thanks for sharing these statistics. If only those non-readers knew what they're missing!
Great post Cheryl. I resisted an ereader for a long time, but now I prefer it. So convenient. Holding books actually hurts my hands now. But I do like actual books for research, easier to mark and tab. My favorite book in 2013 was Solar Storms by Linda Hogan, about four generations of women living in Minnesota area, leaning heavily on the native American tradition there. A haunting and lyrical book. No one in my family reads much (except me) but we all love movies. So people get their stories one way or the other.
ReplyDeleteAmen, Jacquie. That "depending on 100 people in NYC" to choose what the entire world reads is OVER. Talk about a revolution--and I'm so glad of it! So many choices now.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to end up like you someday, too, swiping my book page to get it to turn. LOL
Cheryl
Yes, Vonn, isn't that the truth? If only they knew! But it's my guess that as future generations come along, electronics will become so high tech that eventually there won't even be a need to read anymore. That will be a sad day, but I do think it will come to pass. A few years ago, it would have been ridiculous to believe that school systems in some states would do away with teaching cursive writing--but there are several who have already done so. That's the first step.
ReplyDeleteI usually have 3 books going at once, but have cut back a LOT on that since I'm doing so much reading for others now, working on so many projects. I have a book I'm reading right now, Heart of the West by Penelope Williamson, that I'm just in love with. I dread the day I finish it, because it has been soooo good. I want to be her when I grow up. LOL
Thank you for your VERY kind words, dear friend!
Hugs,
Cheryl
Hi Kristy,
ReplyDeleteI'm like you--I have to have a physical book in my hands for research. I expect that, had I been born a few years later into this techno-age, it wouldn't bother me so much to highlight, and go back and forth, etc. But I'd rather just have physical pages I can turn and tag and compare.
Solar Storms sounds good! You know I never check anything out of the library anymore--I read so slowly that I can't finish it without feeling pressured by the time limit. So I'll just buy it.
Cheryl
I have a kindle app on my phone and tablet. I read when I am waiting. I read for pleasure. I love the feel of a book in my hand but with my hands loosing strength the tablet and smart phone are lighter. If I forget my paperback I at least have something to read. If I am waiting and doing nothing it is a waste.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Connie! When I was younger and the kids were in so many activities, and I was having to wait to pick them up at school, etc., I kept a book in the car that was my "car" book. Then I had one by my bed, and one on the dining table that I read when I ate lunch. LOL My hands are losing strength, too. And when I read in bed, it makes me soooo sleepy! I usually get most of my pleasure reading done while I'm eating my lunch and taking a break then. Glad you stopped by!
ReplyDeleteCheryl
Cheryl, I'm in that age group that does the most reading for pleasure. I find myself feeling sorry for people who don't like to read; to not have that pleasure would be devastating to me. I grew up in a reading family so it comes naturally to me. My favorite books of 2013 were The All-Girls Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg and Galveston by Nic Pizzolato.
ReplyDeleteI hope reading doesn't disappear, but you touch on an interesting subject Cheryl. My sons love video games. There are deep and complex stories in some, such as Halo. This satisfies their desire to live in another world, learn lessons, feel connected to characters. And, for them, it has replaced reading. Although, I've tried to get them to read some of the original novels coming out of this universe.
ReplyDeleteGood blog as usual, Cheryl. While sitting in a medical waiting room yesterday I noticed most of the other people waiting their turn were looking down at some device in there hands and wondered what it was that had their attention. Some were texting of course or playing games, but some were reading and again I wondered what.
ReplyDeleteWhile doing promotions for my own book, I've learned there are some nationalities who don't read for pleasure. I do not mean that negatively; they just have other interests. I'm sure there are exceptions among them, but as a rule it is a fact. As a home improvement salesman, I am invited in to many home every week and here in Southern California, it's all one large bowl of nationality soup allowing me to research my theory and it's holding up. I won't mention which because I don't want to appear racist.
Many times while telling someone about my novel, someone will start punching keys on their smart phone and before I finish they are holding up their phone saying "Yep, here you are right here." I have to admit that's fun. Note: remember what phone booths used to look like where Superman changed clothes? Phone booths now are cars, airplanes, trains, street corners, cafe booths, movie lines, front porchs, and I'm sad to say... public restrooms. And often they are reading a story on them also.
Louis, I AGREE wholeheartedly. I just can't even imagine a life without reading. My parents read to me from an early age, and one of my fondest memories is my dad reading me Robert Service's poems about life in the Yukon. I wasn't old enough to understand the words, but the lilt and rhythm and rhyme were magical to me. Long live reading--but I suspect the key is to try to start kids out at a young age and foster that love for it then. I will say that my son, though he does read, doesn't read as much as my daughter. But I think a lot of that is simply because he's been in college for so long and has so much to read for that, reading for pleasure has taken a backseat.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Louis.
Cheryl
Kristy, same here with my son. He loves Halo, and some of the others that I can't remember. You know the best thing about these games, at least ONE of the best things, is that they foster communication amongst the players--and it's almost kind of like a book club reading a book for discussion, isn't it? Anything to get them thinking and relating to the characters. Jonah Hex was another fave of my son's (one that I can remember!)
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder--do you think girls might tend more to pic up a book or read a story on an e-reader? And boys might tend to get their storytelling more from video games? I know there are girls who play the video games too, but it seems like it's mainly guys. More food for thought.
Cheryl
Hi Rod, and thanks for the kind words.
ReplyDeleteAnother thought provoking idea. I never thought about some cultures not reading--but you're right. A lot of it is how you're raised, and what's the "norm" in your society--something I wonder if this survey took into account. It would be interesting to know the stats on that, too, wouldn't it?
If no one else around you reads, or encourages you to do so, then even if you might have enjoyed it you'll never know. Also, the same with necessity. I think about my mother and father, and how neither of them had time to read growing up in the 1920-30's Great Depression here in the Dustbowl of Oklahoma. They both looked forward to going to school during the day to learn...and read. But there was no spare time to read for pleasure at home. Once they had their own home/family, they were able to find time to read, and both of them were voracious readers, though my dad more so than Mom.
So many influences on people and their reading habits. I never gave it much thought until I read this survey. Thanks so much for commenting, Rod. Seems like this post has touched another nerve with people--and I'm loving these discussions!
Cheryl