I just read an article that blew me away.
One in four Americans read no books last year. Zero. Squat. Nada.
And of those that did read, the average number of books read in a year was seven.
I probably average that many in a month. I often have two or three going at once, with at least one of them an audio book that goes along in the car and on the treadmill. I’ll admit that the vast majority of the books I read are fiction, and a good portion of those are murder mysteries. I don’t always read Les Miserables.
I know not everyone is as avid reader as I am, but of my friends and family like to read at least occasionally. I can think of one person I know well who simply does not read books, but I forgive her because she reads magazines and does crossword puzzles. Besides, it’s a good idea to get along with your mother-in-law.
How do you compare to the statistics?
7 Comments
I used to read a lot more than I do now. I tend to spend more time reading magazines and attending sporting events. But I did raise one kid right, Ashley reads a ton, loves classic literature, and uses the library card a lot. Unfortunately, the hubby and 2nd daughter read only if it’s a must, which means the hubby reads the sports section of the newspaper.
I read at a snail’s pace but I always have a book on the go.
My Mum doesn’t read books either but she’s always got her nose in a newspaper.
I’m actually trying to do less blogging and more reading (of books.)
What? You can’t tell??!!
Seriously though I have about four books checked out from the library right now. I’m currently reading “The Mermaid Chair.”
Unfortunately I’m not surprised at that sad statistic!
I can’t imagine not wanting to read books; I understand not having the time, but surely even the busy people can read just one book a year…
Yep. I just heard that statistic on another site, too. AMAZING. I don’t read anywhere close to 7 a month. That is HUGE! Good job. But I’m planning for this fall to see an increase with the reading challenge I just joined. I do believe bloggers tend to be readers. At least the bloggers I read are. What do you think?
I have been know to read 7 books in a week! Trashy novels but it is reading. If I don’t have a book to read, I go crazy. Unfortunately, my house shows how much I do read!
I’m a magazine reader mostly these days — oh, and I read piles and piles of children’s books aloud. And after the little one goes to bed? I’m usually too exhausted to keep my eyes open.