The Book Page

By Anne

November 30, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

Obviously, I can’t speak for everyone, but I know I’m not reading less. I think it’s sad that our young people don’t enjoy the pleasure of reading, but in this age of computers, tv’s, movies with ridiculous special effects, why would they!?

By Kevin

November 30, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

I think we are in the dark ages of reading. I am not an educator so I don’t know what our kids are being required to do but judging on what my kids were required to do in high school it seemed a lot more like busy work than challenges in reading.

Just look at the nonfiction best sellers for the reason for the percentage increase in sales. Are not most of the top books about how to make money or how to lose weight???

By Jeff

November 30, 2007 8:41 AM | Link to this

Well, I know that a TON of adults read HP.

And based on that (and my own observations in my abortive teaching career), I would say that BOTH studies are accurate.

I would say that the sales indicate that SOMEONE is reading more, and I say that that SOMEONE is ADULTS. I know that my own reading has picked up in my post-teenage years (though it was hardly ‘slow’ in my teen years!).

YES, kids are reading less.

But adults are reading MORE.

Now the question becomes: Is this something that will continue? (As in, will these kids that are currently reading less become adults that read as much as the current crop of adults? Is this in fact a generational thing - reading slows in the teenage years and picks back up in the adult years??)

By Capt

November 30, 2007 8:44 AM | Link to this

I am an avid reader. I guess I read 2 to 3 books a week. I have trouble sleeping so I have the time at night. I also noticed that I very seldom watch tv anymore except for sports and channels like Discovery. None of my children read and they are missing a great deal in life.

By Greg

November 30, 2007 8:56 AM | Link to this

Been reading about ten books per year, for the last 15 years. One of the best have been the “The Power Of Now”. Changed my life.

By JJ

November 30, 2007 9:05 AM | Link to this

I read something every single day. Whether it’s a newspaper, or a book, or a magazine, I love to read.

I love a good book that takes me away. My daughter is a good reader too. We can both veg on a sunday on the sofa with books. I enjoy reading on rainy days.

I come from a long line of readers. My mother’s house looks like an extension of a library. She has hundreds of books, on every subject. She even has my father’s psychology books from the 60’s. Talk about interesting!!!

By Atlanta Pearl Girl

November 30, 2007 9:16 AM | Link to this

I’m actually reading more….I went on a lull for a year and realized I was really getting slack…thus!!! I formed a book club in my neighborhood and joined in another one with friends in town…..

Love to read! I was the kid with a flashlight under the covers at night. I get lost in a story.

Cheers! Happy Friday everyone! :::turning flips::::::

Atlanta Pearl Girl

By ron

November 30, 2007 9:23 AM | Link to this

Sadly,I now read less.What spare time I do have I now spend on the web.That's reading,I suppose,but not what I would classify as reading.I'm retired and I find that I have no time for reading.Strange isn't it?

By lovelyliz

November 30, 2007 9:29 AM | Link to this

Quantity vs. Quality

I am reading a bit less, but what I do read is of a better quality. I used to go through a dozen of those romance novels every month. Then I gave away my stash (200+).

I am now into biographies, non-fiction and the classics. The Assault On Reason is in my bag right now. I reread the entire Ian Rankin - John Rebus series every now and then. Occasionally, I pick up some chick lit and I’ve gone through every Harry Potter book more than once.

Kids today read less and I think the reason is mainly video games. Too many kids spend too many hours playing video games. Between that and television they have no time to read even if they were so inclined.

By Joyce

November 30, 2007 9:39 AM | Link to this

I’m reading the same amount that I have always read.

I think readers are created at home. I came for a home that READ.

Children still love books. They can show off their reading skills and bond with older family members. Also, book ownership means a lot to children.

Because of homework demands, I see kids doing less recreational reading as they age, BUT it seems in college recreational reading comes in vogue in order to be “in the know” at cocktail parties.

By Lisey P.

November 30, 2007 9:41 AM | Link to this

I LOVE to read!!! I commute to work via MARTA and shuttles just so that I can have time to read.

By Teacher, Too

November 30, 2007 9:50 AM | Link to this

I love to read. I read every day. I even read in the lunchroom at school. I’d rather read than watch most of what’s on television.

Parents need to read with kids- fun books- to instill the joy of the imaginary world of reading. As we readers know, it’s so much more fun to read the book and have our imagination process the story than to have a director tell us what we’re supposed to see and think.

I almost never see a movie that’s made from a novel that I’ve read. Almost every time, I am disappointed with the film.

By Matt

November 30, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

It seems like I don’t have anything to add that hasn’t been said by someone else here already. But that’s a good thing, considering that I don’t know a lot of people in my usual circles that have the same opinions as me about reading.

I agree with Jeff when he said that both studies are accurate. Kids are reading less, mostly due to video games, TV, etc, but at the same time, I, for one, am reading as much or more than I did when I was younger. I probably go through 8 to 10 books a month now, although I have been slacking a little recently.

I also agree with Joyce, having an environment where kids are encouraged to read is a necessity. If parents don’t help those skills blossom, it’s not going to happen anywhere else. I shudder to think of how I would have turned out if my parents hadn’t supported my book habit.

Teacher, I understand completely your point. i don’t even bother having cable, I prefer a good book instead. As to the movies, I prefer the books to the movies in most cases, although the special effects can be very pretty. I will say that one book-turned-movie where I preferred the movie to the book was Neil Gaiman’s Stardust. The ending to the movie was several notches above the ending to the book, IMHO.

By Old School

November 30, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

My husband and I are avid readers. He’s retired and reads nearly all day when he isn’t substitute teaching. I love to read on road trips (keeps me quiet and hubby happy!).

In my classroom, my students read the first 15 minutes of the block. I keep Readers’ Digest, Consumer Reports, and my collection of Pat McManus books. It’s a “reading for pleasure” time although I do allow them to read homework assignments…no writing or calculating allowed.

They love it. It’s a break from the noise and clamor of the main hall during class change and it calms us all down making it much easier to start class.

My current book is the latest “Harry Potter” which will be followed by “Gormenghast”.

By AJCGirl

November 30, 2007 11:02 AM | Link to this

I think adults are reading more, AND are collecting more books. Books are now fashionable as decorator items. Many more folks these days like to have home libraries, whether or not they actually read all of the books they own! I believe that accounts for the increase in book sales. However, I definitely believe that on a whole we are reading less, and it is very evident among younger people. Soon we will have a nation of young adults who can’t even read or comprehend the books that their parents have collected!

By Jane

November 30, 2007 12:48 PM | Link to this

Reading is for enjoyment regardless of age. Yes, I love books. Yes, I did do the typical American and European author lists given to the college prep classes during high school—but I had already read everything on the list. My parents created a list of must reads by age level, I read the Illiad, etc during summer break and I have maintained this level of reading—my interests have changed over the years and I have no problem grabbing a book to teach myself how to do something or for escape purposes.
My favorite time to read is during a rainy day, with a quilt around me and a fire in the fireplace—lots of happy memories.

By steve

November 30, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this

From what I understand of this study, all age groups are reading less, and are reading less well. So, I don’t know why book sales numbers are rising when everyone is reading less. Maybe people have stopped using the library.

I always have a book that I am reading. It may take me a month to finish a book sometimes, and sometimes a week. That is neither an increase, nor decrease from any other point in my life.

By steve

November 30, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

By the way, the Public Libraries have to be the most under-utilized, and under-appreciated, Government entity in our Country. I have a 4.5 year old son and for 2.5 years we have taken a weekly trip to the library. He checks out 3 books and 2 videos every week. It teaches him about choices because he has to limit his choices to those numbers causing him to sacrifice “Hop on Pop” for “Yurtle the Turtle” at times. It also keeps me from reading the same book to him thousands of times. His day has ended almost every day of his life with the reading of 3 short books and now at 4.5 he is starting to recognize words and sound out others.

Reading: Its whats after dinner.

By Kate

November 30, 2007 2:31 PM | Link to this

I get tired of these “sky is falling” pronouncements. Kids these days…

What data is this study reflecting? When they say that kids are not reading, do they mean they are not reading fiction? Non-fiction? Do magazines count? Newspapers? Comic books? Book blogs? :) How about kids (and adults) that are hooked on audio books….is this “not reading”? Where are they getting their data…from surveys? bookstore sales? libraries?

By newkid

November 30, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

With such dramatic and sometimes exciting changes occuring in the world’s natural and econometric conditions, I find it hard to fathom not constantly imnmersing myself between the covers of several books at once. Whilst I’ve always been a fairly avid reader, the past decade or so I’ve found myself reading MUCH more and over a much wider spectrum of subjects. I must admit, regrettably, that quite a large percentage of those with whom I come in contact say they find it rather difficult in their quite busy daily lives to find much time to read. I find that such a pity.

By not as much as I would like

November 30, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

Most of my (adult) friends are avid readers. As far as myself, unfortunately, after a day of staring at a computer screen all day at work, my poor eyes are too strained and irritated to read as much as I would like.

By margaret

November 30, 2007 7:35 PM | Link to this

I think the popularity of the book club is one reason why more books are being sold. I joined one this summer and I’ve been out there supporting the book stores lol.

By Jennifer

November 30, 2007 8:11 PM | Link to this

I am an avid reader but I also read sporadically. When I go on a vacation I always try to read a book a day. There are times I read a book every couple of weeks but sometimes I go a couple of months without reading. It just depends on how busy life is at the moment. I have three children - 16 (girl), 13 (boy), 10 (girl). My 16 year old reads all of the time and a lot more than I ever have. My son will not pick up a book unless required, although he loved reading when he was younger. My 10 year old likes to buy books more than read them.

I don’t know if the study is right or not. I just hope that all my children will eventually develop a love for reading. It makes life very enjoyable.

By weneedtostop.com

December 2, 2007 2:34 AM | Link to this

I am doing more reading than ever, but my reading is of blogs and newspapers. Reading is reading.

By Denise

December 2, 2007 6:22 AM | Link to this

I’ve always read a lot. I read for school and for work and I always have a book that I am reading for pleasure. I probably spend at least 8 hours a day reading various things. Because I am so busy with work and school, I don’t get to read as much for pleasure as I would like, but I average about 10 books a year. I’ve kept a list of all of the books I’ve read since I finished undergrad in 1998. It’s nice to look back on all of the books I’ve read and the list helps me remember what I’ve read and whether I enjoyed the book or not.

I am a college professor and I know that my students don’t like to read until they find something that they are interested in. The key is for them to find things they are interested in and then encourage them to pursue readings in that area. Sometimes it works, but all too often, they just don’t care enough about reading to change their habits.

By Miguel

December 2, 2007 8:01 AM | Link to this

Few Reading Much; Many Not Reading It’s all about an even smaller percentage of people reading more than the rest. The growth in population explains the high sales of books; it does not mean that the majority of people are reading. Not even close.

By linny_kat

December 2, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

I come from a family of readers (i’m almost 60) as does my husband. We both read voraciously. And so do our children. I’m always reading… even if it’s just the ketchup bottle label! even when I’m watching television, there’s a book nearby and i even sometimes read a paragraph or two during commercials! We have books and magazines everywhere in our house; the kids borrow books or donate books to the shelves (the kids, btw, range from 21 to 37 years of age.

I cannot imagine what it would be like to NOT be able to read! My spare time in the near future will be dedicated to getting the training for Reading for the Blind and Dyslexic, and I hope to be able to contribute to the well-being of those who are unable to read.

sad to say, i fear too many people in various cultural groups are not taught the joy of reading, and our PC educational system is not focusing on teaching reading FIRST followed by other basics, and future generations may not have the pleasure we experience in books … sad sad sad!

By Lauretta

December 2, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Hi Phil, Miss your column in the paper! Glad I finally found you. I listen to a lot of books on tape or CD. I just finished, “Last of the Mohicans” by James Fenimore Cooper. What wonderful language is used in his descriptive narrative. Fantastic read/listen. when I first started to listen to the story I thought I would not be able to understand or get into the flow of the language. But as I listened more I was able to get into the stream of the words. The language used in the book is lyrical. My thought is that people are reading less because people are communicating less; please note communicating less not talking less. Thanks for taking the time to read this….Lauretta

By Ace

December 2, 2007 9:52 PM | Link to this

For the past few decades TV has was the favorite past-time of many people and still is. Now adays Television shows are strangled by political correctness and for the most part are boring. They rehash the same tired plot lines and in an effort not to offend anyone Television has become a very boring vehicle. Reading books still can allow a person to use their imagination.

By Wendy

December 2, 2007 10:40 PM | Link to this

I’m not reading less, I’m reading differently. Since I’m working on my degree, I have gone from bestsellers to text books. But I promised myself I was going to read a book a week during winter break.

By Reader and Writer

December 3, 2007 6:00 AM | Link to this

I am not reading less; I am reading more variety. I would like to weigh in on the comments regarding the reading habits of our young people.

My son is 31 years old and continues to read a great deal. He, like his mother, was raised in a household of daily readers. I am convinced that kind of rearing does make a difference in the life of a child.

I retired as a secondary English teacher in 2005. Generally speaking, the students I taught, regardless of their academic abilities, were not leisure readers. I am not saying they could not read; I am saying they chose not read books during their leisure time.

My last year of teaching I surveyed my students to find out how they spent their free time. Did they read at all? These students preferred to spend their leisure time talking with friends either by cell phone or instant messaging, listening to music, or watching videos.

They did, however, read some. They read magazines! They read magazines that featured celebrities, sports, cars, and entertainment news. Some reported they read the Holy Bible.

My final question on the survey asked if they did not read books during their leisure time could they explain why. Their responses included “books are too long”, “take too long to read”, “do not have enough action”, “have too many words”, books are too much like school work”. I’ll stop with that one!

Ladies and gentlemen, I submit this is the sound bite generation, raised on Sesame Street vignettes! Their attention spans were stunted as pre-schoolers.