There was an article in the paper at the weekend which said that people are reading less and less these days (bit of an irony that this was written in a newspaper) but is this really true? There seem to be huge quantities of books being released every year so there must be a market for them, also look at the success of Harry potter, surely that indicates that people still enjoy reading.
What was the last book you read? Do you think you have started reading less in recent years?
[question posted by smuggeridge]
responses and comments:
I have always enjoyed reading.Books take you to different worlds. Give you new adventures.Books are friends who help you grow.I love to read and write.It will be a less colorful world without books.If people stop reading their minds will stop growing. [RESSIE0168]
yeah i love reading too, only problem can be finding a book i'm really going to enjpoy [smuggeridge]
it doesn't suprise me that people are reading less and less these days, there is so much to do, and still the same 24 hours in a day in comparison to say 20 years ago, now there are playstations, game cubes, pc games... (for children and adults alike lol) then there is school, work, life in general, everyone tries to cram so much in to their days, that time for reading has gone out of the window. personally i love to read (probably one of the reasons why i am here on mylot, i get to read so many interesting topics lol). the last book i read just for myself, was james herberts the rats, and i have read that a few times. the most recent book i have read that wasn't for myself, was my sons book (read to him before bed time) which is a book called jeremy thatcher; dragon hatcher. i read to my son every night, and he reads his school book to me when he gets home from school, i believe that reading is important, whether it is to find something out, or just for the sheer pleasure of it :) [bobbyjoe143]
Yeah i've probably been guilty of playing my PC game rather than reading from time to time but in truth sometimes its a lot more fun to kill evil nazis yourself than just read about someone else doing it [smuggeridge]
I think I read less because I get more information from the internet. I guess it is the same with everyone else who surf the net daily. Moreover, reading blogs, news websites etc have more attractions then a book. However I do like to sit down quitely once in a while to have a nice read. This is becoming rare though because of a busy lifestyle. [pittan]
but reading a book is different to reading a blog or website isn't it? i could understand that being a cause for falling newspaper readers but is it really an alternative to a novel? [smuggeridge]
I still enjoy reading books on occassion. I think that because of the internet that the number of people reading books probably decreased [Lauraleigh99]
do you really think the internet would stop people reading? i thought maybe TV or video games might be a reason, but i suppose sites like this one might be part of the cause [smuggeridge]
I believe that this is true. I've started reading more lately now that I've gained an interest. I think that the reason most people don't read is because of time factor. Let's face it, in today's society, we rarely have time to do anything other than work because things are so fast. Reading does a person good in writing, speaking, and thinking. I believe that a person should enjoy what they're are reading, otherwise they will hate it. [h_gaurd9]
True its probably a major reason that people don't read more, i know it is for me but i can't believe that people are really that much busier now than they were 20 years ago, there must be some other reason for the falling levels [smuggeridge]
I have read less this year than usual, after having a child. I'm really too busy to do much pleasure reading of my own now, though I do also read to him a lot. However, reading "less" for me is still at least 5-6 books a month. =p I think there are always going to be the people that read a lot, and the people that don't read much. I have a coworker who is in her 40's and says she hasn't read a book since high school, while up until this past year I was reading at least two or three books a week. So I think it really comes down to teh individual level. [lecanis]
wow i think 5-6 a month is good going, i've only read 1 this year, unless you include my course books which would take that number up to about 50. I would love to be able to read more but just don't have enough time which i'm sure is the same for a lot of people [smuggeridge]
The last book I read was actually a Harry Potter, the 5th I think But I tend to agree with the newspaper, with internet I find mysef reading more stuff online than on paper, ... the news for instance I tend to think that less and less people read books ... but I think that those who do read, tend to read a lot Still it is important for our kids to keep the habit of reading because they imitate parents ... how cn you tell your child to read if you never do it yourself ?! [ricknkae]
If anything I read more than ever, I have been an evid reader since childhood and I make a point of reading every day. I am currently reading a book called The Opium Clerk. However, some people have very little time to read these days. My husband works so many hours that when he attempts to read he drops off to sleep. This is why he began buying audion books, which he lsitens to on the hour long drive to and from his place of work. [Whisp1976]
I actually read more now than I did when i was younger. I finished Dark Legend yesterday by Christine Feehan. And have started another book today called A Girl's Guide to Witchcraft. It is turning out to be very humorous. And when I am done with that one, I have about 12 more books ready to read. And sadly...even as I finish those books...I will add to my pile of books to read because I am always looking for another book. I love reading. It takes me to another world and escape my own. :) [brokentia]
yes i still read a book or newspaper.Yeah,i think people nowadays are reading lesser than people in 8 or 9 years ago. I also currently has reading less than usually i used to read 4 years ago.The last book i'd read was my Law of contract book.Well the reason i read was because i had an exam yesterday. [japboy]
I read less since I discovered myLot! Today I tore myself away from myLot pretty much, read at my lunch break during the soap opera commercials and during my afternoon break I read *gasp* my book and watched no TV. And actually got two Associated Content articles submitted today. But really myLot and its associated hypnotic, addictive effects have kept me from doing all the reading I love to do. Slowly I am weaning away from spending the entire days here. Soon I will finish the book I've been reading on for months! I do still love to read and I have many friends who are still bookworms, too. [cremechese]
Nowadays less and less people read books even students at school.they spend most time on play games online.I don't like books which too thick. I read slowly. So I always read papers which take not so much time. [yangqinjia]
I read less of certain things than I used to. For example, I don't read newspapers as I can read a more concise version of local news online. I love reading and there is nothing better than having a book to read and turning the pages, and putting your bookmark to keep your place when you need a break. A computer or magazine will never be able to replace the tangible feelings that reading a book gives me. [gardengalz]
Yea, and actually I really love is cause it is my habit. I believe there are lot of people reading cause if not why is it that we're receiving responces, many movies are created, newspapers is on high business? [capssy07]
I read every night in bed, I have to have a read or I can't sleep! I love reading and encouraging my friends to read by sharing a good book. The last book I read was a bit crap but the last good book I read was red river. [ozangel82]
yes i reading less in recent years,but i like to reading magazine and newspaper.now the internet is comvenient,i can download the story or fiction from internet.it can save my money to buy book,and can save my time to go out.untill i graduated from college,i didn't want to reading book,i like to watch TV to care the news. [mari123]
there mayu be a class of reader have taken a mll retirement from reading books due to high prices of printing cost added to books ad magazines.but reading books is a big pastime for many and it will never dwindle as observed.the last book i read daniel steel's glasshouse .no of reader must ave been decreased temporarily for a boost in future [kumar27]
Yep I believe that people are starting to read less than before. I must admit that I am not an avid reader but I want to be one. I just can't find the time to read since I am addicted to these internet stuffs just like mylot. I think it is the main reason why. Books are really a good companion more than the internet. Books show facts we can rely on that sometimes can't be found in the net. Books are the things we can depend on when there's no electricity for us to use the internet. I only read books at school. Today, I printed out a story of the adventure of the final problem by sherlock holmes and if I can finish that within a week, I hope to start loving books by then. Yep, I do love Harry Potter books then also, after the four books of that, I started to lilo and stop reading those. The last book I read was THE BRETHREN by John Grisham. It's a nice book, the problem is, I don't have the effort to read and finish it. I really wish to have the effort and guts and of course, the WILL to love and read books.. wish me luck!! =) [mskzalameda]
its true that the younger generation nowadays are reading less this days maybe because of the many factor such as instead of reading books, children are already hooked up in the internet, surfing the web and watching televisions or movies. some countries have a program for the parents and newborn children to engage them in reading books, some pregnant mom will enroll in this program and they will be given a books to read to their unborn child so that while still in the womb, it will install in their young minds the love for reading. i too try to read books to my children who are ages 1 and 2 yrs old so that while growing up they will appreacite the love of reading and the importance of books. by reading books, they will learn a lot and it will give them additional knowledge that they can use when they grow up. by reading good story books to my children, i already installing in their young mind some good manners while explaining to them what are the moral values of the story. it is better that parents should choose or buy books that are suited for their children needs and age to ensure that their children are reading the right materials. [ellanick]
Interestingly this article was nothing to do with children, apparantly kids now read more than they did in the past (mainly thanks to harry potter) apparantly its adults who are getting lazy and not reading anymore [smuggeridge]
I really found that I read less and less. It is more difficult for me to read a book carefully. When I graduated from a college, I love reading very much. Everyday I must read a newspaper, a magzine or a story. But I read less and less when I get a job.I feel very tired everyday, not only my body,but also my mind. When I go home, I just want to take a bath and go to bed. Now, I quit my job, but I lost the habit of reading. I have more and more free time, and I spend much time on surfing the net. I like to go to someone's blog, and there is lots of stories in it. Now I like mylot very much. [wonderful1]
i still read a lot because it will keep us equipped with learning new things... reading magazines, articles, books, journals help us to know new developments in any field sports, music, health, food etc...it pays to read a lot. [chingwes]
yeah i still do read a lot... reading articles, magazines, newspapers, books, journals and in the internet help us to know more about life, leisure, sports,health etc... it updates us.. [chingwes]
yes.. i do agree with you.. people are reading less and less.. the same statistic in my country too..i'm lucky because i always keep myself updated with newspaper and online thingy.. i think thre's going to be a change in people's habit.. and this might even change the whole world.. it's not a small matter anymore that people reading less and less.. without reading.. it's impossible for them to know what's going on.. and most of the one that dislike reading are teenagers.. they're taking things too easily and refuse to update themselves.. all they know is just fashions and hops.. do you agree? [charlestchan]
It all depends on my mood or what is there to read mostly i read newspaper everyday in de morning but i am not that interested in novels or things like that cause i can't remember things how am i gonna remember such a fat book. I do read some books which got some interesting details in it. Not a regular reader of books or something. [Betso221]
i hate reading. i needed to read 12 books for school.. but i really get very aggressive when i need to read (yeah, i really really hate it) but i needed to make bookreports of then so i needed to do it anyway. but a few years ago.. i loved reading. i spend hours a day reading books, but since i got a computer.. my intrest for reading relly dropped.. and now it's the worst thing in the world if you ask me. [popey88]
what is so bad about reading? it is not really that different to other forms of media like TV or films except that you've got to visualise it yourself rather than being put in front of you [smuggeridge]
i do. not because im still in school but because i really love to read. in my work right, me and some of my schoolmates used to bring books in the office cause there really are times that we're idle and instead of talking nonsense,we read. and some of our office mates would look at us while they talk nonsense. =) [MGjhaud]
yes its very correct that less and less people are reading these days. reading was considered a favourite pastime for many when entertaiment options were few and far between. now if you want to be entertained, most people, instead of curling up with a book on their favourite rocking chair, would go and spend time at the bowling alley or the discos and pubs. more would visit visit game parlours and internet chat houses and spend time there. then there was an age when reading books was the only way one could increase one's knowledge. but now with the advent of computer, alas the book has again lost its place under the sun. why should you take the pain to walk up to several libraries and bookstores for a particular book, when with the click of a mouse you have the world of information at your fingertips? children are no less affected with many preferring to watch the latest Harry Potter (with all its special effects) at the movie hall rather than go through a big fat book. the age of imagination is over, i think. its now the age of result oriented research through computers! [sudiptacallingu]
As a student i understand that books are becomming less useful because it takes several years to write and print a book so the information is often out of date by the time its released, but surely some must read for fun, many of my favourite books you can't just watch in the Cinema because they have never been made into films. [smuggeridge]
Yes, i think so. I don't really read much. I only read newspapers and magazines and anything that caught my attention. I just read at times of boredom. I haven't finished reading The Lord of the Rings trilogy. That's how i am lazy to read books because i tend not to understand what i am reading. [joice86]
i wouldn't feel too guilty about not finishing the lord of the rings. It took me 6 months first time round, but it is worth trying again because it is a brilliant book [smuggeridge]
yes I still read! I love a good book, particularly when I am travelling a distance! I think people do still read! You have to read to understand what is on the internet and in the different forums what is out there! Reading is something I think will always be around. Lynn-Marie [Tenerifelynn]
a man may usually be known by the books he reads as well as by the company he keeps;for there is a companionship of books as well as of men;and one should always live in the best company,whether it be of books or of men. [licisheng508]
I don't read books. I read articles on the internet all day long though! I can't get enough. There's never too much to be learnt. I've read plenty of articles, but, I haven't picked up a book since I graduated. Well, I lied, I read my owners manual when I bought my last car. [armyofme]
Suppose that technically still counts as reading [smuggeridge]
there was an article in the paper at the weekend which said that people! [czy0578]
what's your point? [smuggeridge]
it depends on the stream on what to read and what people are interested in. harry potter caters for almost all age types so it has became a big hit not only for kids but also on adults. i would say we will never stop reading but reading books now is so tiring for my eyes. [jayparalejas]
Well the last new book I read was Angels & Demons by Dan Brown. I admit I don't read as much as I used to but that is for many reasons. One being due to injuries in my neck it makes it hard to read, it causes a lot of pain no matter how I hold the book. The other is cost. The library around us isn't that good and to buy books isn't cheap. I don't have the money to buy all the books I'd like to read. I'm going to be rereading the Harry Potter series so that I'll be all set for when the new book comes out. I'm hoping to have the money for it, if not I may have to wait and hope someone get's it for me my birthday. [emeraldisle]
Well they are very good books. I've enjoyed each one :) They have a lot more to them then just magic and good versus evil to them. [emeraldisle]
i used to read a book a month before my son was born over 6 years ago. reading was one of my hobbies and it kept me company when no one else was around and it entertained me and kept me from being bored out of my mind. my son is now finding some of his own interests and he is in school full time now so i have much more time on my hands so i started to read again. i am in a book club with some friends and we meet once per week so it is fun for me. reading is a great thing. it is something to do no matter what the weather or if there is no one around to talk to or do something with. it has kept me sane many times over the years. i will encourage my son to read once he knows how to and he is now in the process of learning in kindergarten if you can believe that. [jannyw]
your son is better than me then. I didn't learn to read till i was 10, which i think is why i'm trying to make up for it now [smuggeridge]
i love to read novels, not so much the newspapers. it just depresses me. I get so tired of all the media and hearing bad things. its nice to pick up a book and enter into a peaceful place! [lpetges]
I've seen a trend of people reading less and less, but this is mostly in farming communities. I've had people tell me that they have no use for books and just don't need to know what's going on in the world around them. Their focus is solely on their day-to-day lives and they simply don't care to know what's happening outside that little world. For myself, I'm a voracious reader. I usually get 4-5 books from the library and read them all within a week and go back and get more. It's my relaxing time. I read in the car when I'm in the passenger seat. I read at home if my son's watching TV and my husband's at the computer. I read when I'm taking a relaxing bath at the end of the day. I have favorite authors, and when new books come out I'm rushing out to read it and absorb it as quickly as I can. And when I'm not reading books, I'm reading things online. I think that's probably the biggest trend--people moving away from the printed page and reading their news online. [mmiller26]
Thanks! I've always been sucked into stories. When the book is written well, it's easy to become absorbed in it to the point that I'm pretty much unaware of what's going on around me. I can't tell you how many times my husband has been trying to talk to me while I'm reading and all I hear is "wah-wah-wah-wah". lol. I hope you find more time to read. Reading is a valuable tool that we should all use to the best of our ability. It's how we learn. [mmiller26]
I still read. I have read 30 books already this year. I have a goal of 50. Usually I would read more - but I'm going to school full time and working full time so I don't have as much time as I used to. But I definately still love reading. Yesterday I read "Mistral's Kiss" by Laurell K. Hamilton. I'm trying to finish up "Strange Candy" by the same author so I can take it back to the library today. After that I will probably start one of the books I bought - either Philip K. Dick, Oscar Wilde or Jack Kerouc. [Withoutwings]
Do you actually remember what has happened in all those books? seems an insanely large number [smuggeridge]
I try to read...but I know I haven;t read as much lately. It just seems like there is no real time to read...and you have to be in the mood too. I don't know if that article is truthful..but if it is..hopefully people will get back to reading...it is important to us and to our children too... [icequeen]
well no i dont like to read i just hate reading but i am a good listener i listen to a person if he is reading if i wnt to read a book i tell someone to read loudly so tht i can listen to him [anushri]
I think I am reading more as I get older! I used to read alot when I was young before leaving school... then in my teenage years I had more important things on my mind than reading. But now at 27 i've started to settle down a bit, relaxing after a hard days work with a good book and a glass of wine. I'm just coming to the end of 'The devil wears Prada'. I also find that reading helps me to sleep better... [katkat3]
The last book I read was The Dog Whisperer. I love to read. I don't read e-books. They are too hard on the eyes. I read the same amount that I used to. I tend to keep a lot of my books. If they are really good then I will read them more than once. [spiritwolf52]
i don't know how people read e-books, i can't sit on this website for more than about half an hour before my eyes start hurting [smuggeridge]
I am 32 and I have never been a reader at all. I mean, I can but I never find the time to. Or I can't seem to stay focused on a book if it doesn't shock me in some way. It really has to grab my attention somehow. It seems I like to read auto biographies or just biographies on famous people. The last auto bio I read was Marilyn Manson's Long Hard Road Out Of Hell. That book kept me reading from day I started. I even read it two times. I don't think people read less at all. I think the internet has become more of an outlet to read instead of a book. I mean, I am sure the libraries are dead these days. Greets from Switzerland! [misstree]
Well Honestly..I am not much of a reader because I Like things which I can do practically..! I do read news paper fully,some comics and some magazines too but novels..? Nahh...I have no such patients to read such BIG books..!! This was wih me from the bigining So I am not a reader ever. I do read less but thats OK with me. [stella1989]
I used to read a lot more than I do now. I only seem to read children's books now. I just can't find the time to finish a book that I start. I have tried to read several lately but I always set it down and get busy and then don't pick it up again for months so then I have to start over with the whole thing. I finally decided I would wait for my kids to get a bit older and then I will try again. It was more frustrating thatn enjoyable for me at this point in my life. I do wish I had more time for it, but I just don't right now. [webbmommy]
i'm a bookworm and i love reading books. i read all kind of books. whatever shows come on tv i would never lose interest in reading books. last book i read was lonely lady ( i forgot the author's name) [cuterose]
i dont really have time to read too voluminous books because i get tired of them easily especially when they are not interesting at all,so most times i always tend to read junks but interesting articles or magazines [reddevil1]
oh my goodness yes i read! i love to read. i read at least 5 to 6 books a month. it is just something that makes me feel good. i love reading books that help me gain new knowledge, and books that just make me feel good. i love a good grossed out story, or a spooky one. i hope that this is not true, because books have always been a great source of comfort for me, and i hope for others [34momma]
I always have a book with me. I read so much. I must be one of the top readers in the world. :P [lordwarwizard]
On good weeks. And I assume we are talking about thick books. At least hundreds or thousands of pages. Not magazines or comic books alright. :P [lordwarwizard]
I still read a lot, i like to read. The only change is that now i prefer to download e-books then to buy their paper variant. And i am a fan of Harry Potter too:-) [magica]
do you not find that staring at a computer screen makes your eyes go funny. I have tried to read e-books but my eyes can't stand it, plus you have to sit at computer to read a book which doesn't really appeal to me [smuggeridge]
for the past years, i haven't got my hands in reading books such as those novels like harry potter. what I'am reading lately were articles in the news paper and some useful magazines that might give me some tips around house hold duties. but i wont give up reading books, i like reading and its one of my passion. [kawaiijamichan]
Yes I do read but not as much as I would like to as the computer has become a very interactive medium in our lives. There is also a lot to read about so many subjects here on the world wide web and I am fascinated on a daily basis. Have a nice day from Deeeky. [deeeky]
I still read, although sometimes not by choice (like 2-iches thick school readings). But I do read novels, newspapers, magazines and internet articles willingly. And yes, I do think that people are now losing interest in reading, for leisure or otherwise. With the availability of easier means of entertainment and research, and with people now more busy (or lazier) than ever then it comes hardly a surprise. More books are now being published now because more market opens up, not necessarily because more people would like to read. And Harry Potter became popular because it was made into a movie. But without the movie I doubt if it would have had become famous. [RookRocks]
Not sure about the rest of the world but here in the UK Harry Potter was the best selling childrens book of all time before the movies were ever made, so that is evidence that kids are still interested in reading [smuggeridge]
I love to read and encourage my daughters both to read! You can learn so much from reading not only non fiction but sometimes from fiction as well. Even though the story may be fiction, you can learn about the times and places that the stories have taken place in... I myself mostly read non fiction as i am a history fanatic but i do sneak in a fic story once in a while...currently i am reading 'all the Presidents men' (the story of watergate) fascinating! [cher913]
I'm not a reader,and I think that at least people using internet have to read first to understand and participate for example in forums. And when you browse most of sites on the web without reading you just even can't access the second page. [4skaisthelimit]
No, I read more. There seems to be more time to read lately. Right now I am reading The Stupidest Angel by Chris Moore. Writes like Douglas Adams. Really funny in a weird sort of way. [PackratsHouse]
That Hitchhiker books are my favorite. I really like Marvin! [PackratsHouse]
I read Key of Knowledge by Nora Roberts, Choosing Forgiveness, and The Gluten Free Gourmet. I read magazines, book,s newspapers and of course, lots of articles on the internet. Reading isn't losing popularity. The internet just gives us more options for reading, in my opinion. [FabGrandma]
I think I have been reading more lately. I would rather give up sitting in front of the TV like a brain dead zombie and go read some books. I am re-reading a book by Catherine Ponder called The Dynamic Laws of Prosperity. I like to read whenever I can and will never give it up...that is as long as I can read those itty-bitty words that seems to get smaller with each passing year. [sigma77]
If i am not wrong then the article was posted in Financial sense. I think these days people are more interested in reading online. Some people have the hobby of reading also but in this afst life even if they would like to see the news they just open internet while working and have a glance over it. But on the other side i have even saw the people who cant even sleep without reading before go to bed. SO i think it depends on individual. [khushi_me_ever]
Yes, I agree with the statement that people are reading to a lesser degree than, maybe twenty years ago? I myself have given up on the habit of serious reading for a number of years now. I think that the older people, say those above sixty-five are reading more than their younger counterparts. In my opinion, TV is one of the deprivers of younger people not taking reading to heart anymore. there are other factors involved also, of course, for eg: Working harder to make a better living does not provide the time to indulge in reading. video games, the internet, and DVDs and videos are some of the most destracting luxuries that keep us away from reading. Harry Potter movies are making far more money than the book sales I would think. I think today's kids are also just darn outright lazy and spoilt, and therefore think that reading is a waste of time. Maybe that is the prime reason why our English including spelling is so bad. [wsamboer]
I probably should have mentioned this in the discussion but this article was actually talking about adults, aparantly the sales of childrens books is rising, which is interesting, so it is infact we that are the lazy ones [smuggeridge]
I still study, so I can't go around reading. Asides from that, in order to participate on myLot, I read as well ;). When it is about novels though, the last book I read probably is 2~3 years ago. Reading has just transfered to other mediums, being replaced by films books have become less interesting for many and the only books a lot will read are either educational or some random magazines. [PsychoDude]
I think, I have started reading more in the past few years..last authors have been Nora Roberts and Sylvia Browne. [dixie1]
yes i still read i like to read books because i can read them when i want and in place i want! i buyed some books last week and i'm reading them now it's a book of crafts that i enjoy reading! no i'm not reading less the time for reading it's small but like i enjoy reading i always find time for reading a page! :) [Aloeli]
I really do not like reading. I do not know exactly why but I think it has something to do with TV. I started watching TV at a very young age and never liked to read. I usually just the movie and not read the book. Some people say that reading the book is better than watching the movie, well I don't know if that is true. A friend of mine recently said that Lord of the Rings movie is much better than than the book. He may be right. [myexcellency2]
That makes a lot of sense. But for me reading is such a hassle. I also find it really hard to study except if there is some deadline or something. I have an exam in 4 weeks and still not studying hard, but I know the closer the date gets, the more the motivation to study. LOL [myexcellency2]
I personally find I dont' have enough time for reading. Yet I know people who are much busier then me that always have a book on the go. I guess they must love to read more then me. I also find that being part of my lot and other writer groups on line I am done with reading and have no more time for it once I am off pc. I do have a series of books waiting and ready to be read on my night stand. I am really wanting to get into them but I almost dread starting them because it will take up more time. Terrible I know! [CoffeeAnyone]
I dont think that there has been any reduction of the time i give for reading even though i spend a good time on the net. I still hold a library card get books issued and read them whenever i have time. [limcyjain]
Lord I hope people still read! I'm a novelist and I have to make a living of sorts :) [Vladilyich]
Thanks! Yes, they're available online from all of the chains (Amazon, B&N, Chapters, Borders, Books-A-Million, etc.) and in stores. I just returned returned from Russia where I've contracted with a translator so that I publish in E. Europe. [Vladilyich]
I really don't read, I check out news on the internet but that's about it. I sometimes browse magazines, but other than that nada. I think the last book I read was the witch ones by Anne Rice. [mememama]
I think it's sad that people are reading less and less. I know my reading has increased over the years. Now that I can afford to purchase more books, I read much more. I work at a place where I can purchase 16 books per week for 50 cents each. I'm thrilled with the success of Harry Potter. It makes me smile to think there are long lines and people camping out waiting for the release of the next HP book. I'm excited to see people excited about books. What I'm wondering, however, is if the HP readers read anything else throughout the year, or is that the only book they read? The last book I read was Terrorist by John Updike. Excellent book! Just started reading Cell by Stephen King, but so far it's been a tedious read. Recently I read Lisey's Story, and it was much better. I'd rate it almost excellent. [KATRINKA]
There was a recent discussion on an author's group I belong to on this very subject. The American public is reading less and buying fewer books. Some of the problem is two-income families, where neither has the time to read anymore. The other is that the American educational system does not concentrate on teaching reading anymore. [Vladilyich]
I don't get or make sufficient time for reading. I guess it's mostly due to lack of planning, to make time, or it's downright neglecting it in favour of TV. The visual image trend is: Seeing is better than imagining, which of course is a wrong trend, and depriving yourself of the wonderful world of using your imagination. Many children are more into Computer Games, than the healthy habit of picking up a worthwhile book to read. It in fact limits the child's vocabulary to the level of TV cursing and swearing. No wonder our children in many instances can pronounce a swear word more correctly or cursing more frequantly than their parents. It is important to inculcate the value of reading at as young an age as possible, maybe as young as three or four: By reading to them on a regular basis. And then to encourage them to do it themselves more often, once they start grade 1. But cultivating the habit could mean sacrificing your own TV time as parent. But, reading, yes it's mind exercise and healthy. [wsamboer]
Whats a book?? lol I don't think i have really read a book since i was little. i read newspapers and magazines but mostly i read things i find on the internet. I don't use the library's because anything i can find in the library i can find here online. I do still read just not books. [mssnow]
I actually find that strange, considering that a majority of activity on the intarwebs consists of reading. Also, with the latest political corruption, I'm sure that many people are grabbing for books on internationl affairs and other such politics. I know when I go to Barnes & Nobles, that's one of the most populated sections. Me, personally, I have started reading less nowadays because I'm flooded with work; college applications and all that. Most of the books I'm reading are for school. The last book I read was The Glass Menagerie, short and sweet. [hachimitsu]
When I was in college I had time to read news paper I was reading it daily and I read two news paper one in english and another in my native language and my favorite columns were sports and entertainment and then exonomics.... and the day I joined my company I became busy and didnt really have time to read news papers now a days I read only through net and rarely get sometime to sit down and read news paper..... happy posting by Maathav..... [blackhole]