Fiction Reading on the Rise
According to the NY Times, fiction reading is on the rise in adults, especially among people ages 18-24. Mr. Dana Gioia from the National Endowment for the Arts thinks that the increase in fiction reading is due to community-based programs like the “Big Read, Oprah Winfrey’s book club, the huge popularity of book series like Harry Potter and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight, as well as the …efforts of teachers, librarians, parents and civic leaders to create ‘a buzz around literature that’s getting people to read more.’”
That makes a lot of sense to me. Children and teens who loved and got caught up in Harry Potter and Twilight would naturally look for other books after they finished those series. That’s what’s so wonderful about books that grab you–once they do, you want to experience that again. The joy that reading can give you. At least, that’s what I think. Perhaps, too, the current economic troubles encourage people to turn to books. They’re far cheaper than movies or other forms of entertainment, they last longer, and they can be a good escape.
What do you think? Why are people reading more?
January 12th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
I think fiction reading is on the rise, especially among 18 – 24 because there are SO many more titles available. The incredible diversity of stories makes it possible for almost anyone to find themselves in a book. Added to that is the multitude of book blogs and review sites and now, book trailers and podcasts that all talk books! They’ve become cool!
January 13th, 2009 at 6:34 am
You’re right, Janice–there are so many more titles available now, which should mean more books appealing to different readers. And the online presence of book blogs, reviews, etc–kids and teens are often internet savvy, so it makes sense they’d find book recommendations online. Adults, too, I think. (I know I do.)