The statistics are dreadful, no matter how you slice it. Fewer Americans are reading, and when they do read, they don’t read much. By reading, of course, I’m not talking about e-mails or the Internet or even magazines, which provide bite-sized news, advice and annoying FW: FW: FW:s. I’m talking Books! Non-fiction, fiction, pick a genre, any genre, just for the love of God, read! Hear are some stats to depress you as we launch in to our Deep Thought Thursday discussion. Writers and readers are encouraged to jump in!
From the Blue Skunk Blog:
Here are some interesting numbers from Harvey Mackay’s business column, “Outswimming the Sharks” from last Thursday’s Minneapolis Star-Tribune. Source of the statistics was not given, but I’ve e-mailed a request for it to Mr. Mckay and will add it if/when he replies. [A research assistant to Mr. Mackay returned my email with a couple hours. I'm adding this information at the end of this entry.]
- 51% of Americans never read a book over 400 pages after completing formal education.
- 73% of all books in libraries are never checked out.
- The average American watches 32 hours of TV every week.
- The average American reads only eight hours (books, newspapers, magazine, Yellow Pages, etc.) each week.
- The average American annually spends 10 times more on what he puts on his head than what [he] puts into his head.
Mckay’s observations: (Exclamation points his.)
- If you read one book per month for 12 straight months, you will be in the top 25 percentile of the world’s intellectuals!
- If you read five books on one subject, you are one of the world’s leading authorities on that subject!
- If you read 15 minutes a day, every day, for one year, you can complete 20 books!
Probably because I’m a marketer and pay attention to how entertainment is marketed, it is glaringly clear that books (and reading in general) are not marketed to the masses. While there are some great campaigns like “Get Caught Reading” that show superstars with their noses in a book (looking fabulous, of course!), we don’t get daily messages to read.
Book reviews and news have seen a decline in print media, pushing more people to the web to get the goods on what’s out there. The problem with that is that other forms of entertainment (TV shows, movies) still get a lot of ink.
I think more PSAs would help as well as more literacy campaigns of all sorts. It’s not that people don’t *want* to read – it’s that they don’t think they have the time, or if they do, they aren’t sure what to pick up. They need a little nudge. The best thing we as readers (and writers) can do is to spread word of mouth about reading wherever we go. What are you reading now? Nothing? What type of books do you like? Then you might like (insert book here.)
It’s practically expected that people will go to movies, yet we don’t afford the same to reading. That’s too bad.
This Fall I’ll be rolling out a literacy campaign marketed through parenting and women’s publications, both traditional and online, called, “Let Your Kids Catch You Reading.” I’ll keep you posted as it progresses.
What more can we do? Make sure Brad Pitt is photographed with a book in his hands more often? Thoughts?
Malena Lott
Dating da Vinci, Nov. ’08
editor, Athena’s Bookshelf
Um, maybe if the book comes with a free Brad Pitt more people would read? I guess Angelina would be the prize inside for men, however
I have to agree with Malena that the marketing aspect is very important – even I, who am always reading some book or other, find myself strolling down the aisles at my local bookstore looking more for a striking jacket design than an intriguing synopsis. I’m a sucker for cool packaging.
But, on top of that, I truly believe parents need to read WITH their children from the time they are born and engage them in bookie conversations – talking about their favorite characters, going to book groups at local libraries. My mom did this with me, first reading to me and then eventually having me read to her, every night before bed and it instilled in me a deep love of books. I still remember how I felt the first time I played with the new girl down the street and found out she didn’t read anything outside of school. I was appalled.
In adults, I agree that seeing high-profile reading is probably the only way to get to them. Think of Oprah’s power when it comes to her book club and the best sellers list. But, I also think that the book business needs to continue moving with the times – I immediately think of author blogs and podcasts. I know that is one way that lures me to, maybe not pick up a book in the first place, but to keep the author and subject fresh in my mind.
Anyway, those are my thoughts. I really just hope people never forget books. I can’t imagine a world without reading – it’d be a very boring, bleak place.
Well, if we had a literate president who extolled the benefits of reading instead of a president who’s just married to someone who reads then maybe things could be different.
Give me a break…why is it that we blame the President for everything? Are you kidding me? Let’s take a look at ourselves. I read the most from what friends recommend. I find it hard to go to a book store and just pick a book. And when I do on my own, half the time, it’s not a book that I can really get into.
So I’d encourage all readers to talk about it in their daily lives, recommend to friends and keep encouraging those around you, parents, friends, children, etc. to get a good book and read!
Hand them a book you’ve enjoyed and say, “Hey, read this, it was really great!”