When Was the Last Time You Read a Book?

When was the last time you read a book? According to an online survey conducted in late February by NPR/Ipsos, reading is something that a majority of Americans say they not only enjoy but also want to get better at. According to the poll of a representative sample of more than 2,000 American adults, 82% of respondents think reading is a useful way to learn about the world, 76% say reading is relaxing, and a massive 98% of respondents with children in their household want their children to develop a love of reading. Yet, while respondents said that reading is a priority, only 51% of them read a book in the previous month. According to Pew Research, about 75% of American adults read at least one book in the past year. (That figure includes print, audiobooks, and e-books.) On average, readers report finishing twelve books per year, although the median number is closer to four, meaning a small group of avid readers is pulling up the average.

When asked about the reasons they don't read more, "other life activities" was the most common answer - which could mean anything from doing chores to sleeping to hanging out with friends. Distractions from work or digital devices also ranked high on the list. When asked what they would do with one extra hour of leisure time, the most popular response was spending time with family. Below that is a tied race between watching TV, reading, and exercising. Mallory Newall, vice president of Public Polling at Ipsos, broke it down even more: "Women are significantly more likely than men to say that they would spend that extra hour reading." She added, "Folks with a higher education are much more likely than those with lower educational attainment to say the same thing."

Among the population who are reading, the thriller, crime, and mystery category of books is the clear winner, with 37% of respondents choosing it as their favorite genre. The second tier of favorite genres had 24% of respondents choosing historical non-fiction, and then memoir and historical fiction books tied for third place at 21%. The science fiction and fantasy genres have shown significant growth in popularity recently, thanks in part to major movie franchises and streaming adaptations.

If you want to boost your reading habit, the first thing you can do is to set a realistic yearly or monthly reading goal; you can then track your progress with an app such as Goodreads or StoryGraph. To help reach your goal, create a reading routine. Dedicate at least 15 minutes per day to reading - before going to bed, during your lunch break, or even while waiting for an appointment. If you have a hard time finding the time to read a book, try an audiobook! They are perfect for listening while driving, cooking, or even walking the dog. If you have a hard time finding the motivation to read, look for a reading challenge or a book club. It is easier (and more fun!) to be encouraged to read within a likeminded community.

Americans are reading - and many want to read more. Whether you're a devoted bookworm or are just trying to squeeze in a few more pages a week, there is no right way to enjoy books. The key is to find stories that captivate you and then build a routine that works with your lifestyle. Happy reading!