The Decline of Reading
An Undiscovered Crisis
Although I failed to finish high school, I went on to publish a book that became a #1 New York Times bestseller and founded a highly successful publishing company that grew to dominate its niche. The secret ingredient behind my success? Books and reading. Since my teenage years, I’ve made it a daily habit to read two books simultaneously—one fiction, one non-fiction. Reading has not only shaped my professional achievements, but it has also been my greatest source of pleasure, excitement, and personal growth.
Upon encountering an article by David Brooks in the New York Times reporting that book reading is declining for the first time in recorded history, I felt compelled to investigate current reading practices more thoroughly.
Reading has long been heralded as a gateway to knowledge, empathy, and intellectual growth. From ancient scrolls to modern e-books, the act of reading has shaped civilizations, fueled revolutions, and inspired generations. Yet, in recent years, this cornerstone of human development has faced an unprecedented decline. Book sales are slipping, educational curricula are prioritizing brevity over depth, and younger generations increasingly view reading as a chore rather than a joy. This trend carries profound implications for individuals and society alike—but it is not irreversible. By understanding the roots of the decline and implementing targeted strategies, we can reignite a global passion for reading.
The Decline of Reading Habits
Recent findings from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and Gallup reveal a decline in adult book reading. An NEA survey showed a decrease in readership in 2022 compared to the previous decade, while a Gallup study indicated that American adults read an average of 12.6 books in 2022—the lowest figure recorded in their surveys since 1990. This decline extends across demographics, including women, college graduates, and older Americans, who historically have been more frequent readers.
The publishing industry, once a bastion of cultural influence, now grapples with dwindling sales. In 2023, US book sales dropped to 767 million units, down from 787 million in 2022. While the decline may seem marginal, it reflects broader shifts in consumer behavior. Digital distractions, from streaming services to social media, compete for attention, while economic pressures make non-essential purchases like books a lower priority. Even as platforms like Amazon democratize access, the sheer volume of entertainment alternatives has fragmented readers’ attention.
Education’s Role in the Crisis
Schools, traditionally the nurturers of lifelong readers, are also adapting to changing norms. Many educators now prioritize shorter texts—articles, excerpts, or digital modules—over full-length novels. This shift aims to cater to shrinking attention spans and standardized testing demands, but critics argue it robs students of the chance to engage deeply with complex narratives. When students rarely encounter challenging books, they miss opportunities to build analytical stamina and critical thinking.
The Vanishing Culture of Pleasure Reading
Perhaps most alarming is the stark drop in reading for enjoyment among adolescents. In 1984, 35% of 13-year-olds read for fun almost daily. By 2023, that figure plummeted to 14%, with nearly a third (31%) admitting they never read for pleasure. This decline signals a cultural shift: where books once offered escape and adventure, smartphones and video games now dominate leisure time. The consequences extend beyond lost stories; they foreshadow a generation less equipped to navigate an increasingly text-heavy world.
The Ripple Effects of Reduced Literacy
For individuals, poor reading habits correlate with limited vocabulary, weaker problem-solving skills, and reduced empathy. Reading fiction, in particular, fosters “theory of mind”—the ability to understand others’ perspectives—a skill critical for personal and professional relationships. Conversely, those who rarely read often struggle to parse complex information, whether in college syllabi, job training manuals, or news articles. As literacy expert Maryanne Wolf warns, “A non-reading brain is a shortened-down version of what it could have been.”
Societal Costs: Inequality and Stagnation
On a macro level, declining literacy exacerbates social divides. Functionally illiterate adults face higher unemployment rates, poorer health outcomes, and greater reliance on social services. Jan Hasbrouck, a literacy researcher, notes, “Illiteracy isn’t just an educational issue—it’s a barrier to economic mobility and civic engagement.” Societies with low literacy rates also risk democratic erosion, as citizens unable to critically evaluate information become vulnerable to misinformation.
Strategies for Revitalizing Reading
Make intellectual pursuits social and cool
Young people crave community and identity. Reading and art need to feel socially relevant, not solitary and boring. Book clubs, spoken-word nights, writing challenges on social media, or short video essays reviewing books (think “BookTok” but deeper) can create a cultural peer-pressure loop that works for depth instead of against it.
Start early, and start at home
Kids mimic what they see. If the adults in their lives are always on their phones, kids will be too. But if children grow up in a home where books are part of the rhythm of life, where deep conversations are normal, and curiosity is rewarded, they’re more likely to develop those habits themselves.
Parents: Model a love for literature
Parents wield immense influence over children’s reading habits. Simple actions—keeping books at home, discussing stories at dinner, or setting aside daily “reading hours”—can instill curiosity. A landmark study found that children whose parents read to them daily hear 1.4 million more words by age five than those who don’t. As author Mem Fox advocates, “Kids need to see adults reading for pleasure. If they don’t, they’ll assume reading is just homework.”
Use digital platforms to meet youth where they are
While screens often distract from reading, they can also be harnessed to promote it. BookTok, a TikTok subcommunity where users review and recommend books, has driven millions of sales for titles like The Song of Achilles and It Ends With Us. Libraries and publishers are partnering with influencers to create viral challenges, from themed readathons to fan fiction contests. Audiobooks, too, offer a gateway, blending literature with multitasking-friendly formats.
Educational reforms: Valuing depth over breadth
Schools must strike a balance between efficiency and depth. While shorter texts suit time-crunched curricula, educators should reintroduce full-length novels to build focus and analytical rigor. Thematic units, like pairing To Kill a Mockingbird with historical documents on civil rights, can make classics relevant. Universities, meanwhile, should incentivize recreational reading through campus-wide book clubs or “reading for pleasure” electives.
Community programs: Creating social connections
Reading thrives in community. Public libraries, often underfunded, can host author talks, parent-child reading nights, or “blind date with a book” events. Corporate sponsorships, like Starbucks’ partnership with Free the Books, can expand reach. For adults, workplace book clubs or Little Free Libraries foster camaraderie and accountability.
Accessibility: Removing barriers
Cost and availability remain critical hurdles. Initiatives like Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which mails free books to children globally, show scalable solutions. Governments can subsidize e-book licenses for schools or fund mobile libraries in rural areas. Publishers, too, must rethink pricing models; Spotify-style subscription services for books could democratize access.
Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility
The decline of reading is not inevitable—it is a challenge to be met with creativity and resolve. From parents reading bedtime stories to policymakers funding library expansions, every sector has a role. While digital age distractions are formidable, they also offer tools to reimagine literacy for new generations. By prioritizing access, modeling enthusiasm, and celebrating stories in all forms, we can cultivate a world where reading is not a relic, but a revolution. As Neil Gaiman reminds us, “A book is a dream that you hold in your hand.” It’s time to dream again.
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