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Guess Who Doesn't Read Any Books?
What book are you reading now? People who love to read always have an enthusiastic answer to that question. But fully one in 10 Americans admit that in a typical year they don't read a single book.
The news isn't all bad. A Harris Poll of 2,513 U.S. adults found that while some never pick up a book, a surprising 37 percent say they more than 10 books in an average year.
Here's how it breaks down:
* Read no books a year: 9 percent
* Read one to three books: 23 percent
* Read four to six books: 19 percent
* Read seven to 10 books: 13 percent
* Read more than 10 books: 37 percent
Who reads? Some groups are more likely to read than others. Nearly half of those 63 and older read more than 10 books a year, compared to just a third of baby boomers who do the same. Women read more than men.
Who is buying books? Book sellers may have something to worry about as one in five Americans say they have not purchased any books in the past year. About a quarter purchased between one and three books, while just 18 percent purchased between four and six books and 12 percent purchased between six and 10 books. Just over a quarter say they purchased more than 10 books in the past year. Women are the biggest book buyers.
Why aren't we reading? Lack of time is the No. 1 reason given. Just under half of those who read at least one book a year say they have less time for reading books today than they did five years ago, while one-third say they have about the same amount of time and 22 percent have more time. Not surprisingly, older people have the most time and 20-somethings have the least amount of time to read.
What are we reading?
* 48 percent: Mystery, thriller and crime
* 35 percent: History
* 31 percent: Biographies
* 28 percent: Religion and spirituality
* 27 percent: Literature
Women prefer mysteries, religious books and romance novels, while men like to read history, science fiction and political books.
--From the Editors at Netscape
