Why We Don't Read

Americans just don't read literature. That fact has been proven by studies conducted by the National Endowment for the Arts. But, the question I always want to ask is, "Why don't we read?" Are there solutions that we can come up with to reverse the problem and make reading literature a more popular activity? Here are a few reasons I've heard people use to explain why they haven't picked up a good book in months (or even years).

Not Enough Time:

Solutions:

• Take a book with you everywhere.
• Take advantage of those precious moments that are often wasted:
  • Standing in line
  • Sitting in the waiting room for an appointment
  • Waiting for a passenger (child, friend, or significant other) to join you in a vehicle).
• Other Ideas: Go SHORT!
  • If you don't have enough time to finish a long novel, read a short book instead.
  • Or read a poem, a story, or some other bit of literature.

It's all about feeding your mind--even if it's only one bit at a time.

Not Enough Money:
Solutions:

• Find ways to read, without spending a lot of money.
• Visit your local used bookstore. Not only can you buy books for cheaper, but you can trade in books you've already read (or those books you know you will never get around to reading).
• Or visit the bargain section of your local new bookstore. Some bookstores don't mind if you read the book while you're sitting in the store in one of their comfortable chairs. (Sometimes, they even let you drink coffee while you read.)
• Read literature on the Internet.
• Borrow books from your friends.
• Check out books from the library.

There are always ways to find books to read. It just takes some creative thinking--to come up with ways to find books!

Not Enough Experience:
Solution:

• The best way to learn what to read is by reading everything you can get your hands on. You'll gradually learn what you enjoy reading, and you'll start to make connections between books (and connect those books to your own life).
• If you don't know where to start, or you find yourself stuck for what to read somewhere along the way, ask a librarian, a bookseller, a friend, or a teacher.
• Find someone who enjoys reading books, and find out what he or she likes to read.
• Another fun way to introduce yourself to literature is by joining a book club. The book selections are usually chosen by the group, and the discussions may help you come to a better understanding of literature.

Too Tired:
Solutions:

• If you're engrossed in a book that you enjoy, you may find it difficult to fall asleep.
• You may also find enjoyment in reading a good book while you're drinking a cup of coffee or tea. The caffeine may help to keep you awake, while you enjoy your reading.
• Another idea: You could also try reading at times when you're not tired.
  • Read on your lunch hour, or in the morning when you first get up.
  • Or, find a few minutes here or there to sit down with your book.
  • One other point: the experience of falling asleep while reading a book is not a horrible one. You may have the most marvelous dreams as you fall asleep with a good book.

The Multimedia Experience:
Solutions:

• If you'd really rather be watching the television or a movie, you may enjoy reading the book upon which the movie was based--before you see the show.
• If you're in the mood for adventure, mystery, or suspense, perhaps you haven't found books that match your tastes.
  • Do you enjoy reading about Sherlock Holmes? Have you read Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Jack London's Call of the Wild, or Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
  • Have you read Agatha Christie or J.R.R. Tolkien?

Too Hard:
Solutions:

• Reading isn't always easy, but it doesn't have to be hard.
  • Don't pick up the huge books, if you know that you'll never have the time or energy to finish them.
  • We read books for many reasons, but you don't have to feel that it's an academic experience (if you don't want it to be). You can read the book to enjoy it.

You can pick up a book and have an unforgettable experience: laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of your seat. A book doesn't have to be difficult to be a great read! Read about Treasure Island. Join the adventures of Robinson Crusoe or Gulliver's Travels.

It's Not a Habit:
Solutions:

• Make it a habit. Make a point of reading literature on a regular basis.
• It may not seem like much to read for just a few minutes a day, but it doesn't take much to get into the habit of reading. And, then, try reading for longer periods of time (or reading with a greater frequency throughout the day).
• Even if you don't enjoy reading books for yourself, why not read a story to your child? You're giving them a great gift (which will prepare them for school, for life, and also be an important bonding experience with you).
• Share a poem or a short story with a friend.

It's not difficult to make books and literature a part of your life.