Let's face it - in the world of screaming fans for One Direction, obsessions over celebrities and that 'next big thing', it's unfortunate to think that some teens don't find reading necessarily to be a 'cool' hobby (or an important part of your life if you're a total bibliophile like some of us...). In any case, it's interesting to look at just why this exists, and how it is possible to get more people reading, who perhaps wouldn't usually.
Personally, if you were to ask me why this is so, I'd say it comes down to two things: laziness and the inability to find a book that captures them.
That could definitely be part of the problem - maybe people need some tips on what others like and has been 'popular' to find out what they really want to get into. Sure, sometimes we have to read books as required reading for educational purposes, and that might turn people off reading if they really don't like that one book. The trick is moving on from that and going out to find something new that appeals to you - maybe by going to the library (which isn't JUST for nerds...), bookshop or even stopping by some book blogs to see what they're on about *cough*.
It can be frustrating to reading multiple books and still not find something that wows you. I wouldn't want to read either if I hadn't found a book like that after a few tries. If you ask me, the sooner parents begin cultivating a life filled with books and reading, the more likely it is that kids are going to grow up reading and continue to do so on their own.
That's a really good point Steph - sometimes we do have those 'reading slumps', or people just can't find something which they enjoy or can relate to. With so many books out there, it can be difficult to choose! Bringing it back to the 'pop culture' idea, it is much easier for someone to buy an artist's album by just searching it on itunes or going to a store. People just need to find an easy way to get access to books too where the difficulty of finding something isn't too large. I definitely agree that introducing reading from a young age definitely helps to cement it as part of someone's life - even if it is in a small way.
Agreed. It also takes way more work to read than it does to pop a movie in (and that includes popping the popcorn). It's easier to just turn on the music, watch stuff on youtube, or scroll through your social media. Reading exercises your brain and therefore requires work. I'll admit that I've forgone reading before because it was "too much work."
Here are a few little ideas I have that could help solve this problem:
- book-movie adaptations encourage people to read the book - try and challenge people to read the book first and see what they think. Even afterwards this can still be good as you can have the image of the characters in your head and compare the story to the movie.
- book clubs - they're not just something from the past: let's bring them back and create groups especially for YA to get more teens involved. (A food incentive would probably be useful here too).
- Going to the library can be fun and maybe even a good social experience. Just think...taking a tour of the shelves, using the self-serve scanners and the satisfaction of walking away with an armful of books that is almost as tall as you!
Maybe, we just need to get more teens thinking like this to convince them of how awesome reading is (hey-it's a start!).
Reading is definitely for kool kids. It's weird to think that most people don't value reading as highly as us book bloggers, because it's such a big part of my life! I think you touched on a good point with laziness - there's so much entertainment that requires a LOT less commitment. TV is easy, you just sit down and watch. Not to be elitist, but reading DOES require more effort. But hopefully families can continue to show their children that reading is important :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with that! We're cool right? Reading is a big part of my life too, and makes up some of who I am. There are much more lazy-going hobbies around, but curling up with a good book still seems pretty good to me :)
DeleteI don't think that's elitist at all. It's a proven fact that reading requires effort. It exercises your brain.
DeleteIn my opinion. Before, a lot of people always think that readers are nerdy and geeky and uber smart. Tho we can't change that "label" right now, but a lot of people are reading now. Everybody has different tastes when it comes to reading materials, some read YA novels, some classics, some non-fiction, some fan-fiction. But I think right now, the reading world is evolving and a lot of people now have choices with their preferred reading material.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true - there are so many varieties of books to read, in different genres and with unique themes which come through. It's good to see that in today's world there is just so much to choose from!
DeleteI've actually slowly been dabbling in some non-fiction myself. So far it hasn't been bad but I remain wary. Variety definitely helps.
DeleteI don't know any people irl who voluntarily read. It's weird! If I'm doing something: it's reading. And they'd only do it for school! >_< Although...I mean laziness can be an issue, and not finding books you like, but don't forget inabilities to be able to read well or easily. Some people can read, sure, but it's hard for them and stressful or just doesn't click. I had a lot of trouble starting to read when I was little! Bit of an eye to brain disconnect or something. *shrugs* So that's definitely an issue too.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I agree that movie adaptions are GREAT for inspiring people to read the book! And buy the book. ;) I know I wouldn't have bought a copy of TFIOS if not for the movie. (I'd already read it, of course, I just suddenly felt the need to own it asap.)
Awesome discussion!!!
I know people who just read for school too and I feel like saying 'there is so much more out there - give it a try!' It is true that some people probably don't find it as interesting for lots of different reasons, or it just doesn't click like you said.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed the discussion :)
That's true. Some people do have a harder time reading so they don't enjoy it as much. I don't fault them for that. Reading requires effort to begin with and when it's even more difficult, I can totally understand wanting to stay away from it. I don't think one should because that doesn't fix the problem but I can understand it.
DeleteGlad you liked it!
Very interesting. At my old school, everyone thought it was weird that I read and a girl even asked me if I had a life or not because I'm always reading. But, at my new school, nearly everyone reads on a regular basis. I guess it's because it's a selective school but it also goes to show how divided everyone is these days.
ReplyDeleteLovely post! <33
Glad you like it Mel :) I'm lucky that I have a group of friends who like to read too (maybe not *as* often as I do) but it's good to be able to have those bookish discussions and encourage people to pick up another novel and see how it goes!
DeleteMel! <3 <3 <3
DeleteMost people I know don't read that much either, which is kind of sad but they do read so there's that!
Great discussion! Quite interesting :) Unfortunately not many people I know read voluntarily... It hurts my bookish heart. :P
ReplyDeleteRachel @A Perfection Called Books
That would hurt my bookish heart too - but at least with social media and other blog avenues we can express our weird and wonderful book-obsessed selves :)
DeleteOne of my brothers has to basically be forced to read. It hurts my heart too.
DeleteThis is such a great topic of discussion! I think that there has been that sterotype of reading as being uncool for such a long time that it is hard to break out of. I think the introduction of genres like YA and NA have helped, and definitely suggesting books.
ReplyDeleteThere certainly is a stereotype! Reading is a nerd thing right? Haha. I haven't really read any NA but I do think that YA has helped.
DeleteThis is super interesting! For me, I know quite a few people who read. But then again... a lot of us are the "Asian nerds" so like, we're not really trying to beat the stereotype haha! All the "cool kids" who read, only read a mainstream book every now and then.
ReplyDeleteWell, at least they read *something*.
DeleteIt always shocks me that people don't read. I was recently in a reading slump, and the way that works to get out of it for me is to stop reading for a day or two. And so I finished all my homework and stuff and then just sat there. What are supposed to do if you're not reading? I guess most other teens watch TV or go on Facebook or whatever. That was a very unproductive day. As for the book club thing, my school actually has one - with a food incentive. But still, only a select few people go, the ones everyone in my school would predict would go. Reading is definitely uncool in my school.
ReplyDeletePeople who don't read definitely don't know what they're missing! I tend to do the same if I'm in a book slump - taking a break from reading one book after another is a great way to refresh and look forward to something new. If only reading was seen as a more 'popular' activity in some cases, but having a book club in itself is at least a start :)
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