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Women read more than men; some Americans don't read at all

A new poll doing the media rounds suggests that 1 in 4 Americans hasn't read a single book in the last year (what do they do instead?!) The poll also reveals that women are reading more than men, with Republicans reading less than Democrats (maybe it's all those Hillary biographies?)

The average number of books read by those who did crack open the spines of some of Barnes and Noble's finest in the last year was a not-exactly-impressive seven. Which is still better than nothing. But if it's a country- and world-wide trend then it's sad news for publishers, authors, booksellers (and book reviewers, too).

How many books have you read this year? And how can we encourage people to read more - or doesn't it matter?!

Women read more than men; some Americans don't read at all - Comments

DIANE SHIPLEY

"Cheers to the above average American who reads more than seven books a year!"

Hear, hear, Rebecca! And thanks for your lovely comments :)

Rebecca

I think sites like Trashionista help spark my interest in reading more than any other media. Ever since I graduated college, I have had the time to read for fun instead of reading text books that put me to sleep. Thank you, Trashionista, for the great recommendations! Cheers to the above average American who reads more than seven books a year!

Phyllis

I&#39ve read at least 100 books in the past year. Seriously. Probably more like 150 - 200.

My husband? I&#39m guessing zero, unless you count picture books and comic books he has read to the kids. He reads Science News for himself.

Stella

Oh and we should encourage more people to read by sending poor English speaking foreigners in Switzerland loads of free books.

Stella

I&#39m somewhere in the twenties. I didn&#39t finish one, hated one (but managed to finish it somehow) and an Ian McEwan novella, so 20, I&#39d say.

That&#39s super good for me, normally I read at the pace of a five year old in remedial class.