Why We Don’t Read Anymore

I set aside an hour before I fall asleep at night to read at least one chapter from a novel or non-fiction book. Sometimes I’ll even switch it up with a story from a magazine.

But the standard still stands: I must read every day.

My family teases me constantly about my reading habits. They think it’s funny (and often annoying) that I get antsy when holidays or last-minute plans throw off my nightly ritual.

It (usually) isn’t my eagerness to get back to the story. It’s because I know how easy it is to fall out of pattern with reading.

It’s not that I hate reading. Quite the opposite. I love to read. I mark library used book sales on my calendar. I visit bookstores for fun—and for hours.

And does eau de aged paper exist? (Answer: Yes)

Yet it’s still easy for me to fall out of touch with reading, someone who has dedicated an entire career to writing words.

And I’m not the only one that feels this way. In fact, 27 percent of adults haven’t read a single book in the last year.

That’s right. 1 in 4 people didn’t pick up a book for the entire year.

So why is it so hard for us to read?

Is It Because We’re Busy?

If that’s what you want to believe. You don’t have time to pick up a book and read a few pages because you have to work, do errands and fulfill family or community commitments.

But let me ask you this: How much TV have you watched this week? How much time have you spent online?

That’s what I thought. You do have time. You’re just spending that extra time on something else.

Are We Choosing the Wrong Books to Read?

I’ve fallen in that trap. I’ve started a book that I can’t stand and reading starts to feel like a homework assignment. Yet I find myself finishing it with no problem.

And I’ve found myself in love with a book—but never finding myself reading it.

If you’re not reading because you don’t like your current read, then pick up something else. The real problem is that you’re not picking up any book at all.

Why We’re Really Not Reading

We don’t read anymore because we don’t make it a priority. We don’t value reading enough to make it part of our daily lives.

I have a hard time fitting in exercise into my schedule, yet I don’t quit running because it’s hard to make time for. I wake up an hour earlier so that I can make it happen.

If you love reading as much as you say you do—yet you’re not reading regularly—then you don’t love reading. It’s just that simple.

If you love reading, then make room for it in your day. Look at your schedule and plan where you can dedicate 30 minutes or an hour to reading a good book.

Because how often do you look back at yesterday and regret reading?

Why are you not reading? Share your story below.