I just read an internet post that suggests we’ve forgotten how to read. It included this quote from Eric Schmidt, the founder of Google. “I worry that the level of interrupt, the sort of overwhelming rapidity of information … is in fact affecting cognition. It is affecting deeper thinking. I still believe that sitting down and reading a book is the best way to really learn something. And I worry that we’re losing that.”
Do you think we’re losing our ability to read a book with concentration? Are readers more impatient? More easily distracted from the written word? But what about all those super long young adult books? Those young readers must have patience to read through all those pages. At the same time, some Amazon reviewers do seem less patient with books that don’t start with an explosion of action.
I have no doubt that all of you who are reading this are readers. Me worrying here about readers not reading is sort of like a preacher preaching to those at church about Christians neglecting to attend services. As the old saying goes, he’d be preaching to the choir. So that’s what I’m doing too. But I know you are out there in the reading world. You have friends and family who either are or are not avid readers. So do I.
I am happy my children and grandchildren are readers. Book in their hands readers. Library patrons. That’s not to say they don’t read some e-books too. They do. One of my sons reads on his phone. Says that way he always has a book with him. My other son regularly finds books he likes at libraries. My son-in-law and daughter have a library room in their house with a collection of favorite books.
But I not only see my family and know their reading habits. I’ve also done many book signings and book fairs where often I hear someone say, “I used to read, but I don’t have time now.” Or simply “I don’t read anymore.” They are telling me that as a kind of apology for not giving my books a look. Then thank goodness, there are those who read a book a week, sometimes finish one off in a day.
So I know not everybody has forgotten how to read. I also know that many people are more into movies and television than books. We have so many ways to be entertained these days. I do believe, as the man who wrote the blog about forgetting how to read said, that many readers do have shorter attention spans these days. I admit I have less patience with the long descriptive passages in some books that are considered classics. I also know that some readers, according to reviews posted online, are impatient with my books and think my stories start out too slow. I’ve started books with fires, a body on the courthouse steps, kidnappings, wars being over, wars being fought, but I suppose I do like to build into my stories.
But I certainly don’t think I’ve forgotten how to read. And I don’t think you have either. But what about everybody else? Do you think our society as a whole is forgetting how to read or thinking there is no need for reading books? Do you think we have a harder time concentrating on something? Have our attention spans lessened?
I for one certainly hope there will always be books and that we will introduce our children to reading and books. I hope parents and grandparents will always love reading books aloud to their youngsters the way I did.
Reading should not be presented to children as a chore, a duty. It should be offered as a gift. (Kate DiCamillo)
As time goes by the memories of sitting on the edge of a bed and reading aloud with your kid are going to be very meaningful in your own mental scrapbook. (Gary Ross)
If you want to read the blog I refer to in this post, here’s the link.
Comments 18
I read my comments and I realize that I did not answer the question. Sorry, I was so busy talking about Book TV. I do think our attention spans are less. I notice in emails that most of the time, a word is grabbed or recognized and then an answer give; however, the answer did not really address the problem. I agree with the blog in that all the rapid information has created such a distraction that it has affected our understanding and as he said, “affected deeper thinking.” For me, I do not have the TV, radio, computer, etc. on all the time. I think we all need a little more quiet to get in touch with ourselves, and our thinking powers.
Author
Indeed. I too like quiet time. My husband watches a lot of television, but I prefer reading most of the time. We used to get movies back in the VHS tape days but now he watches most of the movies he wants to see when I’m doing other things.
And you never have to answer my questions if you don’t want to, Loretta. I’m just glad to hear what you’re thinking. The Book TV was a neat thing.
Like Thomas Jefferson, I cannot live without books. I find that I’m reading more now than I used to, but I’m also reading more critically and don’t feel compelled to finish books that don’t hold my interest or that have errors — both grammatical and historical. That’s why books like These Healing Hills are such a pleasure to find. Beautifully written, meticulously researched, characters who leap to life from the first page. You’re a wonderful writer, Ann.
Author
You’re so kind, Amanda. Your new book, A Borrowed Dream, looks great too and I know from the others I’ve read of yours that the research will be extensive and make your story extra good.
I too no longer feel I have to finish every book I start the way I used to. But there are so many books I want to read.
My husband and I are both avid readers; however, I fear that my three children nor the two son’s children are not. Even though all three of mine were read to everyday and books were plentiful along with trips to the library. My three grandchildren do not care to read or be read to. Of course the two eldest read what is required in school but no more. The oldest at 13 reads more but not avidly, than the other two who are 7 and 4 who don’t even like books!!! They all spend way too much time playing those fool video games and I’ve been told that schools have taught them to hate reading with the reading program that is forced on them. I believe that it’s called Accelerated Reading or AR. I don’t know. When I was in school we were allowed to choose what we read as long as it met with the teacher’s approval. No required readings for pleasure until college.
However my sister’s grandchildren, 5,4 and 2 love books! I’ve tried to read to my grandchildren and they show absolutely no interest. It’s sad! The older one, when he was younger, loved books about trains and he was more receptive to being read to than the younger two. 😢
Author
I know you’re disappointed that your grandchildren don’t enjoy being read to. It is such a pleasure to read to kids. I’ve never read aloud to adults, but I know people who do and really enjoy the experience. The ones I’ve heard talking about it were reading aloud on car trips. I couldn’t do that since I easily get carsick. But I do like listening to audio books on a trip. But your grandkids might start enjoying reading later on. My daughter wasn’t an avid read at a young age, but she is now as an adult. Books can work their magic on us at any age. But whether your kids and grandkids ever embrace reading, you did the groundwork to make them readers when they were young. Having to read certain books might discourage reading, for sure.
Yesterday, on Book TV, there were book reviews held at different locations across the US. I was impressed with the number of people attending and asking questions. Technology, instant news, email, etc., has made the world move, perhaps, too fast, but yet have helped in many ways. Somehow someway we all find a balance. However, I am constantly and happily surprised as I visit book stores, to see people, browsing, reading, and walking out with their purchase. I find there are still many people who like to have a book in their hands. That is my choice. However, I must say, for those who travel, etc., the e-book works. I enjoy reading these comments and it confirms my belief that there are many, many people still reading. Happy reading everyone!
Author
Of course, you know I’m happy when people say they still love to read and can’t imagine life without books, Loretta. Neither can I. And I also like the physical book although I do read e-books too. I have a Nook and a Kindle app on my iPad. Those make books much more portable and lets me take advantage of some e-book sales to try a book I might never have bought.
I’ve heard, and it could not be true, that young people are returning to physical books too. There are only so many hours you can stare at a screen before you tire of that and need to look at something different.
However, you are absolutely right that technology has made a big difference in our lives and much of it for the better. Just think of the medical procedures and tests improved with imagining techniques.
I will read as long as I have eyesight. Pure and simple.
I sometimes get my granddaughters books and currently have a magazine subscription for a kids magazine delivered to my house so it will be here whenever they are.
Author
So will I, Loretta, but you also have to be grateful that the e-books and audio books have made it easier for some people to read who have lost some eyesight. The e-book print can be enlarged to help those with reduced vision see and read. I’ve bought my grandkids magazines before. I need to get them a new subscription, but I always send it to their houses. Fun idea to have it at your house for a special treat when they visit.
Thanks for your thoughtful article on reading. I have worked for our local library for over 20 years and have seen a steady decline in reading, especially in our younger people. Patrons of all ages enter our building and go directly to the movie section, we check out hundreds of DVDs daily. Children rush over to the computers to play games, teens and adults are entertained there as well. I see the older generation ; which I am a member of; showing the most interest in books. I feel discouraged as I have seen many changes take place in the library , it is no longer a quiet place to study or think, patrons are on their cell phones and talking quietly has gone by the wayside. On a positive note , I still love my job ; I enjoy helping people who enter the building and assisting them on self checkout etc. I especially like our Inspirational section where I can find copies of your books, you are my “friend on the shelf”as I roll my cart down the aisle !!
Author
It’s interesting hearing from somebody on the front lines of reading, Nancy. At the library you are in a great place to see the changes in reading habits. I do believe that computer games have stolen reading time from kids. Those games are entertaining and have a way of grabbing a kid’s attention faster than a book, especially if the child hasn’t already discovered the fun of reading. Our library just added an extension and when I went to the Grand Opening, what I did notice is that activities seemed to be replacing room for books. I like a library being a central hub for a community, but it makes me a little sad that books don’t seem to be the main emphasis as much as they were for the library of the past. But I am very glad there is an inspirational section and that my books are on your shelf there. Fun to be a friend on the shelf. Thank you, Nancy.
I haven’t forgotten how to read, but I do go from thing to thing more often these days.I sit down and make a “nest” with my phone, my crocheting and my book.I don’t watch much tv but I do probably send too much time on my phone.I tell people I don’t believe in boredom.I either have a book or crocheting with me at all times…usually both.
Author
I think I’m more easily distracted these days, Lisa. Always something to do. I need to have a little more quiet time in my life to do nothing but ponder. But then I’d probably fall to sleep. LOL. I could blame the computer or all the things I need to get done, but it could just be me getting older and slower. I don’t crochet, but I do like sitting down with a book.
Ever since I can remember I have loved books, I have several book shelves, some books I cannot part with, others I loan out hoping to get them back, if not, I usually forget about them, I always had a book club for my children, they still have many of the books I gave them as children. I gave books to my grandchildren for Christmas, and sit and read small books to my one year old granddaughter, she already loves books, loves to turn the pages. I see a trend though with some young people, seems the smart phone has taken over a lot of their time and energy…all I can say is…for me nothing will ever take the place of the feeling of a good book in your hands and the adventure of turning the next page. Thank you for a great article on reading.
Author
I like that, Phyllis. “The adventure of turning the next page.” That’s what writers try to accomplish when they are writing a story – to make a reader want to turn the next page. I too give all my kids and grandkids books at Christmas and isn’t it the most fun to see a toddler sitting down and even at that young age, recognizing the magic and fun of books? That’s a fun idea of having a book club for your children too. My granddaughter is reading The Secret Garden right now. She didn’t much like Little Women. I think it was too sad for her. But it’s great that her parents are encouraging her to read some of those classic books.
I love your writing, Ann! One of the best I read last year was These Healing Hills and I read 152 last year! There are very quotable passages in that book! Blessings.
Author
152 books! That’s great, Paula. I appreciate my book, These Healing Hills, being in that list and I’m especially glad you thought the story was one you were glad you read. I don’t read as much as I want to. Part of the reason for that is I’m writing. But a writer needs to read too. Besides, I love to read. I have a big stack of books waiting for me.