Does anyone read books anymore?
 

Bookstores are leaving the malls, perhaps to go to stand-alone sites as Barnes and Noble, whose numbers are falling. Stephen King notes in his newest book about losing art forms (i.e. radio stories[Mystery Theatre, et al.] and short story magazines). With the influence of the internet, many are losing basic communication skills. We no longer write sentences, just lines w/abreviations. In this high-speed world, people just seem to want to know, not consider. It's faster to download than read (?)
So my main question is this - is the written age on the verge of extinction?

not in my house! I love books - I have a substantial collection of my own. I love to read books multiple times too (if I enjoyed them the first time).

I have been known to go to the library and randomly choose books to borrow, without regard for subject or author. There is nothing like broadening your reading horizons!

I am also collecting children's books for my child (and his yet to be born siblings).

I love to read and I can create sentences without using any abbreviations of acronyms.

I read between a book a day and a book a week. I have had difficulties at work because sometimes I send people running for the dictionary to look up words I find pretty elementary. Until recently, Every wall in the master bedroom was lined with full book cases (Now they are mostly in my office, with just a few left in the bedroom). There's even a book in my avatar.

I generally purchase between $10 and $100 of books in a month, averaging around $30. The big problem is that my favorite authors are dead, so they don't publish much any more.

i have two bookstore ladies that know me by my authors...get in there at least once a week...went to school with one of them and she still calls me by the last author i bought...

I read every night in bed.
Besides the books we buy at our local sellers, I buy from Amazon and two bookclubs that I'm a member of that have online services.

I wish I could live in a library or bookstore. :)

Although I havn't had much time since college started, I love to read.
I love collecting them almost as much.

There's a bookstore in the airport I'm in every week, and I swear I had read everything there was to read, so I saw someone else do it a few weeks earlier, just walk into the store, and say to them -- tell me what to read - -just pick a book and I'll read it - -I've done that approach a bunch of times - and have gotten some great books out of it, stuff I normally wouldn;t have chosen to read.

I love to read and always have a book with me...

I used to read a lot more than I do now... I was reading at least a book a week, usually more. Now its more like one a month, and I hate it. Im thinking Im gonna make myself read for at least an hour every day to get back into it.

*Sigh*... I hate not having time to read anymore.

I read when ever I could, haven't read much recently though. The fucked up thing is my "friend" makes fun of me because I enjoy reading, what an ass....

I read about 50 books last year during college, none during the summer (it's summer!)
and I'm starting back up again. Hopefully I'll finish the 15 I have up here before
Thanksgiving... Starting to get lazy with the reading.

And yes, it is sad that most people don't have a very large vocabulary, they can't
spell, can't use proper sentence structure (although I'm sure I even have flaws there)
and the fact that people are losing their minds because of the Internet.

If you read *most* of my posts here at TFP, they're all long, and... well, long. There's
just so much to say, how can you hold back!? Whatever happened to the good old
two hour debates of old... =( I'm just lucky my best friend back home reads alot, too.

I love reading! When I was in my last years of high school I didn't read much, partly because there was so much work to do, and partly because I couldn't find anything good. I broadened my horizons soon afterwards and now I read as much as I can.

The last books I can remember reading:
'And The Ass Saw The Angel' by Nick Cave
'Being Dead' by Jim Crace
'The Old Man and the Sea' by Hemingway
'The Catcher in the Rye' by JD Salinger
'Death of a Salesman' by Arthur Miller
'On The Beach' by Nevil Shute
'The Company' by Arabella Edge
'Evolution's Captain' by Peter Nichols
'Perfume' by Patrick Suskind

At the moment I'm reading 'Brother of Sleep' by Robert Schneider but I'm not totally into it. I'll finish it though.

I used to read a book a week when I was a kid, and usually pretty thick, adult books too. Reading when you'e a kid does all sorts of good things. Your vocabulary is increased a hundred times more than other kids', your spelling ability goes up, your imagination gets a good workout, you learn to entertain yourself. The benefits of reading when you're young are countless.

When, or if, I have children, I'll be reading to them every night, and they're going to be the best readers in the world. I hope they have a great appreciation for it. I thank my parents for it, they are big readers too and the house is lined with bookshelves, full of every kind of book you can imagine. The bookshelves are even in alphabetical order, in their own sections!

When I'm not actually attending a school, I love to read. But with the advent of being in college, other that the books I must read.. I really don't read much unless I'm bored or need to do something to pass time.

In way I would say that it is on it's way out slowly, but much like the art of photography... there will ALWAYS be film.. because a digital camera can NEVER match up to the amount of information contained on film... no matter how many megapixels it may be, there will ALWAYS be film. As I believe there will always be books and no lack of hand-written communication.

People who love to read are blessed with the ability to learn, imagine and feel. Please find a copy of this book and read it. "Guns, Germs, and Steel; The Fates of Human Societies". Written by Jared Diamond. His theses is an eyeopener.

I read an enormous amount and this is the best book that I have read since college's "Amerian Lit".

The vast majority of the world love their news and information in bite sized chunks. It's easier to remember and easier to digest. This is the same cadre who download e-books or listen to audio tapes of books in their cars because they just can't be bothered taking a few minutes out of their day to actually pick up a book.

Not that there aren't merits to audio books. Just thought I'd head that one off before someone gets something stuck in their craw.

I don't think books will every really go away. A book is solid. You can feel it, manipulate it, smell it (Yes, there is something magical about the smell of a really old book :) ) It's like you can feel the intent of the writer and the passages of time with every careful turn of a faded yellow page. I get goosebumps. I take full advantage of the local library, both public and campus, and donate as much as I can, be it time or money, because it isn't a real labor at all.

Newspapers will fall, cable news will continue the downward spiral, and media conglomerates will continue to push the agenda of their owners with a callous smirk on their faces, but books.....are books. To be read, to be digested and above all, to be enjoyed.

I haven't read a book in a while (as in actually read through it) but I think many stores are leaving largely because of the ease of buying it online..

Going on eBay or Amazon I can literally find any book I need at a very cheap price compared to stores out there now... and its convenient though you have to wait. If I can't wait, i'd probably go to the store.

It seems odd that Stephen King would lament about the internet when he was the first author to release a new work strictly through internet downloads.

I almost never buy my books at a brick-and-mortar store, but rather order them online.

I am always on the lookout for good books to read. I've got a queue of about 10 books waiting right now, so I should probably stop purchasing more, at least for a while :)

There will always be a demand for books... but unfortunately not everyone can (or wants to) permit themselves break out of their routine and squeeze some reading time in.

I read anatomy and statistics books today, does that count?

One one book with you? I keep a book bag with me, with a couple of different things in it. And I recently re-subscribed to Asimov's, though as of last night, I'm thinking my original reason for dropping them still applies. I hope the new main editor changes the magazine for the better.

I have three paperbacks in the pack I commute with to make certain that I never run out of something to read on the bus. I'm usually reading two books, on the bus and on at home. Hell, I'm a writer. I read all day long.

I, too, doubt that books will disappear. But the number of people able to make use of them except as kindling is decreasing in the US.

Literacy is decreasing rapidly as verbal language diverges from the written. It's becoming a cultural separator, a class dividing line. The literate will become an over-class of people able to keep records and read instructions. While those who are not able to read will become a permanent underclass, an immense waste of humanity possibility.

I don't think that dead-tree-format literature is going anywhere anytime soon, but for sure the distribution system has changed. As much as I love my local bookstores (and I do love them!), they just can't touch the scope and reach of big-box bookstores (B&N, Borders, etc) or online vendors (the 500-lb gorilla of All Things E-Commerce, Amazon).

There's also a whole world of new literary and artistic media being created all the time, much of it using the Internet. Online serials and novels are largely replacing the classics as popular reading. I went through a phase where if I couldn't carry the book I was reading on my laptop, I wouldn't read it. Ultimately, the immediacy and portability of the trade paperback proved the deciding factor.

I had an E-Book for a while, and used it a lot (not even sure if they're still around) It was great because I could carry around 15-20 books at once without breaking my back -- but I couldn't take it into the bathtub, and there's not a lot of satisfaction to next paging without turning a page --plus the backlight was killing my eyesight. (plus e-books got expensive, it was 10-20 dollars for a book, that I couldn't resell if I wanted to)

I like curling up with a book, and turning pages, and skipping ahead -- I like the smell ofa new book, and the first crack of the binding..

"The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who cannot read them" -- Mark Twain

I must say I like to pick it up and read a few pages before buying. You can see the size of the text, how many pages etc. which you can't get from an online store. I hate to order something, and only read the first few pages cause it sucked - I usually read those pages before leaving the library/bookstore :)

I'm one who much prefers having it on paper.

I need the tactility, and the ability to curl up on the sofa/in bed with it.

I *prefer* real bound books, but i also enjoy the ease of getting eBooks, and will print them out for reading.

I work at a Barnes and Noble store and I have yet to see a significant decline in sales - with school starting the sales are probably going up.

Back in highschool I used to devour books, I'd go through a 500 page book in a few days. With my full time work and full time school schedule I'm lucky if I can manage to read 25 pages a day. It's a shame because I can borrow almost any book in the store free of charge...

I'm trying to turn things around so I'm reading 2 books at a time:

Dostoevsky's "The Adolescent"
Kalle Lasn's "Culture Jam" (as recomended by several people in the philosophy board)

I share the same sentiments with those who'd much rather have the real book in their hands.

I can't stop reading. Never have been able to. Last year I think I spent more at Borders than I did at the bars, and thats saying a lot for a college student in a big city.

Lately I've been putting in a good 2-3 hours minimum a day, but that will slack once tests start up again, which is like next week. :( I'd rather read than study.

I have to be reading something. I can't just sit down and not read.

Books and music are necessities for me. Can't live without em.

I don't think a week has gone by in the last 30 years that I have not read for pleasure.

The bookstore situation in Indianapolis is better now than at any other time in my life. The small bookstores in the malls still exist, and we now have lots of large bookstores all around town.

There are certainly a lot more things that compete with peoples time, but I thikn the bookstore situation is great.

Even with an assload of classes to bust through, I still read for pleasure. Hell, reading for pleasure loosens me up to reading for study. I also think everyone here should try to remember to encourage their (future) children to read. Don't shove it down their throats, just give'em a taste of the good stuff and let'em go on their own after that.

Nothing beats a good ol fashion book.


For some reason book stores are so appealing to me, I surely hope they all don't dissappear.

I do spend alot of the time on the net that I used to spend reading for pleasure, but I still read 10-12 books a year. I buy most of my books at Sam's Club at a nice discount compared to the stores. I also use the local library several times a year when I am looking for a specific book.

I read everyday, right now I'm 750 pages into Atlas Shrugged, and I have another 1000+ page book waiting for me.

Nope, no books here.

I do purchase books online, occasionally, but there is something about the scent of a bookstore, especially the small stores that are the purveyors of used books. Bookstores are my holy places, places where I can go and lose myself in the worship of the written word. I collect the works of the authors I love, and I am compulsive regarding finding new things to read.

I always have a book with me. I've ruined more than one purse trying to shove a book in it that's too big. I've gone through more book covers than purses even... I read at red lights, I read on lunch breaks, I read at my husband's bar.

I just went back to school, majoring in English, with a goal of obtaining a master's degree in education, so that I can share my obsession with others. *grins* Not that high school students in general are interested in my compulsion to read, but hopefully I can inspire a few to cultivate a love of books of their own.

Bryn

I read all the time, usually sci/fi or fantasy or a mix. I don't go to the book store much cause I'm usually broke,but I have collected so many books, that I can read them again and it seems like I'm reading them for the first time because it's been so long since I read them the first time.

Why Bother?
 

Well, if reading skills go down, it's a direct result of less necessity of reading in society. In that respect, it makes perfect sense. If human beings didn't communicate through writing, people would never develop reading skills in the first place. Now, william, I know you want everyone to realize how smart you are because you're well read. But the fact remains that people read because it was an essential part of becoming a member of society. If it's not, then people won't. And if you disagree with me, let me ask you this: why don't you read, say, hieroglyphics(sp?)? Because it's not important.

Unfortunately, now that I have the computer/internet, I don't read as much. I don't really have any time or privacy to lay down and read a good book. I'd rather be on the computer talking to nwlinkvxd anyway.

I'm collecting quite a library of books. I don't have enough shelf space for them all. My goal it to aquire ALL the Caldicott and Newberry Medal winners. Lots of others on my list as well.

I don't find near as much time anymore but that's mostly since I'm with kids all the time and no quiet to concentrate on a book. I love reading in the car on trips though.

I read all the time, more than I watch TV (which isn't much) or play on the puter.

Between Missus Tinfoil and I, we have about 7 bookcases scattered around the house full of books. I'm more into sci-fi and non-fiction and she's more into fantasy.

I read a lot too. I just finished Wicked which was pretty darn good. I'm starting Anna Karenina tonight. Then I'll probably re-read Jane Eyre - my favorite novel of all time.

Rachel

I read from some of those that like to read; some who want to justify; and those who hope to find a reason to read again. It's taken a couple of days to respnd, but riddle me this:
To KellyC, I'd ask why a friend would make fun of you for wanting to read.
BlueBango, read to pass the time and explore the imagination; film will only last as long as film will last.
guthmund, audiobooks are easier, but they allow voices to replace ours in our imaginations.
warrrreagl, Stephen King was not the 1st to write the e-book.
Manic_Skafe, you see no decline in your store, but sales are down nationwide.
Billy3045, hierglyphics no longer matter; they are not of current usage. You'd like to make them an issue, but the the bottom line is, they don't. The bottom line is that we need to know how to learn to communicate w/one another. If you forget (or don't know) the basics, how can you expect to communicate? Communication is the key.

I read every single solitary day...even if I have to hide in the bathroom to do it....I cant imagine a life without books...I read all kinds, by many many different authors and Im usually reading 2 or 3 books at a time.

i was always a fan of books from since i was little. however, as i get older, life seems to get busier(i'm in college now). and one major flaw of myself is that i cant concentrate on reading if anyone else is around / making noise. im one of those people that cant really detach themselves from my surroundings unless i'm really tired or something. thus, a major area of free time, class, lounging in the dorm, etc, i can't read, although i'd love to start up again.

*raises hand* I still love to read. I usually take a book into work and read on my lunch hour. I have a nice personal library going that keeps expanding. I'd love to have a room completely lined with shelves that are completely filled with books :)

like CinnamonGirl
 

I read at lunch, assuming some irritating SOB hasn't scheduled a meeting during lunch(I hate that).

I've been a reader all my life. At not-quite-3, my daughter is already becoming a bookworm herself.



arawn

I can read anywhere, anytime. As a matter of fact, you have to physically touch me if you want my attention while I'm reading if there's a crowd, because I've tuned it out so completely. *shrugs* I carry "light reading" (read: books by authors I don't know or don't regularly read, outside of my preferred genre) when I'm traveling or going somewhere that I need to be able to come out of it quickly. You'd think, because of this talent, I could sleep anywhere, too. But I can't... and no tv, no radio, no noise when I need to sleep or I can't. Weird, huh?

I have no interest in fiction. I'm interested in things that actually occur. I read about 24 non-fiction titles a year.

I love reading books! The problem is I usually don't find the time to actually sit down and read one. Most of the time I just go check them out of the library though. If I cant finish it in the 3 weeks they give me then I dont want to read it. Last book I bought at a bookstore was THe Bouren Supremacy. Figured it would be better to read the book before seeing the movie.....haven't done either one yet

Wicked was such fun, the wicked witch of the west was definitely misunderstood... Pick up Confessions of an ugly Stepsister and Mirror Mirror as well - both books were equally as good... :)


I'm so jealous of you all that can use libraries... my local library is open hours that are convenient for people who don't have jobs... 24 hour libraries are what is needed... or at least opened on the weekends...

everyone should read, i read every day. i'm a huge fan of tolkien's work, and of chuck palahnuk. books will never be obsolete

READING IS FUNDAMENTAL!!!! Books will always be abundant in my house (we have a library room) and my kids WILL read more than they will surf the net.

Ours is open till 9 during the week and 8 on weekends. It is right next to a college though.

I used to read so much when I was young. I still remember when I started reading those 1000 page fantasy tomes (WoT anyone?). I stopped reading as much during high school - there just seemed to be so much else I needed to do. However, I did have one great teacher who I think really understood me and gave me a lot of books to read. I felt bad because I haven't read most of them yet but I am working on it. But here I am, finally at college, and I'm reading once again. It just feels good, and makes studying a lot easier because it keeps your mind in shape. Right now I'm reading Thomas Merton's "A Seven Storey Mountain"

Much better, as usual. Even The Bourne Identity movie was a disappointment compared to the book.

Why are the books almost always better than the movie? Because you already completed the "picture" in your imagination? This could be a new thread. Best and worst adaptations ever!

The only books i've been able to read lately all have something to do with math, physics or chemistry.

I read. I'm currently reading "The Secret History of The Iraq War" by Yossef Bodansky

It will be a sad, sad world if that happens. I will always be a book-a-holic at heart. I don't think the "written age" will ever go into extinction entirely. There are always different ways a form can take shape and morph into other things. And so long as there is advertising, there will always be print.

Yep. I don't really think it's ever fair to say that a book is better than a movie or that a movie is better than a book, but rather it should be noted whether a book makes a better book than a movie is as a movie.

i don't think that written media/expression is on it's way out. i just don't think that many people take the time to relax and enjoy a good book. today's society is all about instant gratification. reading a book takes too long for some people, they want to know how it's going to end immediately, not 300 pages later. for me, i read most every night, so does my girl. it's here to stay in my world!

I love to read books and try to have at least one on the go all the time. They are a better form of recreation than most. I think that the reason smaller bookstores are disappearing is the overpowering influence of the big box stores. I have never accumulated a library because I usually read fiction and I recycle them to others who like the same genre.

i read every day. i usually have two or three going at the same time - one in the car, one in the reading room (ie next to the toilet :), and one by the bed.

i also rely heavily on books in my career as a software developer.

My dad really encouraged me to read in high school.. Which I'm thankful for now.

Lately, I read mostly what is assigned by profs, and over summer I'll read a book or two.

I know that the Internet, TV, and life is taking up more of my time lately, and thus giving me less time to read. Furthermore, when I do read I find myself reading magazines, either sports, news, or culture/fiction..

That being said, reading/English is definitely my strongest subject, and I'm glad I majored in English in college. It has exposed me to a lot of great writers, and books I would never have read on my own.

I don't think reading is "dead" by any means, but on the larger scale, I would say it has been reduced, mainly because there are a lot more distractions now than there were back in "the day."

I don't leisure-read as much as I want to, but that's because I'm in college. If I could afford it, I'd buy every book I wanted to read and more. For the foreseeable future, I'll have to stick with libraries.

But reading certainly isn't dead! I've been using computers since 1991 and never lost my penchant for reading. I think it comes down to the current crisis of bad parenting, in which parents do not read to their children (and teach them to read) at an early age (preferably since birth) and let the television stifle creativity and independent thought.