The reading habits across different developed countries exhibit a range of preferences and tendencies, influenced by factors such as age, economic spending on books, and the preferred types of literature. While the specific data for each developed country varies, general trends can be observed. A study reports that the United States, China, the UK, Japan and Germany are the top five countries that buy and read the highest number of books. In addition, a study from 2024 reports that American and British readers tended to be high consumers of books (39% and 44% respectively reading more than 20 books a year), whereas Canadians tended to be lighter readers (23% reading more than 20 books). In Russia, 40% of the population buys at least five books a month, and 70% of households have their own personal libraries. According to a book reading statistics, the top six genres of books around the world in 2022 were: History, Mystery, Biography, Fantasy, Science fiction, Business.
Through literature, readers are exposed to a plethora of ideas, perspectives and narratives that not only entertain but also educate and provoke thought. The habit of reading books offers a multitude of benefits that can shape individual character and society at large. Some of the positive aspects of the habit of reading books are:
• Classical and contemporary books often embody the essence of ethical teachings and virtues, guiding readers towards differentiating right from wrong. For instance, the plays of William Shakespeare explore themes of honour, justice, and the consequences of moral failings, while the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky delve into the complexities of ethics, redemption, and human nature.
• Books of philosophy offer insights into human existence and society. The existential musings of Nietzsche, the dialectics of Hegel, and the societal critiques of Kafka challenge readers to ponder life’s profound questions.
• Books entertain us while highlighting social issues and advocating for change. For example, In the realm of social satire, authors like Alexander Pope use wit and irony to critique society and upper-class people, offering insights into the absurdities and complexities of social norms.
• Autobiographies and biographies of influential figures like Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr., and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman serve as educational tools, inspiring readers through real-life struggles and triumphs.
Building a reading habit can be a challenge, especially with the myriad of digital distractions today and some people sometimes suffer from ‘reader’s block’ (when a reader does not find pleasure in reading). It is important to acknowledge that there might be factors affecting book reading habits in Bangladesh, such as the availability of digital content, busy lifestyles, economic factors, or educational system structures that might not emphasize non-academic reading. Yet, the habit of reading books is integral to the development of the students by enhancing thinking processes, writing skills, critical thinking, and decision-making capacity.
Reviving the Reading Culture to Foster Love for Books (daily-sun.com)
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