I’m not really much of a book reader (I’d like to be able to say that it’s just because with all the reading I have to do for classes, I don’t have time for other books, but I never read many novels in high school either), but I do devour a lot in the way of magazines, newspapers, and especially comic books, if that counts.
I don’t know, was reading ever the in thing to do? As far as representative samples go, did most people ever really read for pleasure? Have the numbers gone down or up?
I wouldn’t say that reading in and of itself is an act to be admired. Some people read a cheap romance novel a day. Is that much better than watching TV all day?
So, when people decry the fact that people don’t read anymore, is it compared to another figure from the past where people read more? When they decry that otherwise educated (or should be educated) people don’t read, is it just that more people are educated even though they don’t read due to other outlets?
Right. I’m not going to be able to clear up that point.
Anyway, I like reading. But I would freely admit that most of my reading is due to the fact that I have to ride the bus to school, which gives me forty minutes of free time each way. If I didn’t have that, I would still read, but the amount would be much diminished.
That is, of course, if you don’t count the time I surf the net reading message boards such as this one. Does that not count?