There is legitimate concern about reading among children and young people, but the majority of adults also feel they read too little. Where to find the interest and time to read in the midst of a hectic daily life, asks Rask.
January is a time for New Year’s resolutions. Many people promise to read more.
I was delighted to find that I read an average of one book a week last year. My friend wondered where I found the time to read. She, like 60% of adults, feels she reads too little.
Another secret is to have a high enough stack of books on the bedside table. If a book doesn’t start right away, I switch to the next one. Everyday life is sticky enough as it is, it’s not worth getting stuck with a book that doesn’t speak to you or suck you in at that moment.
I have also discovered new interesting authors at book events, such as the HelsinkiLit festival and the Helsinki Book Fair. The reading circle could also be of interest.
It is shockingly common that the five books presented by a white middle-aged Finnish man are all written by white middle-aged Western men. Even when the interviewee raves that these books have broadened his thinking outside the box!
My observation is in line with research data: men mostly read books written by men. How much more open-minded we would be if we each read books by different authors.
Research has shown that reading is a question of class: the more highly educated read more and better than the less educated. For children, the difference in literacy between the lowest and the highest socio-economic class is up to two school years.
During my childhood years, I felt like I didn’t have any time of my own at all. However, five or ten books read a year told a different story. I was comforted by the fact that there had been moments of my own – even if only an opening at a time.
Promise you’d rather read five books.
*Shadia Rask*
*The author is THL’s research manager, who took a study leave until 2023 in order to be able to read and write more.*
The column can be discussed on 26.1. until 23:00.