School reading lists change with the interests of young people, but some classics still hold their ground. In this story, we recommend new books from the Helsinki book fair.
In the afternoon, in addition to the Veera robot, among the Oodi bookshelves in Helsinki’s main library, there are young people who have just graduated from school. Some have big stacks of books on their laps, some are searching for a suitable working space.
I ask them: What was the last book you left unfinished and why?
Many are clearly left thinking about their answer.
Some of the respondents say that very few books are actually left unfinished.
Others will not open books at all.
Free time is spent on things other than reading
Free time is spent with hobbies and smart devices and there seems to be no time for books.
According to him, many students genuinely have a positive attitude towards books and believe that reading is important. But incorporating reading into your everyday life is not natural.
Many in Oodi answer that sometimes they can’t finish reading the book because of lack of time or because the book isn’t interesting.
School reading lists included in the change
Bonsdorff says he immediately rejects books students are not allowed to read. The teachers’ wish would be for the book to crash.
– That at least once a person could have such a flow experience with a book. That you could immerse yourself in a book in the same way as a video game or social media content.
According to Bonsdorff, young people would like to read more books that deal with serious issues but also have humor.
Now, rainbow-themed stories and multiculturalism are being talked about. These books can be seen on high school reading lists.
***Book tips about what the Helsinki book fair has to offer:\n Mona Bling: 25 Transmyths, 27.10. at 12:30, Hakaniemi.\n Alice Jäske, Priska Niemi-Sampan, Janina Waenthongkham: Mixed – Finnish life at the crossroads of cultures, 29.10. at 2:30 p.m., Senate Square.***
Irene Bonsdorff teaches at a high average high school, which she says has a book-friendly environment. Still, children’s and young people’s withered interest in books is also worrying at Töölö co-educational school.
– This is something to think about every day. But there are book tips and bookgrams to present on Tiktok. Not to give up hope yet.
The rush has changed the way books are consumed
According to Bonsdorff, listening to books works just like reading, even if the story read by someone else does not promote technical literacy. Audiobooks are well suited to busy everyday life, as you can listen to them in conjunction with a gym workout, for example.
– And if there is an illustration in the book, it is attractive, says Mervi Vaara.
More and more young people are also consuming books in plain language. According to Vaara, there could be more and more of them.
Excitement and shock
According to Mervi Vaara, the books that go are in the minds of young people. Especially the ones that start happening right away.
– Young people can’t get excited if nothing happens in the book, Vaara says.
In addition, familiar stories from series and movies on streaming services fascinate between the covers. For example, there are enough readers for the *Hunger Games* and *Twilight* series.
Stories set in young people’s own lives and everyday life are in demand. Books describing falling in love, youth, family and friend relationships are popular. But reading about tough topics, such as drugs, violence and mental health problems, is also of interest to the young audience.
For some, books that are too hard can cause anxiety.
According to Irene Bonsdorff, the great emotions and states of fear evoked by the books can be one of the reasons why the book remains unfinished. But books could be a good way to deal with emotions. Teachers have been thinking about how exciting the books on school reading lists should be.
***Book tips about what the Helsinki book fair has to offer:\n Ansu Kivekäs: Raw version, October 28 at 3:30 p.m., Kallio\n J.S. Meresmaa: Kerberos, 30.10. at 2:30 p.m., Kallio\n Elina Pitkäkangas: Sang, 28.10. at 1 p.m., Kallio\n Marisha Rasi-Koskinen: Fallen, 30.10. at 3 p.m., Kallio***
The classics surprisingly hold their own
Books recommended in groups of friends are usually those that can be read cover to cover.
– It is not a fruitful situation for a middle-aged female teacher to recommend books to 16-year-old boys, points out Bonsdorff.
– It’s extremely timely, when Russia is in a state of chaos. There is still big brother watching over, the idea of \u200b\u200bthe Big Brother house. The students are very satisfied that they understand what it is about.
– We have even had furious arguments about whether the main character Nora did the right thing.
*Do you find time to read? What is the last book you have left unfinished and why? What books would you recommend to others? You can discuss the topic until 23:00 on 28 November 2022.*