DAILY TIME SPENT READING IN THE U.S.

by Judy Ann Davis

In 2020, according to Statista data, adults in the United States spent more time reading on weekdays than in the past seven years. The average time spent reading in the U.S. amounted to 0.34 hours (approximately 20 minutes) on weekdays, while daily time spent reading on weekends and holidays reached 21 minutes or 0.35 hours.

And before we get too excited, in 2019, the time spent reading for personal interest varied greatly by age. Individuals 75 and older averaged 48 minutes of reading per day, whereas individuals 15-54 read on average 10 minute or less per day.                                              

Recently, Better Homes and Gardens (BH&G) magazine verified the above statistic, stating in their August 2021 edition that “the average 15-44 year old spends only 10 minutes or LESS reading daily.”

Disheartened, I dug into articles about reading. What did I find? The only logical conclusion I can make is that electronic devices, radio, and television have replaced reading—even though reading strengthens a person’s mind, and boosts memory and thinking skills. Again, according to BH&G, research shows  reading also reduces stress levels by 68 percent. Avid readers know even a few minutes before bed time with a good book helps a person to wind down and find sleep easier and faster. Reading also increases vocabulary, allows a person to better understand the mental state of others, and can make a person more self-confident.

I’m throwing this out for no other reason than to enlighten everyone that authors today have an even harder task of gaining readership in a changing world now that it’s electronically driven. It makes authors wonder where, when, and how should they target advertisements or social media posts. It makes us wonder about the intelligence level of our nation as a whole. It makes us wonder where we might be headed in the future. And it makes me somewhat dispirited.

What do you—as a reader, writer, or author—see as we navigate these new waters? Are you concerned? Or do you just see this as our ever-changing world?

I’m highlighting my new cover for Under Starry Skies again. It’s designed by Silver Sage Book Covers. The dog’s name is Swamp, a mutt rescued by rancher Tye Ashmore from a river. It's Book 2 of the Ashmore Brothers. Red Fox Woman is Book 1.

BLURB:

Hired as the town’s school teacher, Maria O’Donnell and her sister Abigail arrive in the Colorado Territory in 1875, only to find the uncle they were to stay with has been murdered.

Rancher Tye Ashmore is content with life until he meets quiet and beautiful Maria. He falls in love at first sight, but her reluctance to jeopardize her teaching position by accepting his marriage proposal only makes him more determined to make her part of his life.

When their lives are threatened by gunshots and a gunnysack of dangerous wildlife, Tye believes he in the cross-hairs of an unknown enemy. Not until Maria receives written threats urging her to leave does she realize she is the target instead of the handsome rancher.

With the help of Tye, Abigail, and a wily Indian called Two Bears, Maria works to uncover her uncle’s killer and put aside her fears. But will she discover happiness and true love under Colorado’s starry skies?

                             CLICK HERE FOR:   Judy Ann Davis's Amazon Author Page