We hear it everywhere: “People just don’t read as much as they used to.” While traditional notions of reading may seem less apparent, reading culture is alive and well, though it looks different than preconceived notions of cracking open the newspaper each morning or reading “Wuthering Heights” on a whim.
My colleague Arham Khan said something similar about young people consuming news, saying that “if you ask the media establishment, the reason young people are turning away from traditional news is because we’re lazy, uninformed or too obsessed with social media to care about the real world. That’s complete nonsense.” To me, the same goes with books. The narrative that young people are turning away from traditional literature because we’re lazy, uninformed or too obsessed with social media to care about the real world is bologna. People aren’t turning away from reading, rather the current state of reading culture is changing into something beautiful and diverse, which is being mistaken for dead.
While traditional notions of reading may seem less prominent, reading culture itself has evolved dramatically over the past five, 10, and 15 years. Far from disappearing, reading has adapted to modern lifestyles and technologies, creating new forms of engagement and community, starting with what I’d argue is the first “Harry Potter” book released in 1997 selling 107 million copies, trailing behind “The Book of Mormon” with 192 million copies sold. The explosion of young adult fiction played a substantial role in the contemporary reading climate. Following “Harry Potter’s” steps came texts like “Twilight,” “The Hunger Games,” “Divergent” and “The Maze Runner,” whose premises had a tight grip on Gen Z, millennials and a fair amount of those in older generations too.
I wasn’t allowed to read “The Hunger Games” until I was in sixth grade, as my parents found the premise of kids in a large arena competing to kill each other too violent for the 10-year-old mind. This was devastating to me, so instead, I turned to books like “Divergent,” “The Maze Runner” and “Twilight” to keep me in the know with my peers and keep up with games like Werewolves vs. Edward and heated discussions over which faction, house or district we belonged to on the playground.
On the first day of sixth grade, I checked out the first “Hunger Games” from the library and pulled my first all-nighter reading the entire book in a single sitting. This enthusiasm for reading young adult books sparked in me was so powerful that it never really left.
The explosion of young adult (YA) literature in the early 2010s reinvigorated mainstream reading culture. Bestselling series like the ones mentioned above drew massive audiences, blending dystopian themes with relatable teenage struggles and desires. These books dominated bestseller lists and inspired blockbuster films, cultivating a generation of enthusiastic readers hungry for more.
While YA’s peak may have passed, its impact persists. These books introduced countless readers to serialized storytelling, ultimately sparking an interest in broader literary genres. Many who grew up reading YA have transitioned to contemporary fiction, fantasy, romance or literary classics.
The success of YA fiction also demonstrated how deeply stories about identity, rebellion and relationships resonate with readers. The themes of empowerment and resilience found in these stories connected with audiences worldwide. Additionally, YA authors like Angie Thomas who wrote “The Hate U Give,” and Elizabeth Acevedo, author of “The Poet X” have blended social commentary with engaging narratives, proving that YA is capable of offering both escapism and meaningful conversation.
Audiobooks have also transformed the way people consume literature. Once seen as a niche medium, audiobooks are now immensely popular and for good reason. Platforms like Audible and Spotify have capitalized on this trend, catering to multitasking lifestyles. Commuters, gym-goers, runners, chefs, busy parents, anyone really might turn to audiobooks to enjoy stories without needing dedicated reading time.
Critics argue that listening to books doesn’t “count” as reading, such as Arts and Entertainment writer Jeremey Brown who argued that “You are not the one in the driver’s seat – you were there when the action happened but you didn’t do any of it – don’t take credit for it.” But research shows audiobooks engage the brain in similar ways to traditional reading and more so for certain demographics like those with conditions like dyslexia, reading in a language not native to them and children. For many, audiobooks have revitalized the joy of storytelling.
The audiobook industry has also driven innovations in performance. Talented narrators like Bahni Turpin and Jim Dale have brought characters to life with dynamic voice acting, creating immersive experiences that draw listeners in. The inclusion of sound effects, music and multicast performances has further enhanced the reading experience. Plus, some simply prefer audiobooks. I recently listened to a book called Big Swiss, which I enjoyed far more than I would’ve reading on text through the Swiss accent of the text’s protagonist and sound effects of the character’s dogs and actions.
Beyond audiobooks, other alternative storytelling formats are flourishing. Webtoons, digital comics and serialized fiction platforms like Wattpad have gained millions of devoted readers. These mediums provide quick, engaging content, often blending visual art with narrative storytelling. Rather than diminishing reading culture, these digital platforms expand it. Webtoons draw in readers who may have otherwise felt alienated by conventional books, while Wattpad offers aspiring writers a chance to share their stories in real-time. The accessibility and social nature of these platforms have fostered vibrant online communities that keep reading approachable and relevant.
The comic book industry also continues to soar. According to Business Insider, “Comic-book sales — including graphic novels, single issues, and digital comics — hit $2.075 billion in 2021, a 62% increase from the previous year and a 70% increase over 2019.” In the same article, Comichron founder John Jackson Miller shared to Business Insider that “Publishers made more selling comics content [in 2021] than in any year in the history of the business, even when adjusted for inflation.”
Fan fiction communities also illustrate the evolving reading landscape. Websites like Archive of Our Own (AO3) and FanFiction.net have allowed fans to expand beloved universes, creating dynamic content that keeps readers invested. For many, fan fiction offers a gateway into storytelling, encouraging creativity and fostering discussion surrounding it.
Contrary to predictions that bookstores would vanish in the digital age, independent shops have experienced a substantial renaissance. Curated displays, cozy atmospheres and community events have turned indie bookstores into cultural hubs. Social media platforms like TikTok — specifically #BookTok — have contributed to this, boosting book sales and turning previously unknown titles into viral sensations.
Readers today are just as likely to find their next read through a TikTok recommendation as they are from a literary critic — a democratization of book culture that values emotional connection over intellectual elitism. Bookstores have also adapted to modern preferences. Many now offer dedicated spaces for book clubs, author signings and workshops. This shift emphasizes the communal aspect of reading, transforming book-buying into a social experience. Additionally, curated selections from diverse authors have expanded representation in literature, offering readers stories that reflect their identities and experiences. Book shops are becoming third spaces. For instance, Lovebound Library in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose owner, Courtney Stookey, emphasized in an interview with Salt Lake Sideways, “I wanted it to be a safe space where anyone – whether they read 300 books a year or have never picked up a romance novel – can feel welcome.”
Lovebound library primarily features romance novels, including spicy or “smutty” fiction, which has also surged in popularity. Readers have embraced these books unapologetically, viewing them as accessible, fun and emotionally rewarding. Authors like Colleen Hoover have dominated bestseller lists, proving that readers are gravitating toward emotionally charged fiction that can be binged the same way a TV show can.
This shift reflects a broader trend: Readers increasingly embrace books as entertainment rather than exclusively as intellectual pursuits. Popular fiction no longer has to defend itself against claims of being “less than” literary fiction, readers are empowered to enjoy what speaks to them most.
Escapist fiction has proven especially popular in recent years. Amid social and political unrest, readers have turned to romance, fantasy and cozy mysteries to find comfort. These genres provide satisfying resolutions, uplifting themes and immersive worlds — offering solace in uncertain times.
Reading has become chic. Instagram aesthetics featuring curated bookshelves, annotated novels and cozy reading corners have turned book culture into a visual trend. Readers proudly share their book hauls, reading goals and reviews online, blending social media trends with traditional literary engagement.
Where reading was once seen as a solitary activity, it’s now highly social. Book clubs, online reading challenges and fandoms encourage readers to share their experiences and opinions. The idea that reading is cool has helped it retain cultural relevance, particularly among younger audiences.
For decades, reading carried an elitist undertone: “Serious readers” were expected to engage with classics, dense nonfiction or highbrow literature. This notion alienated many potential readers. Today, that attitude is fading. The growing acceptance of reading as entertainment has created a more inclusive space where genre fiction, graphic novels and even fan fiction are celebrated.
Readers no longer feel pressure to consume an author’s entire bibliography or stick to traditionally “respectable” titles. Sampling diverse genres, exploring niche interests and embracing guilty pleasures have made reading more approachable and joyful.
Educational institutions are also evolving in response to these cultural shifts. Schools increasingly incorporate diverse genres, graphic novels and contemporary fiction into their curriculums to engage reluctant readers. By validating popular fiction as legitimate literature, educators are fostering positive reading experiences that encourage lifelong engagement with stories.
Digital platforms, alternative storytelling formats and changing social norms have expanded what it means to be a reader. While fewer people may sit down with lengthy classics, more are consuming stories than ever before — whether through audiobooks, web-based fiction or social media-fueled book trends.
In this dynamic landscape, one thing remains constant: the human desire to connect through stories. Whether curled up with a novel, streaming an audiobook or scrolling through a Webtoon, readers continue to seek narratives that inspire, comfort and challenge them. Reading culture isn’t disappearing — it’s thriving in new and unexpected ways.
