Surprising (Maybe) Data About American Reading Habits
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A new Pew Research study reveals a surprisingly resilient American reading culture: 64% of U.S. adults read a print book in the past year, defying predictions of digital decline. The data shows that overall book reading—across print, e-book, and audio formats—has remained stable since 2011, with 75% of adults reporting they read some or all of a book in the last year. This counters alarmist reports claiming only 16% of Americans read for pleasure, highlighting how survey methodology drastically shapes outcomes. The episode unpacks key insights: audiobooks are most popular among 18–29-year-olds (41%), while older adults (65+) lag at just 13%, suggesting a major untapped market. Book clubs remain rare—only 7% of Americans participate—despite high reading volume. The hosts also debate tech’s role in reading, from Spotify’s new book-purchasing feature to AI-powered character chatbots in classic literature, dismissing the latter as a gimmick that fails to add real value. Finally, they celebrate Maria Semple’s return with *Go Gentle*, a witty, philosophically rich novel that blends mystery, romance, and stoicism—proving that smart, joyful fiction still captivates readers. The episode underscores a quiet truth: Americans aren’t abandoning books—they’re reading differently, more flexibly, and in formats that suit modern life. The real story isn’t decline, but adaptation.
64% of Americans read a print book in the past year, defying expectations of digital decline.
75% of U.S. adults read some or all of a book in the last year, a figure stable since 2011.
Audiobooks are most popular among 18–29-year-olds (41%), while only 13% of adults 65+ listen to audiobooks.
Only 7% of Americans are in a book club, making it rarer than reading more than 20 books annually.
Spotify now lets users buy physical books directly from the app, integrating reading into a single digital ecosystem.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Sponsor: Merit Beauty – Minimalist Makeup for Busy Lives
Jeff and Rebecca open the episode with a sponsor for Merit Beauty, a clean, vegan makeup brand designed for a fast, minimal routine. The hosts highlight the brand’s three core products: a dual-purpose foundation/concealer stick, a flush balm for a natural glow, and a signature lip blush. They emphasize the brand’s skincare-infused ingredients and the free signature makeup bag for first-time buyers.
Sponsor: Eleven Reader – Audiobook App with Voice Selection
The hosts promote Eleven Reader, an award-winning audio app with over 100,000 premium titles. Key features include the ability to choose from 1,000+ natural-sounding narrators (including icons like Michael Caine and Maya Angelou), add background soundscapes, and convert any PDF or document into audiobook quality. The app starts at $8.25/month for 20 hours and offers a free 10-hour trial.
Sponsor: Caitlin Rosakis – *Startup Hell* – A Demonic Corporate Comedy
Caitlin Rosakis is introduced as the author of *Startup Hell*, a satirical novel about a salesperson at a tech startup that can’t define its product. When her boss summons a demon to meet quarterly targets, the demon dies without being sent home—leading to chaos. The hosts praise the book as 'infernally funny and hellishly heartwarming,' blending corporate satire with magical realism.
Sponsor: Monica Murphy – *When Sparks Fly* – A Swoony Small Town Romance
Monica Murphy’s *When Sparks Fly* is promoted as a romantic small-town story featuring an heiress and a fire captain. The book explores emotional growth, community values, and single parenthood. The hosts highlight its swoony, heartfelt tone and its appeal to fans of classic small-town romance tropes.
The State of American Reading: Pew Research Study Breakdown
“In the last 12 months, 64% of U.S. adults say they have read a print book. 31% read an e-book and 26% read an audio book. Overall, 75% of American adults said they had read some or all of a book in the last year.”
“it though? Loved it. I'm so excited. So tell me about it. Okay, it's so fun. I read it in one sitting on Saturday and it's like a chunky book. It's almost 400 pages but I was like this is... I got into the first 25 pages and I was like okay Maria, it's you and me today.”
“Only 13% of people 65 and over had said that they listened to an audio book in the last year. So just a huge possibility there.”
“This is giving me, so when we were just starting, there was this thing that people were trying to make happen called enhanced eBooks. Do you remember this Rebecca? Oh yes, I do remember this. Where you'd go into your eBook and there'd be a video or there'd be music or there'd be a hyperlink where you could jump out, you could do all this stuff. And that went over like a ton of bricks.”
Hosts
spotify
brand
eleven reader
brand
maria semple
person
merit beauty
brand
pew research center
organization
laura mcgrath
person
character.ai
brand
caitlin rosakis
person
monica murphy
person
bookshop.org
organization
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