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Telegraph
10-03-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Social justice is destroying the pleasure of reading
In news that will depress English teachers like me everywhere, new polling suggests that 40 per cent of Britons have not read or listened to a book in the past year. There are some fairly predictable demographic differences: people who have picked up a book in the past 12 months are more likely to be older, women and middle-class. Yet the overall picture remains the same: whether paperback or hardback, fiction or non-fiction, physical or audiobook, people simply aren't reading as much anymore. Screen-time is the obvious culprit. We are so used to consuming the world in snippets on our smartphones – posts, video clips, episodes – that the sustained concentration of reading has become too challenging for our overstimulated brains. Mornings previously spent reading in bed are now replaced with scrolling through social media; commutes have become time for composing e-mails rather than devouring spy thrillers; quiet evenings are dominated by binge-watching limitless TV while books lay untouched. In our world of shiny new toys, we have collectively forgotten what a gift reading is, and the dopamine hit from our omnipresent screens will always win over the more subtle and long-term pleasure of the page. As the Harvard biologist E. O. Wilson put it: 'we are drowning in information, while starving for wisdom.' Yet, as someone who is regularly searching for reading recommendations for reluctant teenage readers, there is something else that I have noticed: it is increasingly difficult to find a really enjoyable story. If students (and adults) are going to push through the addictive pull to look at their phones rather than a paperback, then they need something entertaining or escapist. But what readers want and what readers get are no longer the same. Publishing is stuck in an ideological cul-de-sac. Books must be about 'lived experience', social justice and trauma. Award-winners are chosen for the correctness of their message or the cultural experiences they represent rather than the quality of their writing. Identity has trumped character, and timely 'issues' such as race and sexuality have trumped narrative. Take The Trinity Schools Book Award. It showcases contemporary fiction for 11-to-14 year olds. This year, for their older readers, among the books they have shortlisted are Hurricane Summer by Asha Bromfield, which explores 'colourism' in Jamaica, and The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, a 'queer fantasy'. These 'timely' topics may appeal to some young readers, but in my experience students tend to prefer books that aren't easily summarised by hashtags and buzzwords. The Arc of a Scythe series by Neal Shusterman, for example, is a dystopia that is exciting precisely because it is morally grey. Reading is ultimately a habit, and habits need to be practised. Parents need to role-model reading to their children; teenagers need redirecting to a book rather than a blue light before bed; and adults need to remember that reading is one of the best activities to do in our busy world. For reading to be a habit rather than a chore it needs to be enjoyable, and publishers should focus on giving readers a diverse range of really good stories rather than a good range of really diverse characters.
Emirates Woman
28-01-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
10 editor-approved books to add to your reading list
Life by Ruman Baig 26 seconds ago Winter is still ongoing in Dubai and if you're looking for ways on how to spend time indoors, we've got you. Lately, we've mad a conscious effort to put down our digital devices at the end of the day and pick a book that will keep us hooked. From light reads to historical fiction adventure — we've put together a list that covers it all. This season gives you the perfect excuse to stay indoors and curl up with captivating books. via GIPHY But with so many options, where do you begin? Fear not, fellow bibliophiles. This list offers 10 tantalizing books across various genres, guaranteed to transport you to their thrilling worlds, igniting your imaginations further. Historical Fiction Adventure: 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia. Thrust into a thrilling quest for survival, he must piece together his mission and uncover the secrets of a global catastrophe. Weir, the mastermind behind 'The Martian,' delivers another science fiction masterpiece that will leave you breathless. Find the book at: Cozy Mystery Caper: 'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune Linus Baker, a caseworker for a magical youth care agency, embarks on an unusual assignment – evaluating a young orphan with questionable magical abilities. This heartwarming and humorous fantasy with a touch of mystery will melt your heart. Find the book at: Non-Fiction Must-Read: 'Braiding Sweetgrass' by Robin Wall Kimmerer Experience the beauty and wisdom of the natural world through the eyes of a Potawatomi botanist. Kimmerer's lyrical prose explores indigenous knowledge, ecological balance, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Find the book at: Young Adult Fantasy: 'The Love Hypothesis' by Ali Hazelwood Olive, a brilliant PhD student, devises a fake-dating scheme to avoid her matchmaking friends. But the lines between reality and fiction blur when she chooses an infuriatingly attractive (and accomplished) professor as her pretend witty and charming romance is perfect for fans of slow-burn love stories. Find the book at: Chilling Horror: 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia Travel to the mist-shrouded Mexican countryside with Noemi Taboada, a socialite sent to check on her ailing cousin. This gothic horror masterpiece will keep you guessing until the very last page. Find the book at: Poetic Adventure: 'Piranesi' by Susanna Clarke Find it at: Get swept away by this captivating blend of mystery and fantasy. Piranesi, a man who has lived his entire life in a vast House filled with statues, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth about his world and himself. So, grab your favorite iced beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and let these ten captivating reads transport you to unforgettable summer destinations. Happy reading! You can buy the above mentioned books by clicking on the image, it will redirect you to the website. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied Amazon & Feature Image: Instagram @thewhiteocean
