The rise of technology and social media has seen a decline in the desire for the written word. A recent study showed that more than a quarter of Americans had not opened a book last year. (including digital and audio books) The number of non-book worms has tripled over the last 35 years.
It is an undeniable fact that people spend more time watching television than they did 30 years ago. Digital devices discourage and even replace good reading habits which require more thinking and plays a crucial role in child development. Children from families who watch excess TV often spend less time reading or being read to.
People who do not read struggle with
- weakened critical thinking skills
- lack of ability to communicate properly
- an unrealistic view of reality
- concentration
- sleeping and eating habits
Begin with the end in mind
Stephen Covey
Americans watch an average of 30+ hours of TV each week. It takes an average reader 27 hours to read The Lord of The Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien (all three books at approximately 300 words a minute). So let’s just say for a moment that it is possible to read 3 books a week. That would be that would mean reading over 150 books in a year!
One would really need to have a practical reading plan. Three books a week is a staggering amount of reading for most people but half that number is not so bad. By reading 1 book every 5 days and adding a few extra on holidays and summer vacation, one could easily devour 80 books in a year. It would mean reading 6 books a month and squeezing in an extra dozen throughout holidays and summer break. I would like to extend the invitation to you, would you join me?
You can map your progress by breaking it into small attainable goals. Having a variety of genre to choose from is optimal. At the beginning of each month I will be sharing my personal reading map here on my website. You are more than welcome to use my personal reading map or you can use it as a guide to create your own. Either way I would love to hear what a reading map looks like for you and how you plan on implementing it. Read On!
My January Reading Map:
Lady Almina and The Real Downton Abbey by the Countess of Carnarvon (Historical)
The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis (Fiction)
On Writing Well by William Zinsser (Non-Fiction)
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (Biography)
The Storm Inside by Sheila Walsh (Counseling)
What Love Is by Kelly Minter (Devotional/Bible Study) Learn more about online Bible Study Women’s Bible Cafe
**Short List on How Long It Takes To Read The World’s Most Popular Books
Stasia is mother to six beautiful children and wife to a dedicated, loving husband. They have served as a family together on the mission field on four continents for nearly 30 years. Stasia’s passion is to share in true colors the grace of God in her life. You can read more about her and the ministry of the Women’s Bible Cafe. Stasia is the CEO of LifeVerse Books and you can Subscribe to LVB to receive regular free and discounted book deals and timely reviews. If this article has blessed you in any small way, please consider showing your support by clicking subscribe in the upper right corner. Copyright© 2015 Stasia Nielsen All Rights Reserved
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