NCWN/NetWest member Bill Ramsey (www.LifesWrite.com) sent us this observation "In
recent conversations with young adults, thirty somethings, the subject
of books came up. Perhaps I should not have been surprised when they
told me they "never read books."
While "too busy" was offered as an excuse, there is something else at work here.
Enjoying reading is difficult for those who rarely do it. They can read
the words but miss the message. Do we, as writers, need to speak to this
growing situation in the young adult population? If yes, how can we do so?"
Do you have any suggestions? We'd love to get your comments.
I wonder if TV and video games have taken the place of reading books for younger folks. Also, are books being written that would interest young people? I remember when my nephew was around ten years old, he couldn't find books about his interests which were sports, athletes, baseball players, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe Harry Potter books appealed to young people and many read those books. Good question, Bill.
I agree with Glenda. In addition, cell phones and Ipads/tablets have taken the place of not only reading books but talking face to face. Unfortunately for young people, looking at these screens all day is damaging for eye and brain development. I'm not sure what the exact conversation should be, but I think it's an important conversation to be had.
ReplyDeleteI was listening to public radio recently, there are ebooks coming out with sound. This includes everything from the dialogue to background elements.
ReplyDeleteWhile this may prove to be an interesting platform, it does change forever reading and using one's imagination.
Times have changed so quickly over the past twenty years that it is hard to keep up. It is a sad trend that people are reading less. What joy books have brought me over the years! I think that video games, TV, etc have played a huge part in it. It is also sad that children spend less time out in nature. So many wonderful lessons to learn there.We live in interesting times.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and for your insights. I grew up in a household where we visited our local library every month, often spending many hours reading what we'd check out when we returned home. I learned that there's nothing like our own imagination that gets fired by reading and tried to instill the same love of reading into my own children. I'm happy to say that it worked. I'm sure that there's a way to spark the interest of parents and children. Ellen, for NetWest Writers
ReplyDeleteWriters work hard for modest rewards. One of the greatest rewards is to have a reader acknowledge the work with an insightful comment. More than,"I liked you book".
ReplyDeleteThose who read poorly or not at all are missing more than they realize. We cannot give our gifts to those who cannot accept them. Soldier on!