People still read books, but how and why they read has shifted in fascinating ways.
Books are still being read widely, but the formats, motivations, and cultural patterns have evolved. In some areas, reading is actually increasing.
Who’s reading and how much?
Print books remain dominant. In the U.S., around 65–70% of adults read at least one print book per year, a number that has stayed surprisingly stable for a decade.
Audiobooks are booming. They’re the fastest‑growing format, with double‑digit growth year after year. People listen while commuting, cleaning, or walking.
E‑books have plateaued but remain strong. Roughly 30% of readers use them regularly, especially for genre fiction (romance, fantasy, thrillers).
Where reading is actually increasing
Young adults and teens are reading more fiction again, driven by BookTok, fandom culture, and serialized storytelling.
Niche genres (mythic fiction, cozy fantasy, romantasy, horror, atmospheric folklore — your wheelhouse) are thriving because they translate beautifully into short‑form video hooks.
Library usage is rising, especially digital borrowing through apps like Libby.
Why people still read
Books offer something other media can’t quite replicate:
Deep immersion
Emotional resonance
A sense of ritual
A break from algorithmic overstimulation
A way to inhabit myth, symbol, and archetype — which is exactly the terrain your storytelling lives in
Reading is becoming less of a default habit and more of a chosen experience, which paradoxically makes it more meaningful.
The non‑obvious insight
People aren’t reading less, they’re reading differently.
Short‑form video hasn’t killed books; it’s become one of the strongest engines driving book discovery.
A 20‑second atmospheric clip can sell more copies than a month of traditional marketing.
