Dear LPG,

I recently read on the internet that the average British person reads between 10 and 12 books a year, which got me thinking as I shuddered a little. 

I wonder if you are a bit like me? I must be one of those people that bring those statistics right down, because I am ashamed to say that I gave up reading as soon as I could.  I don’t mean that I am completely illiterate (although my spelling will tell another story), but I only read novels at school because I had to and now that I don’t need to prove that I have read one for English language or literature homework, I don’t bother much. Well I don’t really bother at all.

Many years ago when I was a young person, I think my favourite read was the Encyclopaedia Britannica because if homework dictated that I needed to know anything, about anything, there would be a relatively short piece of information to be found there.  And now we have the internet which saves me having to even turn the pages. 

I have even tried audio books but somehow I either find myself listening and doing something else at the same time, and when I just try to sit and listen I have to admit to nodding off.  Either way the result is the same I lose interest, because I end up missing bits of the story.  I think that I am one of those who feel a bit guilty if I am not doing something which will produce a tangible end result. 

As you can see I am no example when it comes to appreciating the written word, and now that I have written it down, I can see for myself that the facts don’t look very good.  I think that I have turned into one of those people who does not have the time to read fiction, although I do spend a little time each week catching up with my emails and the odd letter that is written to me.   I also sometimes get drawn into reading articles on websites like this one as I get older.  Perhaps I just have a really limited attention span. 

Whatever the reason, I recently found out that there is a World Book Day and, if LPG have put my post up on the right day, today is that day.  So, I have sent this message to LPG for two reasons really.  

Firstly, so that any article readers who like me avoid really reading as much as possible (or those who have forgotten the benefits of a good read) are reminded of the advantages of getting back to that habit. 

Secondly I was recently challenged to read a book, so this message serves as a written declaration, for all my friends to see, that I undertake to read a work of fiction, from start to finish before next March’s celebration; time permitting…

AR, Catford

AR shares some tips and information she has found about easing yourself back into books…

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… and she has also found some suggested reads to get us back into the habit…

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