Numbers game

    There is no such thing as a 'typical' reader, I'm sure, but we do often have reading habits and traits in common. Just out of interest, I wondered if you'd give me a few rough statistics to do with your reading (that is reading for pleasure):

 -    on average, how many books do you read in a year?

 -    how much time do you spend reading each day?

 -    do you typically have more than one book on the go?

 -    of the books you buy or borrow over the course of a few months or a year, what proportion do you actually read?

 -    how much of your reading, if any, is done on an electronic device?

    Will a pattern emerge? We shall see; and many thanks to everyone who takes the time to answer the questions.

Comments

[Rosie H]

I probably average between 400 and 500 books a year.

I read while feeding my 7-month-old, probably three or four hours a day.

At the moment I have four books on the go, but two is more usual (one paper, one Kindle).

I read all the books I borrow (unless I decide they're not worth finishing) and am working on reading all the ones I've bought; at the moment I'm not buying many so the task seems a little less mammoth!

I used to read paper books almost exclusively, but since having a baby I think more than half my reading is done via Kindle, because I can read it one-handed and with either hand. (I can only read a paper book one-handed if it's not too large and in my left hand.)

[Karen]

I read about 150 books a year.

Monday - Friday, I read about an hour and a half a day; to/from work; at lunch; before bed.

Yes, I always have more than one book on the go; usually 4 or 5.

I (eventually) read 95% of all of the books I buy, although it might take me a few years to get to them. I never borrow books.

I currently read about 75% of my books on Kindle.

[Audrey]

I average about 120 books a year - about 100 that I'm reading for the first time and 20 that I'm re-reading.

On weekdays it's about 1/2 hour to an hour and half (occasionally more, but sometimes none); I read in longer stints over the weekend, 2 or 3 hours at a time.

I almost always have 2 to 3 books and 1 or 2 audiobooks going at once.

I would guess I only read about 50% of the books I buy -- and that's often long after I've bought them -- but 90% of the books that I borrow. I would guess that 80-90% of my reading is from library books.

I have a Nook, and I do less than 10 percent of my reading on it.. (All borrowed or at least not bought!)

[Susan in TX]

On average, I read about 160 books a year.

My reading time usually comes early in the morning and before bedtime with occasional snatches of time in the afternoon when I transition from school to cooking. So a good day could be 2-3 hours total, but somedays none at all. Avg. 1-2 hours.

I always have more than one on the go - usually a mix of fiction/nonfiction.

I tend to read 40% of the books I buy within the same year that I buy them.

None of my reading is done on an electronic device - I love my paper.

Another thing I tracked for the first time last year just out of curiosity - between 30-40% of the books I read last year were new-to-me authors.

[Alison P]

I read approximately 100 to 120 books a year and listen to about 15 audio books on my walk to work.

During the week, reading is limited to about 1 to 1.5 hours between eating supper and bed. At the weekend, I can spend much of the day reading or read nothing at all (apart from the weekend papers)- it depends on the diary!

I read one book and listen to another book - that's all my brain can manage!

I read all the books I buy or borrow but it sometimes takes me many years. I buy about 3 times as many books as I read each year - you can do the maths...

I have never read a book on an e-reader or electronic device and really have no desire to although I completely understand their attraction.

[Artemis]

I've never really kept an accurate count how many books I read each year, but I suspect its about 150.

I almost never have multiple books on the go. I like to finish one before I start another.

I would say I almost always read every book I buy or borrow. The exception being if I've picked out a random book from the library and it turns out to be awful, I'll return it without feeling the need to finish it. However, if someone has recommended a book to me, I will finish it even if it's not very good.

I do 0% of my reading on electronic devices. Paper and Ink all the way!

[Dark Puss]

I'm going to interpret "reading" here as non-work related.

• Books per year (fiction) ~ 50


• Book per year (non-fiction) ~ 25


• Reading time per day ~ 45 minutes per day (averaged over a typical 7 day period)


• Mostly only one fiction book at any one time (except when CBG calls!)


• Proportion read (to completion) ~ 95%


• All reading is non-electronic

[Geraldine]

Have never kept track of how many books I read in a year, so can't answer the first question. It must be hundreds.

I do have multiple books on the go, one in the sitting room, another in the bedroom, and there's always one or two sitting here by our main computer. The ones by the computer are D E Stevenson novels, i.e. the current email discussion group choice, the other is one that I'm going through to pick out the literary references and the real life locations she used.

I had a Kobo for Christmas, and read using that when I'm waiting for appointments - doctors, dentist, hospital etc.

Hours per day reading, that varies, if I'm in a knitting mood, then less time gets spent reading. Can't combine the two, as I don't do audio books.

I finish nearly all that I borrow or buy, only give up on books due to lack of interest in the contents, and either return them to the library unfinished, or if purchased then they go to the Hospice Charity shop.

[craftygreenpoet]

I generally read about 50 novels and 50 non-fiction books per year, plus several poetry collections and several short story collections. I generally have one of each of these categories in my reading pile at any one time (I read short stories in between finishing one novel and starting the next, i read poetry in odd moments and on the bus)

I spend around 2 hours a day reading.

I read all the books I borrow or buy, though I'm increasingly prepared to give up on a book these days (though it's still not something i do very often).

I don't read on electronic devices.

[Mary]

I don't keep count but I probably read about 100 books a year.

I read at least an hour a day via audio book while I commute on the train. Audio means I can knit too, but I've come to really enjoy the pace and depth a good reader can add to a story.

I always have at least three reads going at once. in addition to audio a paper book on the exercise bike and another one or two on the bedside table. About 70% fiction, 30% non fiction.

I eventually read most of what I buy but like to have a lot of future reads on hand. I like the anticipation and potential of an unread library.

One battery is enough to worry about keeping charged (my ipod) so its audio or paper for me, no ebooks.

[Janet]

I read about 60-70 books a year, about 75-80% is fiction , the rest non-fiction, with the occasional poetry book included. Most of my reading is on paper, with a small number on Kindle, mostly used when travelling or when staying in our "residence secondaire" in France (so I don't have to pack too many books to take away with me, and I can order more if needed or wanted while in France)I also belong to two book groups. Some of my reading is cookery books, which I don't count in the above totals.

[Andrew Blackman]

Interesting idea to run this survey! I don't really keep track, but seem to average about one book a week, so that's about 50 a year. I read for about an hour a day, although it varies wildly between zero on a busy weekday and 10 on a peaceful Sunday. I typically have two or three books on the go, usually different types of book so that I can pick one depending on my mood and energy level. Recently I've been reading I'd guess 75% of the books I buy or borrow, but that's only through diligent effort - in the past that percentage has been much lower, and I've ended up with bookshelves full of unread books. I read ebooks as little as possible - I much prefer paper, and only use my Kindle when I'm travelling.

Will be interesting to see the full results, and any patterns!

[Kate/Massachusetts]

I read 1+ book per week on average so let's estimate 70 books per year. I read 2-4 hours per day; one book at a time and I read 98% of "borrowed" books which really are very few. I would say that 99% of my book reading is now done on my Kindle - never, ever would I have thought that five years ago!

I am stunned to read the comments here of people who read hundreds of books in a year! What is the secret to that? I would love to know! So many books, so little time! :-)

[Renata]

I average a bit over 100 books per year. On the whole they are fiction, but I keep meaning to read more nonfiction.
I rarely buy fiction (I borrow from the library) because my small condo doesn't have much shelving space. I will buy nonfiction, because I am more likely to want to keep those books.
I probably read about an hour a day, any more would have to happen on the weekend - and unfortunately that rarely happens.
I probably finish most of what I start, but will cast aside after about 50+ pages if it isn't working for me.
I do have a Kindle and Kobo, but save reading on it for travel, so I am not lugging a small mountain of paper.

[Andrea Sachs]

I read about 100 books a year + or - 10.
I buy books from my library book sale about once a month, and manage to read almost all of them. Almost exclusively fiction - with a preference for history and mystery.
I usually read for about three or four hours a day.
Average about 1 in 7 DNF
I have a NOOK and use it only when travelling.
I've attempted reading more than one book at a time, but find it not as much fun!

[Mary (Over the Pond)]

* Annual reading - approximately 250 books.
* Read 3-5 hours a work day (not including work-related reading); many more hours a day on weekends/holidays.
* Usually shuffling between 2-4 books at the same time.
* Finish about 75% of books borrowed/bought.
* About 35% reading is on an e-reader.
* Not asked...but, I also listen to audiobooks (fiction/non-fiction) while driving to and from work-3 hrs a day.

[cindy]

I'm in awe of all the above! I manage around 2.5 books per month, so that's 30 ish per year.

I spend maybe an hour reading per day, plus commute with audio book, another 30 minutes.

I usually have a non-fiction and a fiction on the go, plus an audio book.

I read all the books I buy eventually, but my TBR pile is getting a bit worrisome.

I have read a book on my iPhone at the gym, and then picked up where I left off at home. It really speeded things up, and with, surprisingly, no detriment to my eyesight!

Interesting survey, and I will add that I love my audio book habit, makes the commute a doodle. Also, lately I have tried to get away from saving my reading for late at night, as I'm usually flagging by then. I find it helps to have the non-fiction in the car (it's amazing how much time one can be waiting in a car), or by the cooker. Non-fiction is somehow easier to dip into.

I dream of going away somewhere remote and warm with my pile of unread books, and finishing them all.

[Aparatchick]

1. Last year the count of books read was 136 which I'd guess is about average since I retired. Before that, it was probably 60-70 a year.

2. 3-4 hours per day

3. I always have 4 or 5 five books that are in my "currently reading" stack.

4. I read probably 95% of the books I borrow and 100% of the books I buy. But if the question is read completely, the first number would be lower. There are a sizable number of library books I don't finish.

5. 30% on Kindle

[Claire]

I so wish I had the time to read more! To read even 100 a year would be a joy. I read around 50 books last year. A mixture of fiction/non fiction. Approx 70/30 percent. In addition to that I always have a poetry/art book around to pick up in an idle moment (could obviously do with a few more of those!).
I try to read for an hour in the morning (in bed with a large mug of tea) as I falter at night with my eyes closing quite quickly.
I have a Kindle but now use it rarely really just for travelling. Nothing will replace paper for me.
I'm ashamed to say I don't use the library, although I am a member, and buy/borrow them all. I always have two or three on the go and am a member of two book clubs. The older I become the more I enjoy "difficult" and dense books. My tbr pile is ever growing and wishlist at Amazon is huge!

[Freda]

50,an hour or so,yes,all,none.

(I re-read favourites quite often!)

[Karoline]

Over the last few years I'm managing around 25-30 books a year, about 2 books a month. I'm hoping to average 3 books per month this year.

I usually only manage 15-20 minutes a day for personal reading (I don't count all the reading I do out loud to the children)I generally have a couple of books on the go, one for bedtime reading & one other.

I mostly get to read everything I borrow and I will get round to reading everything I buy eventually (despite what my burgeoning TBR shelves would imply)

I don't own a e-reader although I do have the kindle app on my phone. I generally have a free classic on the go that I can dip in and out off if I get a spare minute when out with the kids. I also have a book I'm listening to via a podcast.

[MelD]

I probably read over a 100 books a year, both fiction and non-fiction. I also like to reread my favourites sometimes or one in my large collection that has been put aside for a long time. I also enjoy going back to children's books, occasionally, either that I read as a child or didn't read and want to catch up on.
Although I'd like to say 50/50 on paper v. electronic, it's probably more like 30/70. I will read anywhere and having the Kindle app on my iphone, I do slot in a few pages at any opportunity, which is very convenient and calming, too, often. However, some books I want to read aren't available electronically or I just prefer to have paper copies - especially of series I enjoy collecting.
Usually, I read 95% of what I buy/borrow/beg, but I have taken to discarding a book if it just doesn't seem worth my time, more frequent than ever before! Does time become more precious or do we become more discerning as we age?!
I don't own a Kindle, but use the app on both iphone and ipad, making a separate gadget superfluous.
I do also like listening to audiobooks, something I can do with my husband and on journeys, as he doesn't have as much reading time as I do!

[Tessa]

Very interesting to read everyone's replies!
I read about 40 books a year, almost all fiction. I read for about one hour a day (usually on my work commute). I only ever have one book on the go and I would say I read about 90% of the books I buy, borrow or am given. I don't use an electronic device at all.

[Chiara]

I think I read about 80 books a year, some of those are re-reads. I probably read about 2 or 4 hours a day (though on the odd day it could be 8!). I sometimes have more than one book on the go. I eventually get round to reading all the books I buy or borrow, or maybe that's 95% of them! I do read on an electronic device and love it - I live far from any bookshop, e-readers and an Internet connection have transformed my reading life. I now read about 80% of my books on an e-reader. Interesting that a few of the comments mention audiobooks, I might give one a try.

[Lyn]

I read about 150 books a year, including audio books. I read for about 1-2 hours on weekdays & 2-3 hours on weekends & days off. I usually have at least two books on the go plus an audiobook in the car. Often if I;m reading a hardback at home I'll have a paperback or my ereader in my bag for my lunchtime walk & coffee. I probably read about half the books I borrow (I work in a library so the temptation is great) & read about half the books I own. Of course, I have so many of my own books unread that it's a bit hard to judge! I have an ereader & an iPad & although I've read several books on the iPad, I prefer the ereader as it's lighter & easier on my eyes as it's not backlit. I probably read about half my books on the ereader now especially as I can borrow ebooks from the library as well.

[martina]

I read about 150 books annually. I listen increasingly often to audiobooks as well, these all borrowed from the library and generally heard from my IPad. Each day I read for at least an hour, preferably and often longer, up to 3 hours. I seldom buy books, but just love to source them from the four local libraries to which i have access. As a reader over 60 i am more likely to move on from novels not working fro me!!
I have become quite addicted to my e reader, once again mostly reading titles from two libraries. Such borrowing focusses the mind powerfully,since to have a title "disappear" before i have finished is most painful!!!! And to "stack" at Waverley library for the most marvellous collection of older titles, whenever the whim strikes. As a rule I concentrate on one book at a time, but that doesn't include audiobooks.

Libraries were an essential and precious part of my childhood and grey hair and laughter lines aside, nothing has changed for me.

Two of my sisters are devoted book buyers, we swap and share of course and birthdays are always occasions for gifting with books.

[Stephanie]

I read 110 to 120 books annually, including audiobooks during my daily commute. Average daily read 2 hours includes the audio books. Mostly read one book at a time unless reading a large reference book, which is usually a slow read over several weeks. Read 100% of library books and 10% of purchased books. They are on the book shelf (or in a pile on the floor) for the future. No reading to date on an electronic device and not tempted.