It used to be such a common question, especially among professionals.

“What are you reading?” “Read any good books lately?” "Can you recommend a good book?”

All of those seem to be questions from another time. They are right up there with “Hey do you know someone who can repair my ox wagon? I’ve got to get this corn up to the castle.”

Frankly it makes me sad.

Does Anyone Read Anymore?

According to a fascinating article at BookRiot.com, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reported some startling metrics in terms of reading. For instance, U.S. citizen over the age of 15 spent an average of 22.8 minutes per day in recreational reading. In 2017 that figure had fallen to an average of 16.8 minutes. Similarly, only 24% of U.S. adults reported to have even partially read a book in the previous year.

It’s damn shame. Especially when you consider how much career growth potential lies between covers of a countless number of books. It’s out there, just waiting for me, you, or anyone to tap into in order to improve career and knowledge alike.

I’m an Avid Reader

You know, there are plenty of things I should do to make myself a better, healthier person. But I can say that I have one good habit and that is to try and constantly be reading two books at any given point in time. For the past few years I have been able to read about 30 books a year.

I wish that I could be one of those rare people that is able to read 100 books a year, but that is just beyond my reach. And that is fine. I find that the 15-20 nonfiction books that I read each year bring plenty of topics and ideas for me to mull over.

Still, 100 books in a year would be a marvelous goal. In fact, it seems that goal setting is one of the traits more common among regular readers.

Sharing Books that Share

When it comes to reading, I cannot begin to quantify the benefit I have gained. From team building, to management, to Bitcoin and blockchain theory, I have learned so much. And I love to recommend books that I have found enlightening to others.

For that reason, I plan to begin sharing my thoughts on whatever book I may be reading. I have been considering also sharing my notes for books such as Ray Dalio’s “Principles” or “Made to Stick” by the Heath brothers. I guess time will tell if there is any interests in the notations of a book nerd.

But in the meantime, I wonder, if you asked 10 people in your office “What are you reading?” would they have an answer? Or would just stare back at you like a blank page …