The above question was overheard in a Vancouver Island coffee shop during a blustering snowstorm. A young female barista and a middle-aged male customer bantered how they each might spend their snowed-in weekend. This question (actually, I believe it was a statement) surprised me. I began to wonder how many others would feel the same. So…you guessed it…down, down the rabbit hole I went. See you on the other side!
In 2020, Booknet conducted its annual leisure poll, increasing its survey size to 1,266 English-speaking Canadian adults. 21% of participants indicated that they had not read or listened to a book during the past year. (This was a notable change from just 12% in 2014.) Of the 79% who had read or listened to books, 28% read once a day, 11% read a few times that year. When comparing these results to surveys done in other countries, researchers found that the following percentages of adults had read one book or more during a recent year: 51% UK (2018), 72% US (2018), 86% New Zealand (2017) and 92% Australia (2015). You can find more details from that survey and report here.
According to another Canadian survey done in conjunction with Ipsos Research Company and Indigo Books, “Canadian adults spend an average of six hours per week reading.” (More details here.) Iris reprinted survey results indicating that the average American reads twelve books each year (Iris findings). However, that report suggested that these results were likely ‘inflated by avid readers.’ They concluded that the ‘average American’ was more likely to read four books per year. How many books did you read in 2021?
Crawling back out of my rabbit hole, I continued my readings on peace, read a book for much-needed travel inspiration, stayed up-to-date with my book club readings and indulged in a publication from an admired author-blogger. Without further ado, here’s what’s recently been on my bookshelf. Click on the links to read my reviews — I promise they are short!
Continued Readings on ‘Peace’
Author-Blogger Shout Out
Annika is a writer, blogger and book reviewer. “The Storyteller Speaks” is a breathtaking collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. It was her first published novel. Annika followed this publication with the children’s book, Oskar’s Quest, which was also published in German. To learn more about Annika, you can visit her website here. I found it very difficult to put this book down. You can check out my full review here.
Soothing My Itchy Feet
Richard and I have been desperate to resume our Camino walking. A friend mentioned that another ‘Camino route’ had recently been established in Prince Edward Island. I quickly ordered the guidebook and dug in. The guidebook was more like a pioneer’s diary with a few places of ‘insert miracle here,’ especially in terms of some trailside accommodations. Still, the possibility of hiking a Camino in Canada is exciting. You can learn more about the Camino de la Isla here.
Book Club Reads
Shirley: When I left you last, Charlotte Brontë’s second published novel, Shirley, began as a bit of a snoozefest. Now that I am three-quarters through, Charlotte has picked up the pace. With a vigorous writing style, she has blended humour and drama in a sweeping social chronicle. There are perilous times, working-class riots, the suppression of women, religious controversy, the challenge of 19th Century conventions, the deep pain of unrequited love…the list goes on! Stay tuned for next month’s post, where I will be able to give you a full review. Spoiler Alert: At the end of our reading, our Classic’s Bookclub will be baking Yorkshire Pudding. So regardless of how this book turns out, there’s always that!
This concludes my past month in books. What’s been on your bookshelf lately?
Retirement Reflections 
My brain does not computer the idea of people not reading. WTH are they doing with their time, then? Watching reality TV???? I love the idea of a Canadian Camino, and you and Richard reporting back from it. You have my vote, Donna!
Deb
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Hi, Deb – While I do understand busy lives – I have a difficult time understanding not reading — even just a little bit. There is such unique magic in books that I believe we really cannot get anywhere else.
Oh, and update on that PEI Camino. It has now been replaced with a 10-day hike fest in Banff for early summer. I will fill you in during our next hike! 😀
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Can’t wait to hear all about it!
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I’ll message you some potential hiking dates!
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I love reading Donna and I’m so pleased my grandsons have developed a love of reading at such a young age. It is sad to think that perhaps life is so busy now that many don’t make the time to relax and enjoy another world and meeting new people through books. the Prince Edward Island walk sounds great. I visited there a few years ago and loved the island. I also made a visit to Green Gables and remembered the rugged coastline as it was a showery day. Thanks for co-hosting WOYBS for another month. I’m loving Shirley BTW! xx
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Hi, Sue – When I was pregnant, I read (and fell in love with) a book called “Reading Begins at Birth.” I believe that that concept is very, very true. I am not surprised that your grandchildren have a deep love of reading at such a young age. After all, they have awesome parents and super cool grandparents! 😀
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Oh Donna, how can people not read books? I read voraciously, think fast and furious in book land and that’s me. I can’t imagine some of those numbers quoted!
I too am enjoying Shirley far more than I expected to and just love your rabbit holes- who would Donna be if she didn’t go down a rabbit hole or two….
Great post from a fabulous co-host of our WOYBS challenge.
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Hi, Debbie – Your comments always, always make me smile. Your joy and positively seep through every word that you write. Thank you for sharing about Book Bouquets. I will be borrowing that idea for the future!
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Thanks so much Donna, the feeling is mutual believe me!
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Not read? Perish the thought! However do these people learn about different places and times, how do they escape from their everyday lives, how do they calm (and warm and quicken) their heart? Heavy sighs indeed.
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Hi, Jo – I can totally imagine Charlotte Brontë writing the above comment. The passion, the vigor, the humour, the cheekiness…the brilliant way with words. Your comment has it all! D
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Me and Charlotte are like this (crosses fingers)
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😀
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Interesting findings on reading. I can’t imagine not having a book on the go, even though sometimes I might only read a couple of pages before I fall asleep! I love having long days with nothing to do but read. I have my work book club meeting today – theme of ‘strong women’ – should be interesting!
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My reading style is very similar. I usually have a book on the go, but night-time reading often lulls me to sleep. I’d love to hear more about your ‘strong women’ discussion in your upcoming book club meeting!
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I loved Annika’s book! It’s on display on our coffee table with Pam Wight’s fantastic book. Since time is tight, I read while on my elliptical so my total in 2021 was only 48. I try to read at night in bed, but I hardly get through a page or two. I’ve never listened to an audiobook. Right now, I’m reading Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s terrific. Great post, Donna!
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Hi, Jill – I think that I read the same number of books as you in 2021. Although I do have the gift of time, I really love lingering over the books that I read. And, there are so many rabbit holes for me to tumble down while reading! I’m off to look up ‘Atomic Habits.’ 😀
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Interesting to think that we’re helping to prop up the reading statistics of the world isn’t it Donna? I think I spend at least 20hs+ a week reading (more if I’m immersed in a book I’m loving). Interesting that you have your own home grown Camino Trail – if Australia ever gets one it would be a good excuse to come Down Under. x
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Hi, Leanne – That is a great way to look at it. I love being part of propping up (and promoting) reading. And I need no extra motivation to go to Australia. All that I need is for restrictions to lift. Consider this a forewarning! 😀
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It’s always interesting to see what people claim to do with their free time, Donna. Reading is SO easy these days. If people don’t want to read, they can listen, and if they don’t want to spend $ on audio subscriptions, there are multiple ways to “read” through most libraries’ Overdrive and other apps, or Chirp, an inexpensive way to purchase audiobooks. What a great reading list you have and hope you can get on that Camino this summer. Perhaps you’ll have an audiobook along for the walk?
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Hi, Terri – I don’t think that I have ever listened to a book when on a hike — definitely not on the Camino. There is always so much to see and do while hiking, I never want to miss it! I agree that it is easier and easier to read these days. Most of the time, I borrow books from my library online and they go straight to my device. I don’t even have to leave home! 😀
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Yeah, I rarely listen while walking, Donna. I like the simple sounds of nature, too!
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Hi Donna, Interesting findings on reading. I know some normally-avid readers found it difficult to focus on reading during the pandemic. Last year I read 80 books which was less than in 2020. Thank you for sharing your books. I was excited to learn about the Camino in PEI. When I was there a few years ago, I thought the island was perfect for walking and cycling. I recently finished and would recommend Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud.
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Hi, Natalie – I agree that the PEI Camino is very exciting. I am sure that we could also make a great Camino on Vancouver Island. That would be very cool!!
Thank you for recommending Love After Love. I will check it out.
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My mother’s favourite joke was of the girl who was asked if she would like a book for her birthday; she replied ‘No thanks, I’ve already got one.’ I think there have always been a good number of people who never read books. They look at the paper, read magazines, watch television and somehow don’t get around to picking up a book.
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Hi, Janet – Thank you so much for dropping by. As strange as not reading seems to me, I guess it understandable in our busy world with so much competing for our attention. As a general rule, I don’t watch television (or Netflix etc). It does put me at a disadvantage when friends get together and discuss their favourite television or streaming series. 😀
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Asking “Who even reads books anymore?” is like asking “Who even breathes anymore?” Some things are essential to life. Books occupy the top of that list … chocolate is a little further down….
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I love how you think, Donna. As long as chocolate is not too far down on your list. Then we need to talk! 😀
Thanks so much for stopping by. I greatly appreciate it.
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I guess I am definitely not the average American reader as I read over 120 books last year! I’m always surprised when I meet other adults who admit they don’t read. I have one friend who told me she has not picked up a single book since she graduated college! I just can’t imagine that.
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Hi, Joanne – You are a Reading Rock Star! Reading 120 books last year is fabulous!! I think that my total # of books read for last year was 49. I am a book-lingerer….and I fall deeply into Reading Rabbit Holes (even when I promise myself that I won’t). I just can’t help myself! 😀
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It’s so hard to understand why someone doesn’t read. I come from a family of avid readers and I always have at least one book going at a time – often two or more. Way back when I got on airplanes, I was always amazed to see people sitting in their seats just staring at the seatback in front of them the whole flight. I’m afraid with everyone having electronic gadgets with them AT ALL TIMES, the number of people who actually read a book will shrink even more.
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I know! What are people doing starring into space for an entire airplane flight? Or worse yet, talking loudly and nonstop to their neighbours? In the case of the latter, I always want to reach out and hand them the nearest book!
It makes me sad that the number of book readers is shrinking.
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Thanks for the stats. Australia is amazing at 92%. The Little Book of Inner Peace caught my eye among your reads. Thanks for the reviews! Here is my second bookshelf foray: https://fakeflamenco.com/2022/02/17/february-whats-on-your-bookshelf/
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Hi, Rebecca – Thank you for linking up with us at What’s On Your Bookshelf. I read your post this morning and added it to InLinkz. I highly recommend The Little Book of Inner Peace. I found it to be wise, thought-provoking and easy to read — especially in bite-sized chunks.
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The stats that I’ve read have indicated that reading has increased since the pandemic began. I have never read more in the last few years. Retirement is part of that equation, but as a wannabe writer, I’m reading books in a completely different way. I pay much more attention to the craft rather than only focusing on the plot and my enjoyment of a story.
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Hi, Peter – I’ve heard different sets of stats regarding reading practices during the pandemic. Some claim that reading went up, others claim that it went down. I believe that both claims can be true – depending on who was surveyed, and what questions and measures were used.. An Angus Reid survey conducted during April 2020 asked Canadian adults with more free time during the first lockdown how they were filling that time. About 40 per cent said they were reading more which also was true for me (early in the pandemic I belonged to five different bookclubs). 😀
I don’t consider you a wannabe writer at all. You are a published author which makes you a true, legitimate author!
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You gals read some heavy-duty literature. Glad you have the Yorkshire pudding in case Shirley doesn’t pick up the pace. I am reading The Paris Bookseller which is historical fiction and probably more literature than some of what I read. It reminds me a little of the movie Midnight in Paris.
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Hi, Leslie – Thanks so much for dropping by. Although I am not a big movie watcher, I did see Midnight in Paris and greatly enjoyed it. The Paris Bookseller sounds very intriguing.
So far, Shirley has more than picked up its pace. Although we don’t want to jinx anything, this may be a favourite Brontë book for most of our bookclub. Stay tuned to see if that prediction comes true! 😀
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Your title immediately piqued my interest, Donna. Fascinating survey information. Interesting how they broke down different regions in Canada. Also, rural versus urban areas. Yes, a rabbit hole of information.
I love Annika’s books and I read “The Storyteller Speaks” and “Oskar’s Quest” a few times. ❤️
I will read further about the Camino de la Isla. We visited PEI many years ago, and we would love an excuse to return there.
Thank you for sharing an excellent post! xx
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Hi, Erika – Thank you for dropping by. I read your Goodreads Review of ‘The Storyteller Speaks’ and it made me want to read more.
Richard and I had been leaning towards trying out the PEI Camino this coming summer, but have now confirmed a hiking trip in Banff instead. So many hikes, so little time to get to them all. I look forward to hiking with you again soon!
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Always enjoy reading about what’s on your bookshelf. Somehow, I am never organized to pull together my monthly reading in time to join in. Darn!
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Hi, Laurie – It’s never too late to join us at What’s On Your Bookshelf. Whenever your schedule allows, I’d be happy to link in your post!
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Hi Donna Firstly how wonderful that you now have a Camino in Canada. I’d be interested to read this book as Canada is one of my favourite places. Im amazed at the question ‘who even reads books any more’ I can’t imagine a life without books. My life would be much less complete. The Boy, The Mike, The Fox and Tge Horse is a title that really has me intrigued.
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Hi, Jennifer – I agree that it is so cool to have a new Camino trail in Canada. We do have the TransCanada Trail throughout Canada, but it currently has numerous large gaps along the way. Baby steps!
I received “The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse” as a surprise gift from a friend (who I first met through blogging). The book (and the friend) are true keepers! 😀
Thank you for joining us at What’s On Your Bookshelf. I greatly enjoyed your post.
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I wonder if the reading statistics will be any different for 2021? I can’t imagine living through Covid without reading. Can’t. Impossible. Well, reading and chocolate 🙂
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Hi, Aimer – I second the vote for reading and chocolate. It is amazing how they go together for me! I’ll be very interested in the reading stats fro 2021 as well.
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Hello Donna. I have no idea how many books I read in 2021, but it was many more than six, so I guess I’m doing my part to inflate the U.S. average. Currently, I am reading Still Life, which I believe was a recommendation from two different people linking up to What’s on your Bookshelf. I am loving it, so thanks for that!
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Hi, Christie, I have heard great things about Still Life. I’d love to know what your think about it when you are finished. Thank you for joining us at What’s On Your Bookshelf. It is greatly apprecicated!
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I love reading and I love reading books. Last year I read 71 and this year I want to beat that number. I know some people enjoy reading kindle and books that way but I like the feeling of a book in my hand, the smell when you first open a book and the feel of the paper when you turn the pages. I have been an avid reader since I was a kid and now that I am retired I have so much more time to get into it. I prefer non fiction but I do read a number of fiction series as well. Watching tv or reading a book? Hands down, give me the book.
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Hi, Ellen – I am completely with you on books over television. My husband, an avid tv watcher, loves it this way. He has no competition for the remote control. 😀 Reading 71 books in 2021 is very impressive. Good luck with your reading goal for 2022. Will that list include books on vegetarian cooking? 😀
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I’ve known some very intelligent people who won’t read books. I don’t get it but they prefer surfing the web, reading journals or newspapers only. I adore books, of course– but have to admit that in the last few years during this pandemic I’m reading fewer books, reading more blogs. Your Canadian Camino walk sounds fascinating. More details to come?
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Hi, Ally – I completely agree that reading is very personal and we all go about it quite differently. When I lived in Beijing, my reading time was usually consumed with work-related materials. That’s when book clubs became a life-saver for me.
Our PEI Camino plans have now morphed into 10-days of hiking in Banff instead. It’s not an official ‘Camino’ but the trails are unbeatable! Definitely more details to follow! 😀
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Who knew there are so many books about peace! You are an avid reader, Donna, I think you are “messing” with the averages. 🙂 Going for a “Camino” on PEI in the summer sounds like a fun prospect. It’s a fabulous and varied island.
I read about one book every two months in 2021. This year, I’ll try and do better. My aim is a book a month. But to reach that goal, I have to change habits and priorities…
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Hi, Liesbet – There are TONS of book on ‘peace.’ So far, they have made for very thought-provoking reading. Richard and I had been seriously looking at PEI for this summer but have had a sudden plot twist and will do a 10-day hike fest in Banff instead. I completely understand about juggling priorities. I try not to read more than I currently do…otherwise I would never get outside! 😀 I hope that your travels are going well. Big hugs to you, Mark and Maya.
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Hi, Donna,
True confession…I don’t read books as much as I should, but I read a lot nonetheless. I get lost sometimes in magazines, newspapers, internet articles, and anything else to keep my brain engaged. On our current RV trip, I have read two books which makes up about half of my annual consumption, and find myself asking why I don’t do it more. Please keep prodding with your reading lists. I hope you get to hike in Banff. I have been turned away twice in two years and very disappointed. Have a great weekend! Joe
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Hi, Joe – Newspapers, magazines, internet articles, blogs….all count as reading…and all help to keep our brains engaged. I’m glad that you were also able to get in two additional books on this trip.
I am super excited about Banff. We don’t need to fly and it is only one province away so fingers crossed for no cancellations this time. Safe travels!
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I can’t imagine not reading. Who are these people? I used “what was the last book you read?” as a screening question for on-line dating years ago. It was very helpful! Haha! One guy did say he was reading a book about China. Several years and books about China later, we got married. I read so much in 2021 I lost count. If you do the Canadian Camino, I’ll look forward to your posts!
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Hi, Tracey – The story of your dating turned marriage would make a great Valentine’s Day short story. I absolutely love it!!
Ironically, in my previous comment on another post I recommended a book about China, “Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China” by Paul French. Have you read it? It is a fabulous (but chillling) piece of Literary Non-Ficiton. I highly recommend it (unless you are now completely over reads about China). 😀
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I have not read that. I’m still not over “Life and Death in Shanghai,” which I read last year. I’ll make a note of this.
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I haven’t read ‘Life and Death in Shanghai’ but have heard that it’s a very disturbing read!
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Hi Donna! Unfortunately I am not at all surprised to hear those reading statistics. And I would bet that it was higher in 2020 and 2021 than even normal. So many people I talk to seem too “busy” to read. And I would say one of the “problems” is that there is so much information on the internet, articles, news, blogs etc that people feel that they get plenty of reading in without picking up a book. I do struggle with that at times. But there is nothing that replaces the simple joy of sitting down with a book and being transported. And I’m happy to say I read a ton of books in the last couple of years…but who’s counting!!! ~Kathy
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Hi, Kathy – I agree that there are so many things that compete for our reading time. As with most SMART things, the key is balance. I no longer set a Goodreads Reading Goal, but when I did, it meant that I didn’t want to read past that number. If I did, it would mean that I was neglecting something (or someone) else that I love. When being transported by a great book, that can be all to easy to do! 😀
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I too have trouble understanding people who don´t read. I have to say though, that when I visit schools, middle grades, I find the students are very excited about reading, have piles of books on their desks and love to answer the question, “What is your favourite book?” So I don´t believe reading is going away. I went through stages of my life when I didn´t read much, but I always read. Last year I read 45 books. Right now I´m making my way through War and Peace and loving it. I too enjoyed The Storyteller Speaks. Annika is a great writer.
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Hi, Darlene I greatly admire you for reading War and Peace. As ‘peace’ is my 2022 WOTY, I would love to read this great work. But its intensity, number of pages and my looming TBR pile scared me off for now. I greatly look forward to hearing what you think about it. And will enjoy that reading vicariously!
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PS I loved Annika’s short stories and am looking forward to more from her. The peace books you’re reading are enticing, and I’m wondering what The Pull of the Stars is about…? 🙂
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Hi, Pam – I agree that Annika is a very talented writer. I too look forward to reading more from her. I also think that you will greatly enjoy The Pull of the Stars. The entire novel takes place during just three days of the 1918 flu pandemic. The similarities to that pandemic and ours are unnerving!
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Ah! I will find it and download it. Or maybe even get the “real” hard back or softback. 😀
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Hi, Pam – I read it from a library copy. I still love holding that paper book in my hands! 😀
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The Storyteller Speaks sounds great, love the cover too. I am so glad to hear you are getting out exploring Camino walks. I too am looking into a walking adventure. Thank you for getting the #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge going. These challenges keep reader slackers like me accountable.
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Hi, Antoinette – I would never call you a reader slacker. You are writing and keeping readers like me in books. That gives you extra gold stars and understandably makes for a much tighter reading schedule. We greatly appreciate you joining us in this reading (and reviewing) challenge.
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Hi Donna – what an interesting poll! I think I read about 50 books last year, but I know and understand others who don’t read books at all. They read articles on the internet and throughout their work day they must analyze and absorb information. For them, reading books at home afterwards isn’t relaxing. Me? I love thinking about how I’m going to either curl up with a book at night or get up early to read!
By the way, I also loved Annika’s The Storyteller Speaks! Take care and have a great weekend 🙂
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Hi, Barb – We read the same number of books in 2021…and probably the same number of blogs. 😀 I’m glad that you also enjoyed The Storyteller Speaks. I read that collection late last month and the stories have deeply stayed with me.
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I can’t imagine a life without reading. There’s nothing that can’t be learned about and always something to do when there’s a book at hand. I always say, if I think I have nothing to do, I can read or go for a walk. I still remember going to the library for the first time as a young girl. It was just like Christmas. I still feel that way today with books so much more accessible. I am duly impressed by the number of books some voracious readers have read. I managed to read 19 books in 2021. My best reads were the trilogy by Linden McIntyre (The Long Stretch, The Bishop’s Man, Why men Lie). Snow means slow and winter is when I do my best reading in my favorite chair with a cup of tea. Just finished These Ghosts Are Family by Maisy Card. “This masterfully woven tale of family centers on the consequences of one man’s decision [When his friend dies, Abel assumes his identity, faking his own death.] while moving forward and backward through time, from colonial Jamaica to present-day Harlem.” I start and end most days with reading.
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Hi, Mona – I distinctly remember my first library as well– Budimir Public Library. Going there was magic! Libraries and old bookstores still have that effect on me. 😀 We also share another core value. Nothing to do? Go walking or get reading! Works every single time. 😀
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That is a marvelously intriguing question! I, too, immediately jumped to look at the data, which showed that until 2020 (Covid), reading as a whole was on the decline (the data I saw didn’t seem to differentiate between books and online browsing…). Covid seemed to have given it a positive bump. Who would have guessed that pandemics have a positive side?
https://www.statista.com/statistics/622525/time-reading-us/
I grew up knowing that an integral part of a home is shelves full of books, so I know I’m a little (?) biased toward books 🙂
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Thank you so much for stopping by. If you are biased toward books because you grew up with knowing their importance, I share that same bias! I agree that not all studies were clear about the reading materials used. The studies that I read that did clarify, did state ‘reading or listening to books.’ I believe that online browsing, blogs and news were not included. If those categories were included the reading numbers would surely jump up. I’m off to visit your blog, and the stats link that you shared. See you there!
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It is good to find a kindred spirit! Growing up, when I asked questions (which was often enough to test angels’ patience 🙂 ), a frequent response was “why don’t you look it up?” At the time, that meant opening a book. Or two. Or three. Or more. That taught me that books are pathways to answers. To knowledge. To more questions. Which was, and is, a good thing. A world without books would be a barren world.
And welcome to our world of the Endless Weekend. Where every day is a weekend (or a Friday when we want pizza 😁).
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I definitely recognized the ‘endless questions’ that lead to opening books…and often to my plunging deeper and deeper down rabbit holes (which I still frequently do). And ‘endless weekends?!’ I’m in!
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Donna, I fall into the category of reading fewer books than ever before. I think part of that has to do with emerging from Covid and being out and about more often. Activity tends to leave me too tired to focus on a book, and rainy days are scarce this time of year. I did download one of Jo’s recommendations and will try to get into that soon. Your recommendation for Shirley has my interest and I will likely check that one out at the library.
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Hi, Suzanne – This is totally understandable. We are still in the middle of our winter, but spring is coming and my book reading will likely take a decline then as well (especially if the COVID numbers go down). We all have LOTS of activities to catch up on!
Our bookclub is discussing the third section of Shirley tonight. So far, it is a favourite among our group!
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Hi Donna,
I’m quite excited to find out that you lie on Vancouver Island and I hope to get over there some time. I live in Sydney Australia but my 4 x grandfather John Johnston from Islay, Scotland had an adventurous brother, Angus Johnston who had a store in Nanaimo in the early days. He was quite a character. My husband’s grandfather’s cousin was a missionary in China with the Salvation Army in the 1920’s and the family were captured by the Japanese and interred. It’s an incredible story.
You’re time in China must’ve been very interesting.
I would like to say I’ve read at least a book a month but that’s not the case. I rerad a lot of research material, which is most likely online.
There seem to be two main blocks to my book reading. One is finding a cosy place to read, and the other is not being interrupted or falling asleep (which is three). I’ve had some really good books which I’ve really loved and never finished. The most notable one there is The Book Thief. It’s one of the the novels I have loved the most and I’ve started reading it twice and have been thinking of giving it another go lately. I would love to finish it.
best wishes,
Rowena
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Hi, Rowena – Thank you for sharing this with me. These are incredible connections and fascinating stories that I would sincerely love to hear more about. I’m off to sign up to follow your blog right now! PS – Don’t give up on reading those books!
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Thanks, Donna.
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Hi Donna,
Here’s a link to a write up about George Walker who served with the Salvation Army in China: https://issuu.com/faircountmediaasia-pacific/docs/sal_book_1 THe story starts on page 111 and I hope the links works okay.
He was an incredible man and such a story.
Anyway, I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Rowena
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Hi, Rowena – Thank you so much for sending me this link. I will check it out. I love inspiring stories!
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I’m always baffled and saddened to read stats on how little the average person reads. I don’t read as much as I used to (thanks, iPhone and social media–and my own lack of willpower) but I still read over 60 books last year. I can’t imagine just… not reading.
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Hi, Janet – I agree that our phones and social media can definitely interfere with our book reading — as can ‘life’ simply getting in the way. When I worked, I read less books than I do now. But I’ve been part of different book clubs for years — and that has saved me from ever joining the ‘non-book-reading stats’! 😀
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Ally sent me! I’m always saddened by stats like these. I can’t imagine life without books; I’ve been an avid reader as long as I can remember. (Thanks Mama!) According to my Kindle app, I read 156 books last year.😮
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Thank you so much for dropping by. Ally sent me to you too!
156 is very impressive. Your Mama taught you well.
I look forward to reading more on your site!
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Hi Donna – I buy books and still await to read them … must do! The Peace Dancer looks fascinating … in Cowichan Bay there’s an artist with a gallery there – who is related to Roy Vickers, while I wrote about Robert Budd’s son, Levi, and his word ‘Levidrome’ that they were trying, with William Shatner’s help, to get it into the Oxford Dictionary … I wrote 2 blog posts in 2018 on them. I loved the Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – gave it to my SIL … so appropriate for them.
So pleased you’re off to Banff for a 10 day hike, but the east coast Camino sounds an interesting goal to look forward to – cheers and thanks for these recommendations – I’ll get round to reading sometime soon … cheers Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – Thank you for letting me know about the Cowichan Bay Gallery. I will definitely check it out. I also buy books that I don’t always quickly get to. As a matter of fact, a few of them are staring at me right now. I really must get to them! 😀
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I know some people who proudly claim they were never readers and it shows because they’re never curious to read anything. It could be simple things like looking for a bottle of mutli-purpose cleaner or a cleaning concentrate (that of course you would dilute to make your own cleaner). Or when people ask me how to open the dog door to let the dogs out, I look at them perplexed and reply “you press ‘open’ on the dog door.” I believe you don’t need to read novels to become a reader; reading newspaper articles, technical manuals, and instructions are fine too.
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Hi, Julie – I agree that reading and curiosity go together. When I was in elementary school, our classroom had a big poster that said ‘Readers are Leaders’. I took it very seriously! 😀
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I feel like I couldn’t live without books; they are my escape, my comfort and my joy. I read 12 books for my BC (1 per month) then leisure reading, probably several books a month. I’m never without something to read or several somethings. I stopped over from Ally Bean’s. I’m just south of you in WA.
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Hi, Margaret – Thank you for dropping by from Ally’s. Like you, I’m never without something to read. Right now, I have three ‘somethings’ calling to me to be read first! 😀 I’d love to visit your site but could not find your blog link. Could you please send it to me?
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My blog is hard to find. Not searchable and when I leave comments, it doesn’t link to it.
http://teacherwoman.typepad.com
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People still read lots of books, but there are lots of ways to read them. I’ve just started using the library again after moving a year ago. Kindle had pretty much replaced buying books because of space. I still have about two bookcases of books boxed and will probably never have room for them. Both Kindle and the library are good alternatives for that. 🙂 Sorry, I missed the link party.
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Hi, Marsha – Thanks so much for stopping by. It is never too late to join in!
I am delighted that you have recently joined your (new) local library. I am a HUGE library fan. I agree that Kindle and Kobo are great alternatives to buying and lugging books — although I do love holding a ‘traditional book’ in my hands. Some habits are difficult to change! 😀
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Hi Donna, I loved your research on the number of people reading. It’s really sad the figures were so low. It will be interesting to see whether Covid has renewed people’s interest in reading. I also loved your book reviews, especially the book about walking. It’s my dream to spend some time completing long walks with hubby once the kids leave home. I shall definitely be checking this route out.
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Hi, Janine – Thank you so much for stopping by. My husband and I have completed four different Caminos so far. Our feet are very, very itchy to do a fifth.
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What an amazing post! I really need to read Shirley, I’m sure it’s good and I’m glad to hear it soon morphs into something meaningful. As a long-time book lover, the title and the question in that coffee-shop totally shocks me – “Who Even Reads Books Anymore?”. For me personally, it’s like asking “Who Ever Breathes Anymore”? I cannot imagine a day without a book, it will be like taking my oxygen away.
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Hi, Diana – I don’t believe that we have met before, but I like you already. A day without books is like taking your oxygen away! I can totally relate. I am off to visit your site now. See you there.
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