Losing patience to read deeply?

[Anelia]

I think it depends if they are allowed to choose whatever and given time (is that possible) that is distraction free...

I confess that I haven't read a novel ...in over 18 months or more. I read non-fiction from cover to cover. And one of my degrees is English Lit.

And I am by formal training, career-wise have been a librarian. Not public librarian but in engineering and law. I haven't used my own library in the latest city where I live to get a book. I used to be an avid reader right into my early 30's.

It's as if I'm reading about myself. I used to read a lot until the Internet appeared. No we're reading forums

Maybe it's just that I have other responsibilities?

Yes, I notice that I read when I am on a vacation (without the bike) but that happens once in a blue moon

I'm not sure that we give our young people enough time to become engaged in longer, more complicated books. I'm blown away by the stresses and responsibilities placed on friends' and coworkers' kids, not just by their parents but by society. The pressure to do well on standardized tests and earn 4.0 GPAs while being captain of the swim team, volunteering, and playing in the marching band....is it any wonder that teens are exhausted and burnt out?

I can't agree more with you. I feel guilty if I have to make my son read a book after he had done all his homework and he longs for the time when he can watch TV or play computer games.

I don't know about Canada...

OakLeaf, I think you have wonderful style of writing. Are you a journalist ot some kind of writer?

We have the opposite problem with our nearly 11 year old. We've had to tell him that he can't just sit and read at recess...he HAS to be social, too. His social skills are somewhat lacking and it's in part because he'd rather hole up in a corner with his nose in a book than cultivate friendships. And often it's not that he's reading something new and gripping...he's rereading the same novels over and over. We wish he'd embrace a happy medium.

I think you shouldn't worry. People and children change a lot during their lifetime. He'll get out some day and he'll socialize.