What are you reading?

Some of my classic children's books
 and my bookend collection

I confess.  We have book cases in every room in our house (including a small rack in one bathroom) and we still have books stacked on the floor.  I love books!  We are fortunate in our community to have wonderful libraries nearby, with enthusiastic librarians that cultivate readers, especially children.   However, the sad truth is that people aren't reading as they once did.  

In 2022, the revenue from book sales was  78.80% from printed books, 10.77% from e-books, and 10.43% came from Audio books.  While the majority of readers still enjoy a book in their hands, many like the ability to read from their phone or laptop.  Audio books are often popular with readers who listen while driving to and from work.   

You might be curious to know that internationally the top three book purchasers were, at least in 2016, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom.  The global book publishing market in 2022 is predicted to reach $143.65 billion, with the expectation of 163.89 billion by 2023.  Another interesting set of statistics involves the busiest time of year for book sales.  November and December account for over 21% of the annual sales for bookstores, which you may know have been struggling to survive against internet sales, and as for overall book sales, almost 12% of all books are sold during the last week of November to the years end.  Apparently, books make nice Christmas gifts.  Over 82% of all books sold during November and December were print books, higher that the annual print book average sales.  (Just a hint for your Christmas giving!)  It will probably not surprise you that in the United States Amazon accounts for over 40% of book sales, and 30% globally.  As for e-books, Amazon dominates 80%.  

Those of you who follow my blog know how important it is to encourage children to read books.  Many of you may still be doing your Christmas shopping, and even if you thought you were finished, surely you can add a few books to your Christmas giving.  Authors will appreciate it--publishers will appreciate it--and most importantly, those for whom you have chosen to give a book will have it to enjoy!