So I was nodding in approval ... up until getting to the "merch" section. O tempora o mores!<p>My favourite work on this theme: <a href="https://barykin-pin-up.ru/#/i/kniga-luchshaya-podruga" rel="nofollow">https://barykin-pin-up.ru/#/i/kniga-luchshaya-podruga</a> (the apple is obvious; she is reading "Mode", a soviet-era fashion mag that seems to still be in print to this day; he is reading a science fiction collection. My russian is weak, but AIUI the caption most likely claims "a book [is the] best friend", and because books are grammatically feminine in russian, it's ambiguous and could also be read as "best girlfriend")
It's interesting to contrast with the other media narrative which is "Zoomers can't read":<p><a href="https://old.reddit.com/r/Millennials/comments/1am3xq2/literacy_rates_in_the_us_are_fucked_keeping_your/" rel="nofollow">https://old.reddit.com/r/Millennials/comments/1am3xq2/litera...</a><p>The stats actually support the latter narrative more - literacy rates are dropping in the U.S. [1], and performance on standardized reading tests has been going down, even in affluent districts [2]. I'm glad that some Gen Z members enjoy reading more, but this appears to be more anecdotal than a general trend.<p>[1] <a href="https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=69" rel="nofollow">https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=69</a><p>[2] <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/10/metro/reading-skills-top-ranked-ma-schools/" rel="nofollow">https://www.bostonglobe.com/2024/01/10/metro/reading-skills-...</a>
I'm put off by the focus of the article. As already mentioned it feels like it's peddling a book club and merch first and making strenuous connections to try and justify it.<p>---<p>I don't really like putting on my cynical hat, but despite the final paragraph I still feel a good chunk of the preference for physical books and libraries comes down to being performative. I'm not doubting if the books are being read, but if you're putting yourself forward on TikTok having read a book, having a physical copy lets you flout it – something you can't do well with an e-reader.<p>Do I expect certain celebs to go out with certain books to tacitly promote them, even if it's just because they think they the book is good? Sure. Does it give their fanbase something to bond over? Yeah, and that can be nice.
Really disappointing article, and it only mentions libraries as a link to another very disappointing article.<p>That said, if you've been to a "modern" public library (let's say built or significantly renovated in the last 10-15 years???) lately, you will definitely notice that they are popular and well-used by the younger generations.<p>If you don't live near one, check one out when traveling. We've done that a few times - hang out at the local library on a rainy day when on vacation or visiting old friends. You'll find that even in deep red states where it seems like the only thing they talk about regarding libraries is banning books, the libraries are often fantastic and well-used.
I always hated the “guess what are millennials up to” articles aimed at boomers. They were always inaccurate, taking some anecdote with a sample size as small as a single individual and spam it into a national or global trend. No way I am going to give a click to an equivalent article about Gen Z.
Feels like half the article is a puff piece for a nepo-baby's new book club to be honest.<p>That said, nothing at all wrong with more people reading!