Reading has made a comeback through many forms of media over the past year. You may have even seen book retailers such as WHSmith target these specific audiences with ‘BookTok/Tiktok made me buy it’ ranges. Why has reading made such a comeback? Read on (pun intended!) to find out!
1. Social Media Influence:
Reading has turned into a social activity thanks to Instagram, YouTube and TikTok. People are faced with viral book recommendations, aesthetic book hauls and emotive book reviews that encourage people to start reading again. ‘Fourth Wing’ by Rebecca Yarros and ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’ by Taylor Jenkins-Reid are well known viral titles that I’m sure you will have heard of.
2. Escapism in Uncertain Times:
With the world being a stressful place, with economic uncertainty followed with digital noise, reading is a way to take ourselves away. Escaping into a well-crafted story, or old favourite gives a mental break from reality.
3. Nostalgic Appeal:
For many of us, reading brings back memories of childhood and simpler times. Due to this, many are rediscovering their love of reading and books or relishing in classics they haven’t ever read before.
4. Digital Burnout and the Need To Unplug:
Avoids excessive screen time and provides a much needed break from constant notifications, doomscrolling and connectivity.
5. Reduces Stress, Anxiety and Loneliness:
Reading is a proven stress reliever. Even after 6 minutes of reading, muscle tension and heart rate are lowered. Getting lost in a good book takes the mind away from daily worries and gives it a break. Reading groups and book clubs can combat loneliness, discussing books with others adds motivation, different perspectives and deepened engagement.
How can you give back?
- The Reading Agency– Promotes reading for everyone. Running initiatives such as Summer Reading Challenges and Reading Well (mental health focused books).
- BookTrust– UK’s largest children’s reading charity. Giving free books to children across the country, especially in deprived areas to inspire a lifelong passion for reading.
- Give a Book– Provides books to schools, prisons and other community spaces where access to literature can be life-changing.
- World Book Day Charity– Celebrated every year in March, this charity encourages children to read for pleasure by giving out book tokens and promoting accessible, affordable books.
Amazing Charity/Second Hand Book Shops worth visiting:
National Charity Shops:
- Oxfam Bookshops– Runs over 100 dedicated bookshops across the UK. They’re usually well-organised, with everything from vintage hardbacks to contemporary fiction and academic texts.
- British Heart Foundation- Many of their general charity shops and furniture stores have great book sections, with rotating stock and budget-friendly finds.
- Cancer Research UK- Often stocked with popular paperbacks and genre fiction—perfect for casual readers or beach reads.
- Sue Ryder-A lesser-known gem, often with lovely community-feel stores. Their book sections are typically well looked after.
Second Hand/ Independent Book Shops:
- Hay-on-Wye – Wales– The UK’s “Town of Books.” Nearly 20 bookshops packed into a tiny village, from murder mysteries to medieval texts. A must-visit for any book lover.
- Any Amount of Books – London, Charing Cross Road– A quirky gem with a basement full of affordable second-hand titles, rare books, and some signed editions.
- Barter Books – Alnwick, Northumberland– One of the UK’s most famous second-hand bookshops, set in an old railway station. It has a model train running above the shelves and cozy fireside chairs.
- Skoob Books – London, Bloomsbury-Fantastic for academic books, philosophy, classics, and more—hidden underground and packed with character.
- The Book Barge – Staffordshire– A floating bookshop on a narrowboat! Offers second-hand books and a wonderfully whimsical experience.
- Halcyon Books – Greenwich, London– Stylish and eclectic with good coffee, jazz records, and shelves that reward deep browsing.
So go on, pick up a book the next time you’re out shopping or take a weekend break to Hay-on-Wye. Let’s face it, you’ve read all this, so I think you must like reading at least a bit.
Happy reading!
Until next time,
Sarah x
