Are books dead? 10 fun ways to fight the end of reading

The Atlantic article put it bluntly: “The End of Reading Is Here.”

We’re in a post-literate society, argued staff writer Rose Horowitch, meaning we’re losing our ability to comprehend longer texts as we’re bombarded with limitless, scrollable text and entertainment.

Some data shows cause for concern. A 2025 study from the University of Florida and University College London found that the number of Americans who read for pleasure fell 40% over the last 20 years. According to a YouGov poll, 40% of Americans didn’t read a single book in 2025. 

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But it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. Print sales were up for the second year in a row in 2025, according to Circana BookScan. If a reading apocalypse is truly on the horizon, here are 10 ways you can fight the “end of reading” right at home. 

Embark on a book-to-screen readathon

This year has been huge for book-to-screen adaptations, from “The Odyssey” to “Project Hail Mary” and “The Five-Star Weekend.” Start by reading the book and then watch the movie or series. Put your inner critic to the test – did they capture the spirit of the book? What were the biggest changes? Warning, this activity may inspire lively debates or sudden frustrations at filmmakers. 

Cook a meal from a favorite book

When I read the A Series of Unfortunate Events book series as a kid, I craved pasta puttanesca without even knowing what it was. And I’ll never forget my first pint of Harry Potter butterbeer at Universal Studios. Bookmark mouthwatering passages in your latest read and bring the text to life by cooking your favorite character’s favorite meals.

Visit the sites of your favorite stories

Literary tourism is having a moment. You can go so far as booking globe-trotting fan adventures (a recent Percy Jackson tour took me to Cairo, Athens and Rome) or visit local treasures. Or, if you’re planning a trip to another country or new state, pick a book that’s set there and immerse yourself ahead of or on your travels. 

Host a book swap party

Last year I invited friends over and let them pick through my stacks and leave a few of their own. A book swap party is easy to host and gives you an excuse to refresh your shelf. I’ve even hosted this blind date-style, where we wrapped our books in paper grocery bags to hide the title and only listed plot and genre descriptors. The surprise reveal is sure to be a hit with your friends. 

Host an at-home reading retreat

You don’t have to shell out thousands for a fancy reading retreat. Just dedicate the entire day to bookish pursuits. You can host it at home or take it to an outdoor space like a park, with friends or solo. Get comfy, stock up on the snacks and settle in for your reading marathon. It may be helpful to set a timer and read in hourlong chunks, taking a break for discussion with your fellow bookworms. 

Participate in a book challenge

Book challenges are a great way to keep yourself motivated. We’ve got a summer bingo challenge with a $100 gift card to Bookshop.org on the line, and many local libraries and bookstores host challenges of their own. USA TODAY’s book challenge is designed for all readers in mind, with varied categories like “sports related,” “author with the same name as you” and “‘beach’ in the title.” 

Lean on the expertise of your local library or bookstore

Becoming an avid reader is all about finding a book that’ll keep you turning the page. If you’ve been struggling to find one that’ll hold your attention, why not consult an expert? Local librarians and bookstore employees are uniquely qualified to advise across genre and age. Give them a few hints – what sort of pace do you like? What books have you recently enjoyed, or which books did you like as a kid? Are you in the mood for a specific genre or journey?

Take your book on a date

You could read on your couch or in bed, but why not make it a whole event? Hop from coffee shop to coffee shop or visit a museum and read between galleries. My favorite reading dates have been taking my book to a local bar or restaurant and seeing how much I can read by the end of my meal. And however you feel about the plot, it's at least a date you’ll never feel bad about going home with.

Buddy read with a friend

If motivation is what you seek, try reading a book at the same time as your bestie. Form a mini book club together, stopping intermittently to pulse check your feelings about the same book. I did this a few years ago to get through the behemoth “A Little Life” by Hanya Yanagihara. Our starkly contrasting opinions made the reading experience that much more engaging.

Go to a silent book club

Reading may be a solitary activity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find community around it. Silent book clubs are an anti-book club book club, a low pressure social event that still lets you retreat into the comfort of your pages. Everyone reads something different, and there’s no pressure to read a certain amount or title by the next party.

Clare Mulroy is USA TODAY’s Books Reporter, where she covers buzzy releases, chats with authors and dives into the culture of reading. Find her on Instagram, subscribe to our weekly Books newsletter or tell her what you’re reading at [email protected]. 

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are books dead? 10 fun ways to fight ‘the end of reading’