Nearly half of UK adults say they read more books during lockdown and almost doubled their total time spent reading per week from 3.5 hours to 6 hours.
Research by Nielsen Book on UK book consumer habits during the lockdown reveals that 41% of adults reported reading more books, with a third saying they read more print books, 18%
read more ebooks, and 9% listened to more audiobooks. A third of respondents also said they had increased their time spent reading books to children.
However, while, 25% said they had bought more books since the lockdown began, compared with their normal buying habits, 18% had bought fewer books, mainly due to being unable to visit bookshops.
Two-thirds of those reading books or listening to audiobooks indicated their fiction reading interests have changed since the outbreak of Covid-19, most commonly being more interested in crime/thrillers or popular fiction.
The same proportion also indicated their non-fiction book interests have changed since lockdown, most commonly being more interested in food/drink books, history, puzzle/quiz, gardening/DIY and various genres to help improve mind, body & spirit.
The survey found there is currently little appetite for dystopian fiction or fiction and non-fiction titles relating to the pandemic.
For those with children in the home and buying books for them, three-quarters indicated that the genres they were interested in buying for children have changed since lockdown, most commonly being more interested in funny stories and books to help with schoolwork.
A sixth of adults who have been reading more think they will continue this trend after the end of lockdown.
Non-fiction and romance buoyant as ebook sales continue to rise
Claudia Winkleman joins the judges for £20,000 Kindle Storyteller Award