I don’t read books. I devour them. When I walk through a world I don’t recognize, guided by my imagination and experience, I’m transfixed. Don’t talk to me unless you’re bringing me wine and warm socks.
That’s how Lily Brooks-Dalton’s The Light Pirate made me feel. Generally, I can’t stand apocalyptic novels. Weather conversations kill my sunshine. But Brooks-Dalton changed that when she took me inside a hurricane to see its destructive power and ability to alter the physical and familial landscape. The lyrical way she describes the whirlwind of emotions, how a death can upend a family, and how a birth may inspire a community, will stay with me forever.
I’m currently reading three books at a time, more than ever in my life. Publishers Weekly says Americans are purchasing 12 percent more books than pre-pandemic. And Drew Cohen, co-owner of the Writer’s Block, says he’s seeing that, too. “It was a combination of people being at home more than they’d been accustomed to the last few years,” he says, “and a rekindled interest in shopping at local businesses.”
The hashtag #BookTok boasts more than 112 billion views on TikTok. Cohen says he’s not into social media, but these trends do translate to more business. He estimates the Writer’s Block sells 550-800 unique books every week, not accounting for duplicates.
Prince Harry’s new biography, Spare, and bestsellers from popular authors such as Colleen Hoover need to be restocked constantly. And readers will also buy books related to series they’ve binge-watched, such as the epic Game of Thrones, Cohen says. “I think just the habit of consuming longer-form media has been good for reading in general. They require a similar investment in time.”
Case in point: Inspired by watching back-to-back episodes of the Netflix tennis documentary series Break Point, I’m reading Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid. I’m popping a chenin blanc and slipping on some Bombas. Do not disturb.
