TO celebrate World Book Day, we asked our social media followers a few quick questions about their reading habits – and the results were… very mixed.
From “too many books to count” to not reading any at all last year, our community proved that everyone’s reading journey looks a little different.
A wide range of favourite books
When we asked about favourite books, the answers were all over the map – from classics to modern thrillers.
Some of the titles mentioned included:
- The Diary of Anne Frank
- Pride and Prejudice
- Harry Potter
- Percy Jackson
- The Silent Patient
The responses showed a wide range of interests, including Guy Martin’s autobiography and True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys.
We love a good thriller…
When it comes to fiction, it turns out our followers enjoy stories that keep them on the edge of their seat.
Our poll results showed:
- Horror and thriller – 37%
- Romance – 34%
- Fantasy – 25%
- Sci-fi – 5%
For non-fiction fans, the clear favourite was:
- True crime – 58%
History and biographies also proved popular, while a couple of respondents also mentioned comedic and political non-fiction as their favourite genres.
Why do we read?
For many people, reading is about escaping into another world or learning something new.
One respondent said they enjoy it because “you lose yourself in a story,” while another said it helps them “escape from reality and dive into another realm.”
Others simply enjoy the quiet time and focus that reading can bring.
The audiobook debate…
We also asked students what they thought about audiobooks – and the responses were… passionate.
Some people said they love them, especially because they can make books more accessible for people with dyslexia or those who prefer listening.
Want to read more? Start small
Some respondents said they don’t read as much as they would like, often because of busy schedules or college work.
If you’re looking to get back into reading, a few simple tips can help:
- Start with something you enjoy – whether that’s fantasy, romance, thrillers or true crime.
- Try shorter books or chapters so it feels less overwhelming.
- Set aside a little time each day, even if it’s just 10 minutes.
- Consider audiobooks if you prefer listening or want to read on the go.
Reading doesn’t have to mean finishing a huge novel – sometimes just finding a story that grabs your attention is the best place to start.
📚 Happy World Book Day!
Looking for your next read?
Visit the Learning Resources Centre (LRC) at your campus to explore books, study resources and quiet reading spaces.
