The Average Number of Books Read per Year

The Average Number of Books Read per Year

by | Nov 18, 2025 | Articles, Books, Reading

Do you have a reading target each year or do you just pick a book randomly? I had a target of one book per week once upon a time. It went well for a few months I must say. I know..no excuses right? i must get back into hardcore eading habits. Warren Buffet himself spends hours per day reading: what is my excuse..or yours..lets stick with yours for now…

The average number of books read per year varies by country, with the United States at the top with an average of 17 books annually, followed closely by India (16 books) and the United Kingdom (15 books). Other countries with high averages include France (14 books) and Italy (13 books), while many other nations fall below seven books per year, with Afghanistan at the lowest with about 2.56 books   

Countries also rank differently when measured by hours spent reading per week, with India, Thailand, and China leading in that metric, which may reflect differences in reading speed or book length

Based on recent data from 2024/2025, the United States and India lead in the average number of books read per year per person, with 17 and 16 books, respectively

Top countries by average books read per year
    • United States: 17 books
    • India: 16 books
    • United Kingdom: 15 books
    • France: 14 books
    • Italy: 13 books
    • Canada: 12 books
    • Russia: 11 books
    • Australia: 10 books
    • Spain: 9 books
    • Netherlands: 8 books

These statistics are generally derived from surveys and vary depending on the methodology, sample size, and type of books (print, e-book, audiobook) included. The United States , for example, has also shown a median number of 5 books read per year, indicating that a significant portion of the population reads far fewer books than the average suggests

Other countries
    • Switzerland: 6.9 books
    • Taiwan: 6.83 books
    • Belgium: 6.76 books
    • Singapore: 6.72 books
    • Hong Kong: 6.66 books
    • South Africa: 6.62 books
    • China: 6.61 books
    • Japan: 6.2 books
    • Afghanistan: 2.56 books

The Most-Read Books

The list of the most-read books of all time includes the Holy Bible as number one and the Holy Quran at number two. The Harry Potter Series, collections of quotes from The Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung (former Communist China Party leader), and Lord of the Rings are several of the other most read books.

What factors contribute to high book reading rates in India, US and UK?

High book reading rates in India and the United States stem from a mix of robust cultural emphasis on education, high accessibility to reading materials (both physical and digital), and significant socioeconomic factors

India
  • Strong Emphasis on Education and Knowledge: Indian culture places a high value on learning and knowledge, which makes reading a common and popular leisure activity across all age groups. Schools often place high importance on cultivating a passion for books, with regular book festivals (like the Jaipur Literature Festival) and school book weeks.
  • Growing Middle Class and Literacy Rates: The expansion of the economy has led to a growing middle class with rising disposable incomes, who are more willing to invest in books and educational materials. Combined with consistently increasing national literacy rates, this creates a larger pool of potential readers.
  • Accessibility and Affordability: The rise of e-commerce platforms has made books more accessible, while the availability of cheap, easily accessible material, especially non-literary fiction, caters to a wide audience.
  • Diverse Literary Ecosystem: A rich cultural landscape drives demand for vernacular literature and supports local authors, ensuring a wide range of content is available to diverse demographics
United States
  • High Access and Availability: The U.S. benefits from widespread access to books through extensive library systems, major bookstores, and online retailers. The prevalence of e-readers and e-books further increases accessibility.
  • Educational System and Literacy: Historically, foundational laws mandated basic education, contributing to a culture of widespread literacy. While literacy challenges exist in some demographics, the overall educational infrastructure encourages reading from a young age, with a focus on literacy skills in schools and among parents.
  • Demand for Information and Entertainment: Americans seek information, entertainment, and distraction through books, with an increasing desire for comfort and understanding in uncertain times. The availability of diverse genres (fiction, non-fiction, history, mystery) caters to varied interests.
  • Strong Publishing Industry: A robust and competitive publishing industry ensures a constant flow of new titles, supported by a large market that can sustain demand for niche subjects and popular bestsellers
United Kingdom

High book reading rates in the UK (averaging 15 books per year per person) are driven by a combination of a strong foundational culture of literacy, high book accessibility, and government and charity-led initiatives

Key factors include:
  • Established Culture of Literacy: The UK has a long-standing emphasis on education and a very high overall literacy rate (around 99%). A strong historical appreciation for literature is embedded in the national culture, with books and reading often valued activities within the home environment from an early age.
  • Early Exposure to Books: Research consistently shows a significant link between children owning books at home and their likelihood of reading above their expected age level. Early exposure to books in the parental home establishes routines that enhance lifelong reading habits and cognitive competencies.
  • Extensive Public Library System: The UK has a widespread network of public and school libraries that provides easy and free access to a vast array of reading materials, catering to diverse interests and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • Active Promotion of Reading for Pleasure: Numerous government initiatives and charities, such as the National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency, run campaigns and programs to promote reading for enjoyment. Events like World Book Day also help to maintain enthusiasm for reading across the population.
  • Robust Publishing Industry: The UK has a large and vibrant publishing sector that produces a constant flow of new, diverse titles across all genres, supported by major booksellers and online retailers, ensuring a wide variety of choices for readers.
  • Socioeconomic Factors: While socioeconomic disparities in reading habits exist, overall higher educational attainment and a large middle class with disposable income for book purchases contribute to the high national average

 

Survey methods for collecting data on book reading habits across countries

Data on book reading habits is primarily collected through surveys and data analytics from digital platforms, usually initiated by government organizations, industry associations, or market research companies. The methodologies vary by country, leading to challenges in international comparability

Common Survey Methods
The most common Data Survey methods include:
  • Personal Interviews: These are a dominant method, conducted either in-person or via telephone (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing – CATI). This approach is used by organizations like the Pew Research Center in the US.
  • Online Questionnaires: Web-based surveys are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and reach. These often involve self-administered questionnaires.
  • Mixed-Mode Approaches: Combining different methods (e.g., phone and online surveys, or mail and web) helps researchers achieve better representation across diverse populations.
  • Time Use Surveys: These surveys ask individuals to report their activities within a specific 24-hour window, which can provide more detailed information on reading duration and reduce recall bias compared to general “how many books” questions. The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) is a notable example
Data from Digital Platforms
Beyond traditional surveys, researchers also gather data through digital analytics:
  • E-reader Data: Data from e-reading devices (like Amazon Kindle) or library checkouts can offer insights, though this data is often proprietary and difficult to obtain for research purposes.
  • Social Media Platforms: Researchers have collected data from book-cataloging social media platforms like Goodreads by utilizing their APIs to analyze user-reported reading instances
Sources

Measuring Reading – a European approach to comparability. Gvantsa Jobava

https://internationalpublishers.org/measuring-reading-a-european-approach-to-comparability

A Global Book Reading Dataset by Nazanin Sabri and Ingmar Weber

https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5729/6/8/83

The decline in reading for pleasure over 20 years of the American Time Use Survey –  ,  ,  ,  

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12496190

Ranked: Countries That Reads The Most Books, 2024 – CEO World Magazine 

Which Country Reads The Most? Average Books Read Per Year By Country – Content Blvd 

Average number of books read per year by country – Lectupedia 

Books to Improve Your Vocabulary

Books to Improve Your Vocabulary

by | Nov 14, 2025 | Book Reviews, Books, Vocabulary Books

A list of great books that will develop your vocabulary
How to Build a Better Vocabulary
image of How to Build a Better Vocabulary
This is the entrancingly entertaining yet amazingly effective guide that shows you how to know the meaning of words that you have never seen or heard before, learn the history of words so that they come alive for you, master an invaluable and permanent technique of word-viewing within 30 days
Word Power Made Easy
image of Word Power Made Easy

For use in schools and libraries only. Exercises designed to develop vocabulary skills present words together with their pronunciations, definitions and use in sentences

30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary
image of 30 Days to a More Powerful Vocabulary

A program for developing one’s word power in 15 minutes a day. Includes tips on noticing new words, avoiding misuse, and a pronunciation key

Webster’s new explorer vocabulary skill builder
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25 lessons introduce more than 3,000 new words. Lessons feature 200 Greek and Latin words that are the roots of most common English words. Definitions, pronunciation, and usage examples accompany each new word. Hundreds of quizzes test your progress. Excellent prep tool for the SAT
Instant Vocabulary
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LEARNING NEW WORDS IS AS EASY AS ONE, TWO, THREE! • RECOGNIZE the keys to the English language, the basic units from which all words are made • FOLLOW clear examples of how the key explains a word’s
The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart: 1200 Essential Words Every Sophisticated Person Should Be Able to Use
Be the life of every highbrow cocktail party—just by mastering the deliciously obscure terms in The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart.This book is a tongue-in-cheek guide to words that any well-educated, witty person should be able to drop into cocktail conversation
The Words You Should Know to Sound Smart: 1200 Essential Words Every Sophisticated Person Should Be Able to Use
Popular Electronic Engineering Books

Popular Electronic Engineering Books

by | Nov 14, 2025 | Books, Electronic Engineering Books

Below is a list of the most popular books on Electronic engineering from sources across the web
The Art of Electronics

The Art of Electronics, by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill, is a popular electronics design reference textbook dealing with analog and digital electronics. The third edition was published in 2015. The author accepts reports of errata and posts them, to be corrected in future revisions. Wikipedia

The Art of Electronics

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory

For upper-level courses in devices and circuits, at 2-year or 4-year engineering and technology institutes. Highly accurate and thoroughly updated, this text has set the standard in electronic devices and circuit theory for over 25 years. … Google Books

Electronic Devices and Circuit Theory

Analisis de Circuitos En Ingenieria

“Although in many engineering programs the introductory circuits course is preceded or accompanied by an introductory physics course in which electricity and magnetism are introduced (typically from a fields perspective), this is not required to use this book. … Google Books

Analisis de Circuitos En Ingenieria

Microelectronic Circuits

Microelectronic Circuits by Sedra and Smith has served generations of electrical and computer engineering students as the best and most widely-used text for this required course. … Google Books

Microelectronic Circuits

Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition

A Fully-Updated, No-Nonsense Guide to Electronics Advance your electronics knowledge and gain the skills necessary to develop and construct your own functioning gadgets. … Google Books

Practical Electronics for Inventors, Fourth Edition

Digital Integrated Circuits: A Design Perspective

Intended for use in undergraduate senior-level digital circuit design courses with advanced material sufficient for graduate-level courses. Progressive in content and form, this text successfully bridges the gap between the circuit perspective and system perspective of digital integrated circuit design. … Google Books

Digital Integrated Circuits: A Design Perspective

Electronics in easy steps

Ever wanted to know how things work, especially electronic devices? Electronics in easy steps tells you all about the building blocks that make up electronic circuits and the components that make an electronic device tick. … Google Books

Electronics in easy steps

A Dictionary of Electronics and Electrical Engineering

This popular dictionary, formerly published as the Penguin Dictionary of Electronics, has been extensively revised and updated, providing more than 5,000 clear, concise, and jargon-free A-Z entries on key terms, theories, and practices in the areas of electronics and electrical science. … Google Books

A Dictionary of Electronics and Electrical Engineering

Best Selling Political Books

Best Selling Political Books

by | Nov 13, 2025 | Authors, Best Selling Books, Books

Some of the best-selling political books include classic titles like 1984 by George Orwell and The Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx, as well as contemporary works such as A Promised Land by Barack Obama, Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff, and various titles from recent bestseller lists like Empire of AI by Karen Hao and Chokepoints by Edward Fishman. Other influential books include Why Nations Fail by Daron Acemoğlu and On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder. 

Classic and foundational works
Modern and contemporary bestsellers
  • A Promised Land by Barack Obama: The first volume of the former president’s memoirs, which became a major bestseller.
  • The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein: A highly influential book that argues major policy decisions are often used to exploit crises for economic gain.
  • On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century by Timothy Snyder: A modern guide on how to recognize and resist authoritarianism.
  • Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House by Michael Wolff: A controversial and highly popular account of the Trump administration.
  • Too Much and Never Enough: Uncle and the Making of the Greatest Political Family in the World by Mary L. Trump: A bestseller about the Trump family and politics. 
Top 10 Best-Selling Individual Books of all time

Top 10 Best-Selling Individual Books of all time

by | Nov 13, 2025 | Articles, Best Selling Books, Books

🌍 The Top 10 Best-Selling Books of All Time

Books can inspire, transport, and unite readers across generations. But only a few have reached the stratospheric level of selling tens—or even hundreds—of millions of copies worldwide. Here’s a look at the world’s best-selling individual books, why they endure, and what makes each story timeless.

Here’s a ranked list of the top 10 best-selling individual (non-religious, non-political) books of all time, based on verified estimates from Wikipedia and other reliable sources:

  1. A Tale of Two Cities – Charles Dickens (~200 million)
  2. The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (~140–200 million)
  3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J. K. Rowling (~120 million)
  4. The Lord of the Rings – J. R. R. Tolkien (~150 million for one-volume editions)
  5. And Then There Were None – Agatha Christie (~100 million)
  6. Dream of the Red Chamber – Cao Xueqin (~100 million)
  7. The Hobbit – J. R. R. Tolkien (~100 million)
  8. She: A History of Adventure – H. Rider Haggard (~100 million)
  9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C. S. Lewis (~85 million)
  10. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown (~80 million)
1. A Tale of Two Cities — Charles Dickens (~200 million copies)

Published: 1859
Genre: Historical Fiction
Themes: Sacrifice, revolution, resurrection, justice

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities captures love, redemption, and sacrifice amid social upheaval. Its famous opening line—“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”—has become emblematic of literary brilliance.
Why it sold: Its serialization in newspapers, universal themes of class struggle, and Dickens’ global popularity ensured massive circulation. The book has been in print continuously since the 19th century.

2. The Little Prince — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (~140–200 million copies)

Published: 1943
Genre: Philosophical Fiction / Children’s Literature
Themes: Innocence, love, loss, human nature

Translated into more than 500 languages and dialects, The Little Prince is one of the most translated and beloved stories ever written. Through the tale of a young prince traveling between planets, it explores the meaning of life and relationships.
Why it sold: Its universal message and poetic simplicity make it resonate across ages and cultures. Its appeal extends from children to adults seeking wisdom in simplicity.

3. The Lord of the Rings — J. R. R. Tolkien (~150 million copies)

Published: 1954–1955 (as a trilogy)
Genre: Fantasy / Epic
Themes: Friendship, power, corruption, courage

Tolkien’s masterwork redefined modern fantasy. Following Frodo’s perilous quest to destroy the One Ring, it built an entire mythos—languages, histories, and worlds.
Why it sold: The depth of its world-building and moral gravity captivated readers. Adaptations, from radio plays to Peter Jackson’s film trilogy, boosted its global legacy.

4. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone — J. K. Rowling (~120 million copies)

Published: 1997
Genre: Fantasy / Young Adult
Themes: Friendship, bravery, belonging, good vs. evil

The book that launched a generation into the world of Hogwarts, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone became a cultural milestone.
Why it sold: Rowling’s mix of imagination, emotional warmth, and universal childhood experiences created an instant classic. The series’ seven volumes have sold over 500 million copies collectively—the most for any literary series in history.

5. And Then There Were None — Agatha Christie (~100 million copies)

Published: 1939
Genre: Mystery / Crime
Themes: Justice, guilt, morality

Ten strangers trapped on an island, each with a secret—and one by one, they die. Christie’s suspense masterpiece is considered the best-selling mystery novel ever written.
Why it sold: Ingenious plotting, psychological tension, and Christie’s reputation as the “Queen of Crime” have kept it popular for more than eight decades.

6. Dream of the Red Chamber — Cao Xueqin (~100 million copies)

Published: Circa 1791
Genre: Classic Chinese Literature / Family Saga
Themes: Love, fate, decline of aristocracy

One of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, Dream of the Red Chamber depicts the rise and fall of the wealthy Jia family, blending romance and social commentary.
Why it sold: Its emotional depth and cultural importance make it central to Chinese literature. It’s studied in schools and adapted for film and television repeatedly

7. The Hobbit — J. R. R. Tolkien (~100 million copies)

Published: 1937
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Themes: Courage, adventure, homecoming

Before The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien introduced readers to Middle-earth through Bilbo Baggins’ unexpected journey.
Why it sold: Accessible language, rich imagination, and appeal to both children and adults. The book’s enduring popularity was reinforced by its film adaptations and connection to The Lord of the Rings saga.

8. She: A History of Adventure — H. Rider Haggard (~100 million copies)

Published: 1887
Genre: Adventure Fiction
Themes: Immortality, power, colonial exploration

This Victorian adventure follows two explorers in Africa who discover a mysterious queen, Ayesha—“She-who-must-be-obeyed.”
Why it sold: It captured the fascination with exploration and mysticism of the 19th century. Its influence extends to fantasy and pulp adventure genres, inspiring writers like Kipling and Burroughs.

9. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe — C. S. Lewis (~85 million copies)

Published: 1950
Genre: Fantasy / Children’s Literature
Themes: Faith, redemption, courage

The first published volume in The Chronicles of Narnia, this story of four siblings entering a magical land through a wardrobe has enchanted generations.
Why it sold: Simple yet profound storytelling, rich Christian allegory, and timeless themes of good vs. evil ensure it remains a classroom and family favorite.

10. The Da Vinci Code — Dan Brown (~80 million copies)

Published: 2003
Genre: Thriller / Mystery
Themes: Faith, conspiracy, symbolism, secrets of history

When Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon uncovers a trail of clues hidden in Da Vinci’s artwork, the result is a fast-paced thriller blending art, religion, and mystery.
Why it sold: Controversy, cinematic pacing, and global intrigue made it an instant bestseller. The 2006 film adaptation further amplified its reach.

📖 Lessons from the World’s Best-Selling Books

Across centuries, languages, and genres, these books share key traits that explain their enduring success:

  1. Universal Themes: Love, courage, justice, sacrifice, and moral struggle resonate across time.
  2. Accessibility: Even complex works like The Lord of the Rings or Dream of the Red Chamber offer emotional clarity that speaks to everyone.
  3. Adaptability: Films, plays, translations, and digital formats keep stories alive for new audiences.
  4. Cultural Influence: Many of these books didn’t just reflect society—they helped shape it.
  5. Strong Emotional Core: Readers connect with characters and stories that evoke empathy, wonder, or self-reflection.

✨ Final Reflection

From Dickens’ revolution-era London to Rowling’s Hogwarts, these books prove that great storytelling transcends borders and generations. Each one—whether printed in the 18th or 21st century—remains a mirror to the human condition.

For readers, writers, and book clubs like Emerald Book Club, exploring these titles offers a chance not only to appreciate their craft but also to ask: What makes a story truly timeless?

Best Selling Book Series

Best Selling Book Series

by | Nov 13, 2025 | Articles, Authors, Best Selling Books, Books

The best-selling book series of all time is Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, with over 600 million copies sold. Other highly successful series include Goosebumps by R.L. Stine and the Perry Mason series by Erle Stanley Gardner, both having sold around 300 million copies

Top selling series

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling: With over 600 million copies sold, this fantasy series is the best-selling in history.

Goosebumps by R.L. Stine: This horror series for young readers has sold over 300 million copies.

Perry Mason by Erle Stanley Gardner: The detective series has sold around 300 million copies.

The Berenstain Bears by Stan and Jan Berenstain: This children’s series has sold over 260 million copies.

Choose Your Own Adventure series by various authors: This interactive series has sold over 250 million copies.

Sweet Valley High by Francine Pascal: This teen series has sold over 250 million copies.

Noddy by Enid Blyton: The children’s series has sold over 200 million copies.

Nancy Drew by Carolyn Keene: This mystery series has also sold over 200 million copies.

Thomas the Tank Engine by W. Awdry: This children’s series has sold over 200 million copies.

San-Antonio by Frédéric Dard: This French crime fiction series has sold over 200 million copies.

Robert Langdon by Dan Brown: The thriller series has sold over 200 million copies

 

More than 100 million copies

Book series Author(s) Original language No. of installments Years of Publication Approximate sales
Harry Potter J. K. Rowling English 7 + 3 companion books + 4 scripts 1997–2007 600 million[14][196][197]
Goosebumps R. L. Stine English 62 + spin-off series 1992–present 400 million[198]
Perry Mason Erle Stanley Gardner English 82 + 4 short stories 1933–1973 300 million[199]
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney English 20 + 9 spin-offs + 1 unofficial book 2004–present 300 million[200]
Berenstain Bears Stan and Jan Berenstain English 428 1962–present 260 million[201]
Choose Your Own Adventure Various authors English 185+ 1979–present 250 million[202]
Sweet Valley High Francine Pascal and ghostwriters English 400 1983–2003 250 million[203]
Jack Reacher Lee Child English 30 Novels + 25 Short Stories 1997–present 200 million[204]
The Railway Series and Thomas & Friends Wilbert Awdry, Christopher Awdry English 42 (The Railway Series) 1945–present 200 million[205][206]
Noddy Enid Blyton English 24 1949–present 200 million[207]
Nancy Drew Various authors as Carolyn Keene English 175 1930–present 200 million[208]
San-Antonio Frédéric Dard French 173 1949–2001 200 million[209]
Robert Langdon Dan Brown English 5 2000–present 200 million[210]
Geronimo Stilton Elisabetta Dami Italian 200+ 1997–present 180 million[211]
Percy Jackson & the Olympians Rick Riordan English 7 + 5 companion books + 4 spin-off series 2005–present 180 million[212]
The Baby-sitters Club Ann Martin English 335 1986–present 172 million[213]
American Girl Various authors English 141 + spin-off series 1986–present 160 million[214]
Twilight Stephenie Meyer English 4 + 2 companion books + 1 novella 2005–2020 160 million[215]
Star Wars Various authors English over 300 1977–present 160 million[216]
Little Critter Mercer Mayer English over 200 1975–present 150 million[217]
Peter Rabbit Beatrix Potter English 6 1902–1930 150 million[218]
Fifty Shades E. L. James English 3 2011–2015 150 million[219]
Chicken Soup for the Soul Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen English 105 1997–present 130 million[220]
Clifford the Big Red Dog Norman Bridwell English 91[221] 1963–2014 129 million[222]
Frank Merriwell Gilbert Patten English 209 1896–1936 125 million[223]
Dirk Pitt Clive Cussler English 24 1973–present 120 million[224]
宮本武蔵 (Musashi) Eiji Yoshikawa Japanese 7 1935–1939 120 million[225]
The Chronicles of Narnia C. S. Lewis English 7 1950–1956 120 million[226]
Mr. Men Roger Hargreaves, Adam Hargreaves English 43 1971–present 120 million[227]
SAS Gérard de Villiers French 200 1965–2013 120 million[228][229]
The Hunger Games Suzanne Collins English 5 2008–present 100 million[230]
James Bond Ian Fleming English 14 1953–1966 100 million[231]
Martine Gilbert Delahaye, Marcel Marlier French 60 1954–2014 100 million[232]
Millennium Stieg Larsson, David Lagercrantz Swedish 6 2005–present 100 million