Thursday, January 8th, 2009...9:52 pm
PMS! Sign Me Up
This morning I read a quote by Steve Jobs that said, “40% of Americans read 1 book or less last year.” Yes. Re-read that. Not once. Not twice. Read it multiple times. Feel your heart drop. Approximately one hundred million people in our country either only read one book in all of 2008 or did not read one at all.
Wanna know how many zeroes are in that number: 100,000,000.
That is nothing short of a travesty.
When I read that quote, I got a pit in my stomach - and I swear it was not gas. It was a burning, retching, gnawing that made me want to vomit bile. How can a country that prides itself of innovation, forward-thinking, and being leaders of the free world be so lackadaisical about literacy? We can juxtapose this against Cuba! Did you know Cuba is the only country in the world with 100% literacy (at least it was when I was in college)??
I have to admit I am appalled. I am embarrassed - as a mother, as a former English Literature teacher, and most importantly as a citizen of the United States. We are not slack-jawed yokels. We are Americans.
I propose to remedy this situation. If you consider yourself literate in any way possible, commit to reading at least one book per month. I know time is very precious, but can’t you make the decision to pick up one book per month? I’m not proposing we all go grab The Brothers Karamazov and trudge through it. I am asking you to consciously choose to read a book - any book - each month of 2009.
I am known for my biting sarcasm, so of course, I have to have a button and a pithy group name for my once a month club. Join PMS: regular People Masquerading as Scholars! The button linking back to this post is coming ASAP. Please, put it up. Read a book for yourself. Read 100s of books to your children. Encourage literacy. And, embrace PMS!**
If there is enough interest, I’d love to have an online book club. If you are game, please let me know.
**If you read me, you gotta have a sense of humor, you know. I hope you loved my PSA. I’m AFF and I approve this message.
84 Comments
January 8th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
I was shocked when I read that too! I read about 3 books a month, sometimes more. Tristan loves books, unfortunately he seems to get stuck on one book repeatedly but hey, I’ve memorized a bunch of books.
January 8th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
I can read one book a month, as long as it’s not War and Peace. So sign me up do we get to keep tabs of what we have read somewhere? So maybe other PMS-rs can get ideas on books to read next.
I just read for 30 minutes tonight to my younger 2 and my oldest just finished a 280 page youth book that he started Monday. I’d say we are literate! Can’t wait to see this button, will the book be red?
kaytabugs last blog post..Not what I Expected
January 8th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
I read stats like this all the time, being in publishing, and it still shocks me. The Brothers Karamazov is actually one of my all-time favorites, btw!
amy @ milk breath and margaritass last blog post..
January 8th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Wow. I am shocked. I would love to start an online reading group. And, I will do this. 1 book a month is not difficult.
I can’t believe people don’t read anymore. Insanity.
ps- I read somewhere today that a lot of cities are closing down libraries because of the lack of people in them. :sigh:
Morgans last blog post..Monday
January 8th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
* I meant “participate in an online reading group” not “start” one. lol.
Morgans last blog post..Monday
January 8th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
That makes me sad. I love to read and go through periods where I am devouring a book a day (though more often, it’s one a week). Of course, I spend WAY too much money on books. I seriously need to organize a book-trading club or something.
Ginas last blog post..Friday 5: Lucky (and more pretending it’s still Christmas)
January 8th, 2009 at 10:51 pm
Hey now! I like how you think…I’ve made it one of my goals this year to read a book a week (unless it’s long or complicated, then it gets two weeks…)
We’ll see how it goes.
CourtneyRyans last blog post..to clarify - this is my arm and other nonsense.
January 8th, 2009 at 10:53 pm
You know I’m in!
My oldest boy (age 11) reads more than anyone I know, going through several books per week. His classmates tease him, “You read too much!” They think it’s weird.
My youngest (6) also likes books. My middle boy (9) finds reading to be an unpleasant, frustrating chore, which saddens me!
Kilas last blog post..Wednesday morning…
January 8th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
I love this idea! Sign me up!
Do books on raising a toddler and infant count? What about how to keep from pulling all of my hair out or crying uncontrolably? (I’m scared this just might happen!)
Oh, and I so wish I lived in DFW just so I could come to dinner!
wrights last blog post..TaTas
January 8th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Well, I have four books coming my way soon, so I’m good for the first part of the year, right?
But I’m always reading something. Sign me up.
melissazs last blog post..Wordless Wednesday: 86
January 8th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
I read 93 books last year (I kept a list) so I was doing my fair share. My goal this year is to read 100…so far I’ve read one…so I’m ahead of 40% of Americans…go, me!! It’s a NEW thing!!
And I will so grab your button when it’s up!
Melissas last blog post..Ironic, No?
January 9th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I read 100 books or more a month. Just not books for myself. I read so much to my children yet I rarely take the time to read on my own. I have a stack of books I want to read and it just keeps growing. I might be interested in an online book club thing so please keep me in mind! Love the PMS button idea too!
Kristins last blog post..A Cause Worth Fighting For
January 9th, 2009 at 12:06 am
I’m amazed by that statistic! I read everything I can get my hands on. My husband freaks out all the time about how much money I spend on books and magazines! Not to mention how much we all read ONLINE! I just cannot imagine not reading. It’s such a huge part of my life.
bermudabluezs last blog post..Winter Sucks
January 9th, 2009 at 12:42 am
i’m totally in.
waiting for the button.
the planet of janets last blog post..Haiku Friday: the how-drunk-can-I-get? edition
January 9th, 2009 at 5:39 am
I don’t think I could read one book a month - I’d get withdrawl symptoms. At the moment I’m getting through about 2 a week (although I’m reading trashy urban fantasy at the moment so it hardly qualifies as high-end literature)….
January 9th, 2009 at 6:00 am
This is such a great idea, and I know just the book to start with — Moby Dick! That way I can be encouraged by the fact that I’m not reading it alone, and I can knock that off my resolution list.
I’ll join your book reading club, as long as you can keep the ‘Chick Lit’ to a minimum, I mean at my age I need all the testosterone I can get.
Rogers last blog post..Who Knew?
January 9th, 2009 at 7:06 am
I am the first to admit that I am not reading as many books as I used it.
I would easily devour a book a week. The last thing I would do before sleep would be to read a few chapters (or more) but of late I have not.
But. A lot of my reading is now on the computer screen. There is a huge world out there on the interwebs that lead from one thing to another.
However, I will rise to your challenge sweetie. Cause you are cute. And right.
Dusting off those novels on my nightstand right now.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:15 am
I’m in for a book club, and I want a button, and I will definitely commit to reading a book a month, but my fancy-pants PhD candidate son would laugh at the idea of People Masquerading as Scholars. He doesn’t approve of the fact that what his mother likes to read is chick-lit.
What’s even more horrifying about that statistic is that millions and millions and lots of zero millions of children are growing up in homes where people don’t read. My children have friends who live in homes with intelligent, caring parents, yet there is no place in any of their lives for books. So, so sad. So wrong. So limiting for their futures. Some of my best memories are from reading with my kidlets and the discussions that follow. I love watching my kids make connections from their lives to stories we’ve read too. Like I said, I’m in.
January 9th, 2009 at 8:07 am
I whole heartedly approve of your message. Sign me up. (Of course I ask for some slack in the next coming months.)
nikkis last blog post..Do you know what today is?
January 9th, 2009 at 8:20 am
I’ve read 9 books since Dec. 30th. I don’t think you’d have to worry about me.
I’m reading through the alphabet series by Sue Grafton. They’re a quick read, but really good.
Smoochiefrogs last blog post..OPI, Holidays, Birthdays, Books: Yup, Random Monday Again!
January 9th, 2009 at 8:54 am
Like I’d turn down any opportunity to be in a club with you. Count me in. Love the name too. And apparently, 100,000,000 of us are slack-jawed yokels.
What will we read first?
debbies last blog post..How well do you think you know me?
January 9th, 2009 at 8:55 am
I’m not surprised, and I’m a little embarrassed that I might be one of those. I used to read *a lot* before the internet, and even then I read plenty while on smoke breaks (amazing what you can cover in 20 or so 5 minute doses a day) until I quit smoking. I need to make time for reading again. Your public service announcement has been heard loud and clear.
January 9th, 2009 at 9:11 am
That is sad and what is sadder is that i only read 2 books last year
but that doesn’t count all the kids books i read:) they may only be 10 to 20 pages long but i read them and my kids loved it! i would love to read a book a month but first i gotta get a library card…oh my that is just as embarrassing as reading only 2 books a year :*(
Courtneys last blog post..Snaps of Snow and Ice
January 9th, 2009 at 9:43 am
My hubby HATES to read books. He reads all the live long day and the LAST thing he wants to do is read a book when he has free time. I love to read. But mostly escape books. I don’t really read informative books, unless they are biographies or autobiographies of people I find really interesting.
Still I think I read about 20 books last year. Something like that.
Kats last blog post..TT- 13 Reasons I’ve Been Gone
January 9th, 2009 at 10:04 am
I would love an online book club! I have to admit, I never really enjoyed reading until last year..now I’m hooked!
That statistic is pretty scary though!!
Stephanies last blog post..100th Post!!! Q and A Time!
January 9th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I’m down for a book club.
40%? That’s insane. And really sad.
Georgettes last blog post..Not my bush! And by bush, I don’t mean George.
January 9th, 2009 at 10:48 am
*gasp* How can people live without reading books? Well, I can actually answer that as Hubby doesn’t read much. Sure, he reads the paper and magazines but books . . . I think he has read two in the eleven years we have been married. He just doesn’t like reading. The poor man doesn’t see the pictures in his head while he reads!
Since I read about 10 books a month, can that make up for Hubby?
I applaud your initiative!
Trishas last blog post..A Wild Walk
January 9th, 2009 at 11:02 am
I think I could handle that. Sign me up. I read way more than 1 book a month.
Karmyn Rs last blog post..Altered Books - Post #1
January 9th, 2009 at 11:07 am
That is so sad, people don’t know what they’re missing! I’m on my second book of the year, so doing well
And I would love to join an on line reading group if you start one!
Mamrite and Teas last blog post..Turn a blind eye
January 9th, 2009 at 11:13 am
this is appalling!! I used to be an avid reader - I would devour books by the dozens - but now after kid s- I lost my brain and have joined the masses of non readers! Although - I did read 4 books in one week in 2008 - does that count? Oh, what about magazines- I still devour those??
January 9th, 2009 at 11:31 am
I’m game. Anya Seton and I are pals right now.
Beckies last blog post..How do you define yourself?
January 9th, 2009 at 11:56 am
I would love to join PMS and add a button to my blog page.
And here, I was thinking that reading about 40 books last year was atrocious for me.
I keep a list on my blog (RL ‘08, RL ‘09, etc.) of all the books I’ve read and would like to read. I didn’t really start keeping track in ‘08 until July; but this year, I’m starting from day 1 so I can’t wait to see how many and which books I complete this year.
Karis last blog post..Random Thoughts
January 9th, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I’m in!
January 9th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
I’ve always been a reader. But over the years it’s become more sporadic. I’ll read a book a day for several weeks and then go months without reading anything, it’s all about what mood I’m in. I’ve never actually kept up with how many books I read but I think I’ll start this year.
January 9th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Wow! That’s a huge number! And, quite sad, too!
I think I’m on course with a book a month reading. Bring on the PMS.
Krystyns last blog post..Public Service Announcement
January 9th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
That is disgusting! Send me the button when ready! I read a book every other day (speed reader) and I’m raising my kids to read as well - we read at LEAST two books a day together.
p.s. Got my “I drive like a Cullen” bumper sticker today!
CPA Moms last blog post..In The Shadow of the Sun King
January 9th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
I’m totally on board with PMS. And, if you do the book club, I’ll commit to try it. I like to read but I’m really slow. Currently I’m loving memoir-type books, like David Sedaris and Jen Lancaster (my current fave).
January 9th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I knew that most people don’t read that much, but less than one book a year? That’s shocking.
I aim for one book a week, which doesn’t always work, depending on how long the book is. When I was back in NY for the holidays I read four books - all Twilight books, mind you, but still.
Katies last blog post..Welcome Back
January 9th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Taht’s awesome. PMS so cute.
Isn’t it frightening. I remember the first time I read that percentage it saddened and sickened me.
However, I read enough for about oh… 1/4 the population
January 9th, 2009 at 3:25 pm
I hate to say I don’t read like I used to, though I do read with Little Miss as often as she will allow. I will put up a button as soon as you get one out.
justmylifes last blog post..I’m free! I’m Free!
January 9th, 2009 at 6:54 pm
Committing to reading one book per month won’t be a problem for me! I’ll use the button, and I’d love to be part of an online book club!
Criss last blog post..So it begins
January 9th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
That’s just wrong. I love to read. I went to the library Tuesday and checked out 11 books. I’m in for the book club.
January 9th, 2009 at 7:51 pm
Count me in! I want the button!
Funny enough, Brothers Karamazov is sitting on my bathroom window sill. Can’t bring myself to get through it all the way.
How are Fred & Bessie doing?
Fleas last blog post..Something for the New Year
January 9th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Oh, love the new header! Especially the call box. To me, it will always be a red TARDIS.
Fleas last blog post..Something for the New Year
January 9th, 2009 at 8:34 pm
That is one kind of PMS I would welcome. I LOVE to read. I’ve already read one book this year and am halfway through my second. I cannot imagine not reading.
Beside I lurve me some blog bling and totally want a new button!
Tara R.s last blog post..For better or worse…
January 9th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
You know me, I’m all about it. Shoot, about 80% of the time I usually have a book right in my purse because I’m so addicted to reading.
Bring it on girl!
Mrs. Kittys last blog post..slacker….
January 9th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
As a former English teacher…. consider me GAME!
OHmommys last blog post..Away from my desk
January 9th, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Wow, that’s very sad. I have to admit that I’m not a HUGE reader, but I did read more than one book last year
Did you say “slack-jawed yokels”????
p.s. LOVE your new header!
January 9th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
I was just commenting to Karmyn that I have a post in draft about this very topic. Count me in on PMS!
Bethanys last blog post..In This Economy?
January 9th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Also, I am very interested in an online book club.
Bethanys last blog post..In This Economy?
January 9th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Yay - dead interested in the online book club. Plus love your new phone box header, love!
mumof4s last blog post..OMG
January 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Count me in — love the idea of an online bok club!
Karen@If I Could Escape . . .s last blog post..Java junkie on the go . . .
January 10th, 2009 at 10:05 am
Or even a book club!
Karen@If I Could Escape . . .s last blog post..Java junkie on the go . . .
January 10th, 2009 at 10:11 am
I’ve actually resolved to read one book a week this year b/c I was appalled at how little I read last year. I’ve met my goal so far but the book I’m reading right now might derail it — soooo boring, but I’m determined to finish.
That being said, I’m definitely interested in an online bookclub, so count me in!
Madame Queens last blog post..You’ve Gotta Be Kidding Me
January 10th, 2009 at 10:28 am
I would DEFINITELY take part in this!! I was shocked when I realized how long it had been since I sat down with a good book. I read quite a few at the beginning of 2008, but then slacked off (well, with the exception of the 9 Sookie Stackhouse novels I read through in a matter of 2 weeks in July). Back in December I hopped back on. I read 2 books then, but I have three more on my shelf and I’ve signed up to start doing reviews again. But while I’m doing the reviews (what got me slacking on reading in the first place - I was reading because I HAD to, not because I WANTED to) - I am determined to read at least one book for pleasure per month.
So, book club, count me in
PMS, I’m totally there!! Great idea!
Sarahs last blog post..The secret is in the underwear…(and BS2BD update)
January 10th, 2009 at 2:05 pm
Wow - that is seriously screwed up.
I LOVE to read and don’t have as much time for books, but I get in at least 5-6 a year. But with magazines and blogs and internet investigating and cereal boxes and work, I am constantly reading.
My number one gift for new moms is baby books. And little kids? Books.
Whatever happend to RIF?
Binkss last blog post..I-I-I-I-I
January 10th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
Sign me up too! I don’t read to my adult children (ha ha). But I love reading.
Junebugs last blog post..Wordless Wednesday
January 10th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
Wow, that statistic is frightening!
Sign me up sista, you know I love me some good books!
amys last blog post..Kids in the Kitchen or It’s about dang time
January 10th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
I’m in! Sounds like fun.
But did you seriously read Breaking Dawn FIVE times?!?
Tammys last blog post..Twilight
January 10th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
Count me in!! You’re right, news like that is enough to make me want to cry. How sad have we become?
I LOVE the PMS (I wanted to be a member even before I knew what you were talking about)
Im Being Held Hostages last blog post..I Have a Dream
January 10th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Im in! I read daily to the kids, and read my Bible daily…. but to be honest I dont remember the last time I read a whole book just for me.
January 10th, 2009 at 10:13 pm
Dude - maybe if/when I pass the bar exam …. but definitely NOT right now. If I’m not reading blogs, I gotta be reading Con Law.
trannyheads last blog post..The Kind of Bar Where You Can’t Get Drunk
January 11th, 2009 at 12:02 am
I make it an active part of my life to read books. I love reading. I know a lot of people who don’t read that much and think I read a ton (last year I read 50 books, this year my goal is 52), but a book a month is really not a ton. I would totally do an online book club, it would be fun!
Rachaels last blog post..Planting a Seed
January 11th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
I approve your approval! Er, not that it’s necessary…whatever.
Yes, I’d love to participate in a book club. I was just discussing with Ree, over at Hotfessional how much I usually detest Oprah’s picks. Maybe this would be more my cup of tea! Hey! I’ve just compared you with Oprah! You’re in fairly successful company, I’d say!
Krissas last blog post..The saga of the missing money… (sorry it’s so long)
January 11th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Are ya gonna hate me when I say I am one of those people? It’s not that I DON’T read, it’s just that I read blogs and magazines and other stuff on the world wide webby. Not books (unless you count children’s books…). Actually come to think of it I think I did read “The Kite Runner” this year… early on. It was good.
I will try to read some this year just because I think you are right, it is a travesty.
January 11th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
That statistic is frightening. While, I don’t get to read much adult literature–I do read children’s books. My “wee” ones love to cuddle up and read with me. It’s not uncommon for us to read “The Magic Treehouse” series (yes, my 5 year old son loves to listen to Mary Pope Osborne’s stories). My oldest (she’s 7 now) has been reading chapter books on her own for over a year now.
January 11th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Good for you! I read constantly and am constantly amazed by those who don’t read at all!! I can make tons of recommendations; I just read a great one by Chris Bojhalian, “Before You Know Kindness”. Lots to think about and discuss. I am in three book groups myself; it’s my connection to the real world!!
Jennifers last blog post..Happy Valentine’s Day, Homie Style
January 11th, 2009 at 10:29 pm
[...] I plurk, do you? Plurk.com PMS! Sign Me Up [...]
January 12th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
What’s with you trying to make the world a better, er, smarter place???
I like it.
I’m currently engrossed in toddler parenting books, but I totally dig this idea and would totally join in . . .
January 13th, 2009 at 9:16 am
This is insane…and hard for me to grasp. Tim and I read so many books a year and average many more than once a month (depending on the depth of the book). And Miss K has tons of books and we encourage her love of them.
I may join in PMS later. Right now I have a bunch on my “to read” shelf - one including the one of yours I STILL have. I will get to it and give it back. I promise.
Stephanies last blog post..Has It Really Been A Month?
January 13th, 2009 at 11:39 am
[...] Thanks a LOT, Placenta Brain.) 3. I plan on participating in Anglophile Football Fanatic’s PMS Bookclub and the first book is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. 4. Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner (Dana [...]
January 13th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Definitely up for an online book club. Keep meaning to come comment and then time slips away. Happy to see you out here in cyberspace!
January 13th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
I’m definitely in. A book a month should be easy.
I can’t believe the number of people who jsut don’t see how captivating and fullfilling reading can be. Sigh.
I am doing my best to push my children (and hubby) to become good readers. I figure the first and best start is for them to see me reading.
Danis last blog post..Three
January 14th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Is it just my laptop monitor? The book doesn’t look blood red.
Could I please get the html for the PMS link again?
Fleas last blog post..What Married Couples Do After the Kids Are In Bed
January 14th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
I am game for a book club. Thanks to Flea for sending me here.
I just blogged about my reading for 2008 a week or so ago. I read 46 books last year…not including children’s books that I read aloud to the 4 smallies who call me Mom.
My 7 year old daughter is an avid reader also. First grader who reads at 4th grade level and loves it as much as mom.
FarOutMoms last blog post..Too busy reading
January 14th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Sign me up for the PMS online book club. I love to read and it always amazes me when someone says they hate books!
I know it’s an American stat but I’m sure it applies to Canadians as well. So sad!
Poltzies last blog post..WW
January 14th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
I am so in!
January 19th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
I’m really going to have to read fast for this one. I haven’t gotten my book yet but am hoping it shows up tomorrow. Reading The Hunger Games right now. Young adult, but really liking it.
Fleas last blog post..Funny Bone Monday
January 20th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I can’t believe I haven’t commented. I love to read. I read a lot. A lot a lot. Too much at times. Good for you for mobilizing your readers.
nicoles last blog post..Bag Lady
January 26th, 2009 at 11:58 am
[...] the founder of the PMS! Book Club, I am doing everything I can to promote literacy. I just started the Sookie Stackhouse novels on [...]
January 26th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
Please count me in, too!
Sabrinas last blog post..Cold-blooded killer
January 29th, 2009 at 9:58 pm
[...] a recent post, Anglophile Football Fanatic was lamenting the sad state of reading in America. She quoted a statistic that said “40% of Americans read one book or less a [...]
January 31st, 2009 at 10:27 pm
Are Canadians allowed to join, too? I’d love to get in on it.
February 18th, 2009 at 7:46 am
[...] albamaria30 @ 7:00 am Tags: Books, Music The very funny blokette at Angliophile Football Fanatic made a shocking discovery earlier this year, and set out to remedy the situation in true AFF style. She started a book club, but not just any book club. An online book club that would meet once a [...]
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