Books Offer the Best Form of Escapism

More Americans Are Escaping Into Books This Summer—Even More Than Social Media or Movies

As summer kicks off, more people in the U.S. are turning to books for comfort and escape—choosing pages over screens in many cases. Recent research shows that reading remains one of the top ways Americans relax, coming in just behind watching TV as the preferred way to unwind.

About a third of adults say they read for pleasure when they’re having a tough day, finding books to be a better escape than social media, streaming services, or podcasts. While digital entertainment continues to grow, reading still holds a strong place in daily life—especially among those who value quiet time and deeper stories.

In fact, around 75% of U.S. adults have read at least one book in the past year, with physical books continuing to be the most popular format. And when readers are done? Most say they keep their books, pass them on to friends or family, or donate them—showing that books still carry lasting emotional and social value. Only a small percentage reported discarding books.

The publishing industry continues to thrive, with U.S. book revenues reaching over $28 billion in 2022, according to industry data. Fiction, children’s books, and graphic novels are especially strong categories right now, and physical book sales remain steady even in the age of digital media.

Books do more than entertain—they help us reset. As one industry leader put it, “Books are a great way for us all to escape from our everyday routines, and if we’re able to share that with our friends and families, we could be making a huge difference to people’s lives.”

Support Your Local Indie Bookstore

There’s something magical about walking into an independent bookstore—discovering new titles, talking with passionate staff, and supporting your local community. If you’re looking for a new read this summer, consider shopping local.

📚 Find a bookstore near you: NewPages Independent Bookstore Directory

If you’re planning a little downtime this summer, consider making space in your bag for a book. Whether it’s a thriller, romance, memoir, or something totally unexpected, reading is still one of the best ways to travel without going anywhere.

What’s on your summer reading list?