The Maltese Bookworm: Unveiling Our Reading Habits

Imagine this: you’re strolling down Republic Street on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The sun is out, and the usual bustle of Valletta is humming around you. You pass by a bookshop, and the scent of new pages and old stories wafts out, beckoning you in. You’re not alone in your literary curiosity, dear reader. A new study has revealed that the average Maltese buys three books a year.

Numbers Tell the Story

The study, conducted by the National Book Council, has shed light on our reading habits. It found that while we’re buying books, we’re not exactly binge-reading. The three-book average is a far cry from the UK’s six books a year or the US’s five. But don’t let the numbers dampen your enthusiasm. After all, every book read is a journey into another world, another mind.

But why the discrepancy? Is it the cost? The time? Or perhaps, the digital age has us scrolling through pages rather than turning them? We’ll look these questions and more as we explore what makes the Maltese bookworm tick.

Books on the Shelf, Not on the Kindle

Despite the digital revolution, Maltese readers still prefer the tangible book. According to the study, 85% of us buy physical books. This is great news for local bookshops like Books & Books in Sliema or Ganado Books in Mosta. It’s also a testament to our love for the traditional reading experience.

But what about e-books and audiobooks? They’re not entirely shunned. The study found that 15% of us have bought an e-book or listened to an audiobook. This number is expected to grow, especially among younger readers. After all, convenience is king in our fast-paced world.

What We’re Reading

So, what’s capturing our attention? Crime and thrillers top the list, followed by literature and classics. But don’t underestimate the power of a good romance or a gripping fantasy. Non-fiction, especially biographies and history, also have a significant following.

Local authors are also making waves. We’re reading and supporting our own, from Immanuel Mifsud’s poetic prose to Trevor Żahra’s historical fiction. It’s heartening to see that the Maltese literary scene is thriving, both in Maltese and English.

But what about non-fiction? We’re curious about the world around us. Books on history, politics, and self-help are popular. And let’s not forget the cookbooks. After all, we are a nation of food lovers!

Challenges and Solutions

The study also highlighted some challenges. The cost of books is a barrier for some. Then there’s the lack of time, the digital distraction, and the language barrier for those who struggle with English.

But there are solutions. Libraries are a treasure trove of free books. The National Book Council’s initiatives, like the Malta Book Festival, promote reading and make books more accessible. And let’s not forget the power of a good book club or a lively literary event.

So, what’s next for the Maltese bookworm? Let’s aim to increase that three-book average. Let’s read more, read widely, and read together. Let’s create a reading culture that’s as vibrant and diverse as our islands.

As the late Maltese poet and writer, Oliver Friggieri, once said, “A nation that does not read is a nation that does not think.” So, let’s think, let’s read, and let’s grow together.