The average number of books read by Americans can vary from year to year, and it also depends on the source of the information. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center conducted in 2019, the median number of books read by American adults was about 12 books per year. However, it’s important to note that individual reading habits can vary widely, and some people may read more or fewer books than the median.
Keep in mind that these figures are based on self-reported data and may not be entirely accurate. Additionally, reading habits can be influenced by various factors, including age, education, and personal preferences. The popularity of e-books and audiobooks has also changed how people consume written content, and these formats are not always captured in traditional book-reading surveys.
Predicting which modern books will become classics is a challenging task because it often takes time for a work to be recognized as a classic. However, as of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there were several books from the late 20th and early 21st centuries that were receiving critical acclaim and seemed to have the potential for long-lasting significance. Some examples include:
“The Road” by Cormac McCarthy (2006): A post-apocalyptic novel exploring the relationship between a father and son as they journey across a desolate landscape.
“The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini (2003): A novel that spans decades and continents, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of the changing political landscape in Afghanistan.
“The Corrections” by Jonathan Franzen (2001): A family saga that delves into the complexities of contemporary American life, addressing issues such as identity, relationships, and societal expectations.
“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Díaz (2007): A multi-generational novel that weaves together themes of love, family, and the impact of dictatorship on the Dominican Republic.
“The Goldfinch” by Donna Tartt (2013): A coming-of-age novel centered around a young boy who survives a terrorist attack at an art museum and becomes entangled in the world of art forgery.
“The Underground Railroad” by Colson Whitehead (2016): A historical novel that reimagines the Underground Railroad as a literal railroad, exploring the horrors of slavery in a unique way.
Remember that literary tastes vary, and what might be considered a classic is often subjective. Additionally, new books may have gained acclaim or become influential since my last update, so it’s worth checking more recent sources for the latest perspectives on potential modern classics.