The Rise Of Reading Through Lockdown- Yasmin Shamsse (Gumley House )

With the sudden outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 countries all across the globe went into lockdown. During this time the world was uncertain of what would happen; stuck indoors and having to create new routines, many had picked up reading as a way of spending their time healthily and engaging their minds.

As school and work were no longer in person and many plans were canceled there was nowhere to go and people had much more free time at home. Reading was one of the more popular hobbies picked up as it is so diverse and accessible. With millions of books possible to read there is a book for everyone’s liking. From fiction to nonfiction, people of all ages were picking up books and in turn putting their phones down more often. 

A lot of stress and worry had come with the pandemic and constantly watching the news or being on social media was not very healthy. People had found comfort in reading, as an escape from reality, and had spent time enjoying their books to relieve anxieties. 

On the social media platform, “TikTok” users could be seen sharing their favorite books and in comments discussing their opinions with others, as well as giving recommendations to each other. TikTok users were able to find books that they like through other users' posts, and people with similar interests, creating a sense of community.

“I’ve always been into reading but the march lockdown made it fully possible for me to find comfort in books again. Taking up reading as a hobby rather than a chore reminded that literature brims with creativity-from the writer and the reader” says Madison-Rayn. 

Through finding books we enjoy and seeing reading in a different light it is much easier for us to read more often and truly see the beauty of the book we are reading. This change of attitude to reading has allowed us to come out of lockdown with new skills and a hobby we can enjoy in our day-to-day life and spare time.