READING is fast becoming a lost art. The rise of technology has dimmed the allure of getting lost in the pages of a book, where stories transport you beyond daily life and into worlds of imagination and depth. The once-thrilling experience of visiting libraries or discovering new releases at the local bookstore has faded, a distant memory that today’s generation barely relates to. Instead, they turn to 30-second clips for quick bursts of entertainment, captivating them just briefly before they move on to the next fleeting distraction.
A stark example of this shift came to light at a recent book fair in Lahore. Out of all the books displayed, only 35 were sold, but the real attraction turned out to be the food stalls—where over 1,200 shawarmas and 800 biryanis were devoured. What was meant to be a celebration of literature and culture morphed into a food festival, underscoring the city’s undeniable love for its cuisine. So what went wrong?
Was the presence of food stalls the issue, or was the event’s promotion simply not strong enough to make it a true literary gathering? While fingers can be pointed, the deeper issue remains clear: the love of reading is fading. The urgency to rekindle this habit seems lost, replaced by the convenience of e-readers and digital content that make physical books feel almost obsolete.
The struggle is all too real for me. Three years ago, I set out to start a book club for my children and their friends, hoping to instill a love of reading in them. But it’s turned into a task that tests every ounce of my patience and persistence. Getting them to finish a book feels like pulling teeth, even with the promise of fun activities and meetups, complete with dining rewards, after they complete a title. Despite my efforts, the excitement just doesn’t seem to take hold.
Many have told me to accept this shift and not take it too personally. They argue that this new generation is evolving in its own way, learning at its own pace. They may still read, just not in the traditional sense we grew up with. But what I find both perplexing and disheartening is how little truly captures their attention anymore. Their focus is fleeting, constantly shifting to the next shiny distraction. Even authors of some of the greatest stories of our time now have to battle for an attention span that seems harder to grasp with each passing day. When did reading become such a chore?
While today’s society may be more focused on technology, there’s something undeniably calming about curling up in your favorite nook at home, with a warm cup of tea and a peaceful setting. It’s more than just a pastime—it’s a way to center yourself, invite positive energy, and clear the chaos of daily life. Books have always offered more than just words; they provide access to incredible worlds filled with hope, love, resilience, hatred, revenge, and sustainability. These are realms shaped by brilliant writers from across the globe, each offering stories that remind us of the beauty and complexity of life.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
