How Many Books Did You Read Before 20?
Do you ever wonder how many books you read before reaching the ripe age of 20? While some may have a clear recollection, others have no idea at all. This article explores the reading habits of several individuals before they turned 20, shedding light on the great variety in book consumption during the formative years.
Libraries and Bookshelves
For those who grew up with a wealth of books within easy reach, their reading journeys began at a very young age. For example, one individual fondly recalls their early encounters with libraries and bookstores. Starting from an early age, borrowing books from the library was a regular occurrence, and their parents were more than willing to purchase books from the bookstore. Due to the influence of both parents, who were avid readers, this was a manageable task.
Another person mentioned that by age 5, they had already read classics like Paddington Bear, The Borrowers, Mary Poppins, and the Little House on the Prairie series. By the time they reached elementary school, they were reading a couple of novels a day, fueled by trips to the library every couple of weeks where they typically checked out a dozen books or more. Their parents and older sisters also contributed to their growing collection, making sure they had a wide range of books to choose from. By the time they entered high school, their reading habits stayed consistent, with them reading picture books and novels weekly.
Personal Libraries and Reading Habits
Some individuals have extensive personal libraries, filled with both donated and new books. For instance, one person had a personal library of nearly 2000 books in their early 20s, which increased to around 4000 by their early 30s, with 3/4 of them donated after a house move. By age 50, this number had stabilized around 2000 books. They mentioned reading 1000 books before turning 20, but this is a conservative estimate, as reading happened sporadically with 20-30 books per week depending on availability and leisure time.
Another person’s grandfather and father also had extensive libraries, making the acquisition of books much easier. This person mentioned that they had been reading since the age of three, with no clear idea of the total number of books read, simply because the count was so high.
Reading University and Adult Life
By the time these individuals entered university, their reading habits shifted towards more academic material, with a focus on textbooks, psychological, and scientific literature. One person mentioned spending 10 hours per week reading academic papers, including neuroscience, math, machine learning, genomics, psychiatry, sociology, psychology, history, military, philosophy, and classical literature. Their reading pace was quicker in their youth, with a conservative estimate of 5 books per week from ages 5-20, equating to 3900 books in total.
Now in their 30s, they have less time to read but still average around 5-6 books per month. They note that some months, especially during a hurricane, they can read as many as 2000 pages in a single day. They emphasize the importance of reading as much as possible during youth, as life’s time constraints can make reading a less frequent activity later on.
Conclusion
The number of books read before the age of 20 can vary greatly depending on individual habits, access to books, and the level of reading engagement. Whether you read 1000, 10000, or 100000 books, the love for reading and the time spent with books during these formative years can greatly impact one's personal and intellectual development. Cherish the stories and knowledge you acquire through your books, as they are truly invaluable assets.