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THE IRISH ARE among the most bookish in Europe, reading an average of 2.4 books over a two week summer holiday break, according to a new report.
The ‘What’s the Story‘ report questioned more than 100,000 adults across nine European countries found that two thirds of people surveyed read just over two books during a fortnight break – and 20 per cent of Irish people read four to eight books.
Europe’s favourite genre is action, adventure, crime and thriller, with 63 per cent of people saying they read this kind on material on holiday. Almost a third of Irish readers favour ‘chick lit’ novels, according to the report conducted by lastminute.com.
The least favourite genre for holiday reading is erotica, however the Spanish (seven per cent) and Germans (six per cent) are most likely to delve into racy books. The British are the most reserved, with just two per cent opting for x-rated material. Interestingly, twice as many Irish than British opt for this genre (4 per cent).
The French, Spanish and Italians are most likley to opt for science fiction, comics and fantasy fiction. The Spanish also topped the list of those preferring spirituality and religious-related topics.
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The Swedes are the most bookish Europeans, with 72 per cent choosing to pack a book. They are followed by the Irish and British (both 71 per cent), while the Italians and French are least likely to read on holiday (55 and 56 per cent respectively).
Britons are the most prolific holiday readers, getting through, on average, 2.6 books on a two-week break, while the Spanish get through the fewest books (1.7).
Country percentage of adults in each country who read on holiday:
Sweden 72 per cent
UK 71 per cent
Ireland 71 per cent
Germany 69 per cent
Norway 68 per cent
Denmark 65 per cent
Spain 59 per cent
France 56 per cent
Italy 55 per cent
Saturday 28 December, 2024
Saturday 28 December, 2024
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Irish are among Europe's most bookish
THE IRISH ARE among the most bookish in Europe, reading an average of 2.4 books over a two week summer holiday break, according to a new report.
The ‘What’s the Story‘ report questioned more than 100,000 adults across nine European countries found that two thirds of people surveyed read just over two books during a fortnight break – and 20 per cent of Irish people read four to eight books.
Europe’s favourite genre is action, adventure, crime and thriller, with 63 per cent of people saying they read this kind on material on holiday. Almost a third of Irish readers favour ‘chick lit’ novels, according to the report conducted by lastminute.com.
The least favourite genre for holiday reading is erotica, however the Spanish (seven per cent) and Germans (six per cent) are most likely to delve into racy books. The British are the most reserved, with just two per cent opting for x-rated material. Interestingly, twice as many Irish than British opt for this genre (4 per cent).
The French, Spanish and Italians are most likley to opt for science fiction, comics and fantasy fiction. The Spanish also topped the list of those preferring spirituality and religious-related topics.
The Swedes are the most bookish Europeans, with 72 per cent choosing to pack a book. They are followed by the Irish and British (both 71 per cent), while the Italians and French are least likely to read on holiday (55 and 56 per cent respectively).
Britons are the most prolific holiday readers, getting through, on average, 2.6 books on a two-week break, while the Spanish get through the fewest books (1.7).
Europe’s favourite genre of holiday novel
1 Action, Adventure, Crime & Thriller books
2 Biographies & memoirs
3 Humour
4 Science fiction, comics & fantasy
5 Chick-lit & romance
6 Spiritual/religious & self-help
7 X-rated reads
Likelihood to read on holiday
Country percentage of adults in each country who read on holiday:
Sweden 72 per cent
UK 71 per cent
Ireland 71 per cent
Germany 69 per cent
Norway 68 per cent
Denmark 65 per cent
Spain 59 per cent
France 56 per cent
Italy 55 per cent
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