Why men read less than women — And how to change it

It remains a sad truth universally acknowledged that women read more books than men.

Twenty years ago, Ian McEwan remarked that ‘when women stop reading, the novel will be dead’. I found myself thinking about that last week, sitting by the pool on holiday. 

The women — myself included — were all reading novels. The men, almost without exception, were staring at their phones. Doom scrolling. A small snapshot, perhaps, but one that reflects — and still reflects — a broader reality.

The numbers tell the story clearly. Around 80 per cent of all books are bought by women in the UK, US and Canadian fiction markets.

Add to that that 80 per cent of women say they read at least one book a year. For men, it’s closer to 70 per cent. And it’s not just about quantity. Women read far more fiction, particularly romance, while men gravitate towards history, politics, science, thrillers, and sci‑fi. 

McEwan made the remark in a Guardian article after he and his son trimmed his personal library from his London house and took a pile of books to give away at a local park. Every woman he approached asked for three, whereas every man “frowned in suspicion, or distaste” and turned down the offer. 

It isn't only that men don't read as much, but also what they read when they do. When it comes to authorship, men are more likely to reject books by women, while women read across genders with relative ease.

So yes, there’s a gap. But the more interesting question is: what can we do to close it?

What’s being done to get men reading more

There are initiatives already making a difference. In the US, Jon Scieszka’s Guys Read programme broadens the definition of reading. It champions humour, sports writing, and graphic novels — genres that too often get sidelined. The idea is simple: meet boys and men where their interests already lie and remind them that reading still counts.

Here in the UK, the Quick Reads scheme offers short, accessible books written by bestselling authors. They are deliberately approachable, often under 150 pages, and sold at low prices or available in libraries. For those who find reading daunting, Quick Reads makes the first step less intimidating.

There’s also a growing cultural conversation about men and fiction. Writers and academics argue that fiction isn’t fluff. It’s an emotional toolkit. 

When men read stories, they practise empathy, develop a richer emotional vocabulary, and glimpse lives unlike their own. Some commentators have gone so far as to call reading fiction a form of emotional resistance, loosening the old strictures of masculinity.

Why it matters that men read more

The benefits of reading are not confined to the page. Research indicates that regular reading can reduce stress, improve sleep, sharpen memory, and slow cognitive decline. 

For men in particular, who are often less likely to seek out mental health support, reading offers a quiet but powerful space for reflection and self‑understanding. It’s not just entertainment, but a resource for resilience.

Fiction, especially, does something unique. It allows us to step into someone else’s skin. That imaginative leap builds empathy, strengthens relationships, and deepens social awareness. These are skills that ripple outward — into families, workplaces, and communities.

How to encourage more men to read

So, how do we nudge change in everyday life?

1. Start small — Short stories, essays, or novellas can be less daunting entry points than a 500‑page novel.

2. Offer variety — Graphic novels, humour, and sports writing are valid. So are biographies and thrillers. The key is choice.

3. Model the habit — Seeing fathers, brothers, or friends reading casually can be just as persuasive as any campaign.

4. Normalise conversation — Ask the men in your life what they’re reading. Share your own favourites without judgement.

5. Use digital formats — Audiobooks and e-books can make reading easier to fit into busy routines, especially for those who are often glued to their phones. 

A shift in perspective of what reading gives us

That poolside scene stays with me. Phones in hand, novels in laps,  two ways of passing the same stretch of time. The question is whether we see reading as a chore or as a gateway. 

A doorway to empathy, imagination, and sometimes even joy. And if more men walked through it, the benefits would ripple far beyond the page.