Animal Farm, Snakes in Suits: When Psychopaths Go to Work and MI6 Spy Skills for Civilians are among the weirdest books to give as gifts, according to a recent poll.
Just in time for the holiday season, the survey of 2,000 American readers looked at book gifting trends, including some of the strangest books people have ever received.
Along with this, he also revealed the readers’ highlights of the year under review.
According to the results, a third (33%) have received a book from someone who was an unexpected choice. One respondent even received their friend’s autobiography.
Other surprising gift choices shared by respondents include titles on financial self-help and The Art of War.
While many respondents were completely bewildered and confused by such strange choices, some were happily grateful, saying that an unexpected book they received was a “complete pleasure” and “taught me to live in the moment “, highlighting the fine line between a good , an unexpected and strange book.
With that in mind, almost half (49%) shared that they try to choose books on topics they know the recipient is interested in when giving a book as a gift, and most (80%) feel confident in their gift. skills.
Conducted by Talker Research and commissioned by ThriftBooks, the survey found that of those who plan to exchange holiday gifts, the majority (54%) plan to give someone a book.
So, when deciding which book to gift a loved one, givers can consider the most popular genres of the year.
The results revealed that mystery (45%) was the top genre in 2024.
However, things get interesting when looking at the differences between generations.
Fantasy (52%) was the most popular genre among Gen Z readers, while millennials chose action and adventure novels more often this year (41%).
Thriller and suspense (42%) were Gen X’s top genre, and baby boomers lean more toward mystery (29%).
But regardless of content, readers still overwhelmingly prefer print books over digital ones (72% vs. 28%).
Readers have read an average of 21 books this year, and according to the results, women read more books this year compared to men (22 books versus 19 books).
Over a third of readers (34%) discovered a new favorite book this year, and when looking for new books to read, Gen Z (52%) and millennial readers (47%) typically browse social media while Gen X ( 50%) and baby boomers (51%) rely on recommendations from friends and family.
“When choosing a book for someone else, it’s important to consider not only whether it’s a book you like, but whether or not it will hold the recipient’s interest,” Barbara Hagen, vice president of marketing at ThriftBooks. “Social media, book forums, and book websites are all great places to look for book gift ideas.”
Looking at readers during the holiday season, nearly a third of readers (30%) have a tradition where they re-read a book or series every holiday season.
Interestingly, Gen Z readers (61%) and millennials (47%) are more likely to re-read a book or series every holiday season.
And although some readers choose to reread horror (12%) or fantasy (12%) every year, Christmas books are the most popular (45%).
Top Christmas reads this year include A Christmas Carol (20%), How the Grinch Stole Christmas (14%), The Polar Express (11%) and A Christmas Story (8%).
“The survey shows that books make invaluable gifts,” Hagen said. “Several respondents shared why they chose to give books this year, and their answers, such as ‘giving the gift of reading’ and ‘every time that person picks up that book they think of you’ really speak to why books are great gifts.
TOP TEN BOOK GENRES IN 2024
Mystery – 45%
Thriller and suspense – 39%
Action and adventure – 36%
Biography – 33%
History – 28%
romance – 28%
contemporary fiction – 28%
historical fiction – 28%
True crime – 26%
classical – 24%
Survey methodology:
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 Americans who read at least 5-6 books a year; survey was commissioned by ThriftBooks and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between October. 4 and October. 9, 2024.
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Image Source : nypost.com