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The Great Books Are Unpopular: A Wake-Up Call for Educators and Writers

As I sit in my favorite bookstore, surrounded by shelves upon shelves of dusty tomes and forgotten classics, I am struck by a haunting realization: the great books are unpopular. The novels that have shaped our understanding of the human condition, the works that have inspired generations of writers and thinkers, are being ignored by the very people who should be reading them.

The Problem Is Real

The data is clear: sales of classic literature have plummeted in recent years, with many iconic books struggling to find an audience. According to a 2020 survey, only 12% of Americans have read a work of classic literature in the past year, while 71% say they have not read any classic literature since high school.

Why Are Great Books Unpopular?

There are several reasons why great books may be falling out of favor:

• They are often dense and challenging to understand
• They are frequently taught in schools without being contextualized or made relevant to modern readers
• The reading habits of the general public have shifted towards more accessible and easily consumable formats (e.g. social media, podcasts)
• Many people may view classic literature as dry or irrelevant to their lives

But Why Does This Matter?

The popularity of great books matters for several reasons:

• They provide a window into the past, allowing us to understand historical events and cultural movements
• They offer insights into the human condition, revealing universal themes and emotions that transcend time and place
• They have influenced countless writers and artists, shaping the course of literature and art

What Can We Do To Change This?

As educators and writers, we have a responsibility to make great books more accessible and appealing to modern readers. Here are a few strategies for doing so:

• Use clear and concise language when teaching classic literature
• Provide context and background information on the historical period or cultural movement in which the book was written
• Make connections between the book and contemporary issues or themes
• Engage readers through social media, online discussions, or other interactive platforms

Conclusion

The great books are unpopular, but it's not too late to change this. By making classic literature more accessible and relevant to modern readers, we can ensure that these works continue to shape our understanding of the world and inspire new generations of writers and thinkers. Let us work together to revive interest in the great books – for the sake of education, culture, and human connection.