The Story

What happens when we stop reading? - The Sunday Story

September 27, 2026
What happens when we stop reading? - The Sunday Story

When was the last time you read a book? Literacy rates have plummeted across the developed world since the advent of the smartphone and the consequences for society are chilling, says James Marriott. But why does it matter that fewer of us are reading books? And what happens if we all just stop?


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Guest: James Marriott, columnist, The Times.

Host: Luke Jones.

Producer: Jennifer Kennedy.


We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com


Read more: The death of reading puts the world in a perilous place

Further listening: Inside the British town contaminated by forever chemicals

Clips: ABC, DW News, Good Morning America, TMZ, Tucker Carlson Network.

Photo: Getty Images.

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