We know what you read this year

A read on Hyderabad’s reads

• 44.04 per cent prefer munching on nuts and crisps while reading a book (Chart Q5)
• 86.84 per cent like to read in bed or on couch (Chart Q6)
• Hyderabadis love both Indian and international authors equally
• 48 per cent want to date Sherlock Holmes, followed by 21 per cent pledging their love for Elizabeth Bennet

Despite all the wonderful facts revealed through the survey about India’s reading habits, the intersection of broadcast media towards driving readers’ choices is evident. The portrayal of famous literary characters in mainstream television series has undoubtedly increased their appeal making Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock portrayal a prominent cause for Sherlock Holmes to be the most favoured choice as a literary date.

Characters from the mega-fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’, Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen also garnered much appeal among readers as their literary love interests. Regardless of the causes that drive readers towards making choices to opt a book, literary aficionados will take pride in the result of the survey.

The proliferation of online media and e-books is a growing threat to traditional readers, who prefer the print version, and they will take all the glory that they get. All said and done, the good news is that India loves to read!

Designed to understand the preferences, habits and quirks of Indian readers, the TATA Literature Live! Survey 2015 observed interesting patterns based on the responses from 2,414 literary enthusiasts (1,595 men and 819 women) across the country.

‘There is nothing like first-hand evidence’ believed legendary detective Sherlock Holmes and his words come to life with the plentiful facts revealed in the survey, which was conducted online. Though India has the third largest internet-using population in the world today, physical books have scored over online versions in terms of popularity as per the survey findings. Majority respondents at 82.28 per cent still prefer to read printed books over e-books.

In the never-ending desi v/s videsi debate, 55.72 per cent respondents favour international authors. However, our Indian counterparts are not far behind with 44.28 per cent respondents preferring to read them.

So, what form of literature is thawing the hearts of Indian readers? Novels win hands down with 62.65 per cent respondents choosing it as their favourite form of literature followed by short stories (28.26 per cent), essays (4.72 per cent), poetry (2.84 per cent) and plays (1.54 per cent).

And, where does all this reading happen? 81.02 per cent respondents say the bed or the couch is their favourite spot for reading a book.

Coffee and books, FTW!

Reading a book nurtures your soul, but reading a book with the right kind of accompaniment heightens the pleasure. Not surprising then, that tea and coffee is the best companion for about 47.34 per cent avid readers compared to munching on crisps and nuts (31.32 per cent), listening to music (15.61 per cent) and sipping a glass of wine (5.73 per cent).

Who is India’s date fantasy?

The legacy of Sherlock Holmes lives on with majority respondents (38.46 per cent) voting the detective as their most desirable fictional character. Majority female respondents wish to date Holmes (53.14 per cent) followed by Rhett Butler (21.99 per cent) of ‘Gone with the Wind’. Elizabeth Bennet of ‘Pride and Prejudice’ was voted by most men (30.98 per cent) as the fictional character they would like to date.

As an audience often drawn to fantasy and adventure in their choices of entertainment, it is no surprise that ‘Game of Thrones’ protagonists Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen emerged favourites, especially with the millennial segment (aged 20-25 and 26-35, respectively).