The book that Britons are most likely to give up reading has been revealed

A survey of British readers has revealed the book they are most likely to give up on – and the answer might come as a surprise.

It may not have been hailed as a tough literary text, but Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James is the book most Britons toss aside long before they’ve reached the end.

However, the poll of 2,000 people by the Reading Agency suggests that many people are unwilling to give up on a book, no matter how much they are struggling, while others will wait weeks, or even months, before conceding defeat.

And it also indicates that the majority of Britons will avoid reading material that they believe will make them sad, with a considerable proportion saying they see reading as a form of escape, and want to be transported to a happy place.

The Reading Agency commissioned the survey to mark World Book Night on Monday April 23, and suggested that anyone who finds themselves facing “book block” should not force themselves to continue with the book in question.

Along with Fifty Shades of Grey, the books most people are likely to struggle to finish are The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by JK Rowling, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens and Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte.

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Overall, more than a fifth (22%) of the 2,000 people polled said you should always finish a book you have started.

Around one in six (15%) said that they would give up if they were struggling with a book after one to three weeks, with 11% saying they would stop reading after four to six days, 13% after two to three days and 6% would stop up to a day after.

In addition, just under one in 10 (9%) said they would persevere for one to three months, with smaller proportions saying they would wait longer.

Asked what factors make it hard to finish a book, the most common answer (chosen by 51%) was that they find it boring, or are not enjoying it, with around one in four (24%) saying they find it hard to concentrate when reading, and 20% too tired from work and family life.

The majority said that reading can have a positive effect on mood and wellbeing, and of those that agreed with this, 28% said that they would turn to a book if they felt lonely, and 24% said they would do so if they felt stressed.
One in five (20%) said that they would definitely avoid a book if they thought it would make them sad, with 35% saying they would possibly avoid it.

Sue Wilkinson, chief executive of the Reading Agency, said: “At a time when one in five of us will experience anxiety or depression, and world events can leave people feeling confused or scared, reading has never been more important.

“As this research shows, reading can have a hugely positive impact on our health and wellbeing; it can build empathy and help us understand the world and the people around us.

“At a time when so many brilliant books are being written and published, you should never force yourself to read something you’re not enjoying. World Book Night is the chance to find a book that works for you.”

Meanwhile, the European Commission has revealed that EU households spent £80 billion on books, newspapers or stationery in 2016.

The figure represents 1.1% of the bloc’s total consumption expenditure or £175 per EU inhabitant.

The percentage marks a decline from 1995, when 1.8% of consumption expenditure went on the same items.