Author and podcast host Douglas Vigliotti discusses the gender disparity in reading habits, particularly among men. They explore the impact of not reading fiction on empathy and creativity, the writing process and habits, and delve into the plot and themes of the novel 'Tom Collins'. They also touch on the dark side of social media and its negative impacts.
Men are more inclined towards nonfiction reading due to its educational aspect.
Reading books provides a unique opportunity for delayed gratification, self-reflection, and critical thinking.
Deep dives
Books for Men: Addressing the Gender Gap in Reading
In a podcast episode, Douglas Bigelati Doug discusses Books for Men, his podcast and newsletter that aims to address the perception that men don't read as much as women. He acknowledges that while there is data supporting this claim, he also relies on real-life observations and interactions with men who primarily lean towards nonfiction reading. He explores the reasons behind this preference, suggesting that men are drawn to the educational aspect of nonfiction books. However, he also highlights the importance of fiction reading for developing skills like empathy and imagination. Doug raises the concern that societal stereotypes may discourage boys and men from reading fiction, potentially impacting their capacity for emotional connection and overall happiness.
The Benefits of Reading
The discussion in the podcast delves into the benefits of reading, emphasizing two important aspects: delay of gratification and depth of engagement. Reading, especially books, which demand patience and time, provides an opportunity for individuals to delay instant gratification, thus developing self-control and focus. Additionally, the medium of reading offers a more intimate and reflective experience compared to other forms of media such as television, movies, or social media. It allows for a deeper exploration of ideas and the development of critical thinking skills. The conversation highlights the unique advantages of reading over other forms of entertainment in terms of personal growth and self-reflection.
The Role of Social Media and Technology
A section of the podcast episode addresses the impact of social media and technology on reading habits. The conversation acknowledges that young men, in particular, are increasingly engaged with other forms of media like video games and social media, which are designed for instant gratification and quick consumption. This shift towards faster-paced media may contribute to the decline in reading habits. It raises concerns about the potential loss of skills like delayed gratification, critical thinking, and introspection, which are nurtured through the medium of reading. The podcast delves into the broader societal challenge of balancing the benefits of technology with the potential drawbacks it poses to reading and personal development.
Writing and Storytelling in Fiction
The podcast episode also explores the craft of writing and storytelling in fiction. Douglas Bigelati shares insights into his own writing process, emphasizing the importance of creating a strong story structure using the three-act structure commonly used in screenwriting. He highlights the significance of both writing and storytelling skills, discussing how some authors excel in one aspect more than the other. The conversation touches on the challenges of writing fiction and creating distinct and believable characters. It also highlights the importance of writing fiction that engages readers through captivating plots and skillful writing.
The relative scarcity of male readers inspired Douglas Vigliotti to start a podcast called Books for Men. Like Vigliotti, Bradley is an exception, but as a bookstore owner, he's curious to know why the gender disparity exists and what can be done to change it.
This episode was taped at P&T Knitwear at 180 Orchard Street — New York City’s only free podcast recording studio.
