The Daily Aus Can erotica fix Australia’s reading slump?
Feb 1, 2026
Anna Burkly, Head of research and operations at Australia Reads, explains why romance and erotica are drawing a new generation to books. She talks about viral book culture, TV adaptations sparking interest, and how digital discovery like BookTok is making reading more visible. The conversation also covers youth reading habits and finding age-appropriate ways to bring teens back to fiction.
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TV Adaptation Sparks New Reader
- Elliot's housemate decided to read Game Changers after watching the TV adaptation Heated Rivalry.
- The housemate had rarely read before but was motivated to explore the book's deeper story.
Reading Rates Are Polarising
- Australia has many committed readers but also a growing group who read less or not at all.
- Most Australians say they want to read more but struggle with time, confidence, and finding books they love.
Fragmented Time Is The Hidden Barrier
- People report 'no time' but modern leisure is fragmented and highly distractible.
- Short, interrupted phone use often eats time blocks that could become reading sessions.
