This engaging conversation features Rose Horowitch, an Atlantic staff writer, and Nat Malkus, a scholar focused on education policy. They delve into the alarming decline of reading in America, noting a drop in leisure reading by half this century and concerning literacy scores for younger students. The guests examine how societal shifts towards multimedia are impacting critical thinking and argue for the importance of deep reading in fostering analytical skills. They also discuss proactive measures educators are taking to reignite a passion for reading among students.

Rose Horowitch, an Atlantic writer, discusses the declining reading habits of college students, prompted by her reporting on their struggles with full-length books. She examines the impact of distractions like cell phones and standardized tests. Guests share personal reflections on high school literature, highlighting transformative works like Milan Kundera’s 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' and John Donne's poetry. They argue for the enduring value of these readings amidst a changing academic landscape, emphasizing the profound emotional and intellectual growth they inspire.

Rose Horowitch, an Assistant Editor at The Atlantic, discusses the alarming trend of declining book reading, particularly among college students. Maryanne Wolf, a renowned researcher in literacy and dyslexia, emphasizes the importance of deep reading for cognitive and emotional growth. Novelist Ben Winters adds perspective on the struggle to find meaningful literature in a fast-paced digital world. Together, they explore how technology skews reading habits and the societal consequences of choosing screen time over substantial texts.