Finding peace and comfort in the written word

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Canadians who are living the new normal during this current COVID-19 pandemic have found creative ways to keep their minds at ease while they wait out this virus storm.

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High up on the things we’re doing? Reading. Research shows we’ve seen unprecedented growth in the amount of time readers the world-over are spending with books, particularly in countries where the virus has hit hardest. We are devouring words at an amazing rate. Coast to coast, Canadians are indulging in everything from fiction to mystery to thriller. Each part of the country is a little different, according to Rakuten Kobo e-readers – and the most romantic readers hail from Newfoundland, Alberta, Yukon and Quebec while citizens of Nunavut devour non-fiction.

On a national scale, readers across the country are dipping into science fiction with The One by John Marrs. This book is a soon-to-be Netflix Original series and was in the bestseller list for nearly every province. Interesting to note that, from coast-to-coast, readers are looking to get lost in the twists and turns of mystery and thrillers. These genres make up nearly half of the best-selling books country-wide.

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As well – Tuesdays are made for reading. Canadians from across the country are reading the most on Tuesdays, with Mondays coming in a close second.

Here’s a provincial breakdown – see if you recognize yourself in the stats:

– The most romantic readers are in Newfoundland, Alberta, Yukon and Quebec. Readers in these provinces have purchased the highest number of romance books.

– Nunavut readers are devouring non-fiction books.

– In Nova Scotia readers are getting swept up in historical fiction stories.

– Whether its female sleuths, detectives or leads, Ontarians can’t get enough of female-driven mystery books.

– Readers in British Columbia are turning to books for comfort, reading more stories about family life than any other province.

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A LOOK AT MAJOR CANADIAN CITIES  

– Toronto readers are staying in and reading more: Time spent reading on the first Sunday of social distancing was 105% higher than the month previous.

– Calgary readers are up late: Dramatic jump in late night readers, with reading from 1- 2 a.m. increasing 450%.

– Montreal and Moncton readers are winding down with a good book, with both cities seeing a dramatic increase in reading at bedtime.

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– Vancouver readers are having a hard time sleeping: Overnight reading is on the rise.

Just recently , Rakuten Kobo launched its Stay Home and Read campaign, and, in the last 30 days, the company has given away more than 10 million eBooks worldwide. Check out Kobo.com.

This Week in Flyers

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