New Jersey Ranks Among Top States for Unfinished Books

New Jersey residents are abandoning books at an alarming rate, ranking ninth nationwide for not completing literary works they start, according to a new survey by language learning platform Preply. The Garden State received an “unfinished book score” of 63.17 on the scale, where higher numbers indicate greater frequency of readers giving up on books before reaching the conclusion, as reported by New Jersey 101.5.

The survey revealed that “Night” by Elie Wiesel, the haunting autobiographical account of a young boy’s experiences in a German concentration camp during World War II, is the most commonly abandoned book in New Jersey. This finding has raised questions about reading habits, attention spans, and the challenges facing literary engagement in the state.

Headlines Trending Right Now:

National Context of Reading Abandonment

New Jersey’s ninth-place ranking puts it in concerning territory, though not as extreme as Mississippi, which topped the list with a score of 99.63. At the opposite end of the spectrum, Idaho earned recognition as the state where readers are most likely to finish books, with a low score of 34.32.

“The data suggests a nationwide pattern of reader disengagement that varies significantly by region,” explains Dr. Emily Reynolds, literature professor at Rutgers University. “While New Jersey’s position isn’t the worst, being in the top ten for book abandonment should raise concerns about literacy engagement,” Reynolds told New Jersey Literacy Association in their recent state assessment.

Across the country, non-fiction works are the most frequently abandoned genre, while horror books are most likely to be read to completion. Ironically, the self-improvement book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” ranks as the third most commonly unfinished book nationwide, suggesting that even motivation to improve oneself may not translate to completing the reading material.

Factors Behind New Jersey’s Reading Habits

Several factors may contribute to New Jersey’s high book abandonment rate. The state’s fast-paced lifestyle, long commutes, and high cost of living create challenges for sustained reading engagement, according to experts in literacy and education.

“New Jersey residents face significant time pressures that can make completing books difficult,” notes Maria Gonzalez, executive director of the New Jersey Center for the Book. “Between longer-than-average work hours, expensive housing that requires more working hours, and substantial commuting time, finding uninterrupted reading periods can be challenging,” Gonzalez explained to Publishers Weekly in their regional reading trends report.

The prevalence of digital distractions also plays a role in the state’s reading completion rates. New Jersey has one of the highest smartphone adoption rates in the country, and the constant pull of social media, streaming services, and other digital entertainment competes directly with traditional reading time.

Literary Bright Spots Despite the Trend

Despite the concerning abandonment rates, New Jersey maintains a vibrant literary culture in many respects. The state boasts more bookstores per capita than the national average, and library usage remains steady, particularly in suburban communities.

Independent bookstores have seen modest growth across the state in recent years, bucking national trends. Establishments like Watchung Booksellers in Montclair, Labyrinth Books in Princeton, and The Book House in Millburn report steady customer bases and innovative community engagement programs designed to foster reading commitment.

“We’ve actually seen an uptick in reading groups and literary events,” explains James Patterson, owner of Words Bookstore in Maplewood (no relation to the famous author). “People genuinely want to read more, even if they struggle to finish every book they start. Our challenge is helping them find books that they’ll stick with through the final page.”

Initiatives to Improve Completion Rates

Several initiatives across the state aim to address the issue of unfinished books and promote reading engagement. The New Jersey State Library recently launched its “Finish What You Start” program, which provides structured reading schedules and discussion groups for participants working through challenging or lengthy books.

Local libraries have implemented “accountability reading” programs where participants commit to completing books within specific timeframes, with check-ins and discussions to maintain momentum. Some bookstores have introduced completion incentives, offering discounts on future purchases when readers provide proof of finishing their previous selections.

Educational institutions are also addressing the issue at its roots. Several school districts have implemented progressive reading programs designed to build reading stamina and commitment, starting in elementary grades and continuing through high school.

“The skills needed to complete longer, more challenging books need to be developed early,” explains Dr. Samantha Winters, curriculum director for the Edison Township School District. “We’re focusing on building not just reading comprehension, but also reading perseverance as a distinct skill set.”

Headlines Trending Right Now: