Different Genres for Different Seasons: Reasons Young Adults Give for Their Volitional Reading

Volitional reading is associated with improved mental health, continued development of reading proficiency and lifelong learning, with cognitive benefits for aging, yet little is known about the contemporary reading practices of young adults. This article examines the reading practices of ten Singaporean young adults, their reasons for reading, and what reading does for them. Findings document shifts in reading habits across the years, broadening reading tastes and eclectic utilisation of print and digital resources, according to text type, context and purpose. The young adults shared multiple overlapping reasons for reading: for learning, inspiration, entertainment and rest. The findings suggest that reading fiction and non-fiction remains relevant in young adults’ everyday lives, with hints towards the utilisation of technology for access to some reading resources. Implications for moving beyond fiction and reading for pleasure models to promote reading are shared.