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Summer Reads

Irish are among Europe's most bookish

Irish people on holidays read an average of 2.4 books during a two week break – making them the most prolific readers in Europe, save the British.

THE IRISH ARE among the most bookish in Europe, reading an average of 2.4 books over a two week summer holiday break, according to a new report.

The ‘What’s the Story‘ report questioned more than 100,000 adults across nine European countries found that two thirds of people surveyed read just over two books during a fortnight break – and 20 per cent of Irish people read four to eight books.

Europe’s favourite genre is action, adventure, crime and thriller, with 63 per cent of people saying they read this kind on material on holiday. Almost a third of Irish readers favour ‘chick lit’ novels, according to the report conducted by lastminute.com.

The least favourite genre for holiday reading is erotica, however the Spanish (seven per cent) and Germans (six per cent) are most likely to delve into racy books. The British are the most reserved, with just two per cent opting for x-rated material. Interestingly, twice as many Irish than British opt for this genre (4 per cent).

The French, Spanish and Italians are most likley to opt for science fiction, comics and fantasy fiction. The Spanish also topped the list of those preferring spirituality and religious-related topics.

The Swedes are the most bookish Europeans, with 72 per cent choosing to pack a book. They are followed by the Irish and British (both 71 per cent), while the Italians and French are least likely to read on holiday (55 and 56 per cent respectively).

Britons are the most prolific holiday readers, getting through, on average, 2.6 books on a two-week break, while the Spanish get through the fewest books (1.7).

Europe’s favourite genre of holiday novel

1   Action, Adventure, Crime & Thriller books
2   Biographies & memoirs
3   Humour
4   Science fiction, comics & fantasy
5   Chick-lit & romance
6   Spiritual/religious & self-help
7   X-rated reads

Likelihood to read on holiday

Country  percentage of adults in each country who read on holiday:

Sweden   72 per cent
UK   71 per cent
Ireland   71 per cent
Germany   69 per cent
Norway   68 per cent
Denmark   65 per cent
Spain   59 per cent
France   56 per cent
Italy   55 per cent

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