World Book Day. A inspired way of getting children to read books, or an annual chore for parents whose children need a Gruffalo outfit for school?

I’ll leave you to decide. But I’ve been thinking about reading, and my own changing ways of enjoying books. From an early age, I’ve loved reading, although mostly non-fiction. I enjoy a good novel, but as a history fan I’m usually drawn to volumes on the past, especially military history and politics.

As my latest letter in The Times this week showed, I’m increasingly listening to books. Back in the analogue era, I had a few books on audio cassette, including Tony Benn’s diaries and Douglas Hurd’s memoirs. (I’m eclectic in my political interests!) In 2012 I discovered Audible’s range of audio books, and have been hooked ever since. They’re perfect for car journeys, bike rides and dog walks.

But, as my Times letter admitted, I often read the print or Kindle version of the audio book to catch up on what I missed – it’s important to pay more attention to the road than to the latest twist in Starmer’s battle against the Corbynite left in Get In, Maguire and Pogrund’s exhaustive book about the Labour leader’s road to 10 Downing Street.

An adult World Book Day?

The Times today asked whether adults needed their own World Book Day – presumably without the need to dress up. The paper noted that 40 per cent of British adults haven’t read or listened to a book in the past year, according to YouGov research. But, looking on the bright side, half of Britons say they read or listen to a book at least once a week. That’s more encouraging, especially given the distractions of social media, and the flood of podcasts and video available online.

Hardback reader

Over the past few years, I’ve started buying hardback non-fiction books. They’re often easier to read, with larger type than paperbacks, while also looking rather nice on the bookshelf. As the photo above shows, I’m working my way through James Holland’s magisterial account of the battle for Italy during the second world war. This is one of the less well known aspects of the war, which deserves a wider audience.

Distractions abound

Despite being addicted to books, I can’t deny that I find it far harder to concentrate on reading these days. I have an urge to Google people and events featured in the book. Worse still, I find my attention wandering to tasks to be completed, or the route of that afternoon’s bike ride. I try to focus on the book, but too often put it down to tackle that other activity. Distractions: the curse of our online age…