How Long Does It Take to Read Popular Books?

There’s nothing quite like unwinding from a long day at work or enjoying an afternoon in the sun with a good book. Engrossing ourselves in the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the characters can be exhilarating and calming all at once. But we are also busy people, so it’s good to know how long it will take us to read this novel. That’s where we come in.

We took some of the most popular books of all time and estimated how long it would take the average reader to finish by multiplying word count by the average person’s reading speed, 300 words per minute, which will give you an approximate gauge of how long it will take any of the following great books.

Reading difficulty should be considered as well, as for most it may take longer to read an old book such Homer’s The Odyssey versus a newer text such as The Hunger Games. So, don’t set your watch with this guide – use it as a rough gauge to inform your next reading session. Enjoy the infographic!

Reading is important no matter what age you are; but it’s especially important for kids. Check out our books and bookcases in our back-to-school section, so the next time you pick up The Odyssey, your child will be equally excited to read next to you as well.