According to historians at The Untold Past  “In the 1700s, teens were accused of being addicted to novels. Not alcohol. Not gambling. Reading…

Across Europe, a strange fear gripped adults. Young people were devouring novels at a pace never seen before. They read at the dinner table, in bed, even while walking through the streets. This wasn’t seen as a harmless hobby. It was called ‘reading fever’ or ‘book addiction.’

Some claimed it would rot their minds. Others worried it would damage morals, ruin posture, or lead to dangerous daydreaming. Fiction was accused of causing everything from laziness to madness.

Moralists and educators sounded the alarm. Pamphlets warned parents. Schools debated limits.

It wasn’t just what teens were reading – it was who was writing it.

Books like Samuel Richardson’s Pamela (1740) or Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774) stirred emotion, imagination, and independence. They were often written by or for women, a major threat to the era’s social order. But despite the panic, teens kept reading. And quietly, something revolutionary was happening.

This ‘reading mania’ helped fuel mass literacy, gave rise to the modern novel, and encouraged generations to explore new ideas through story.”

When asked, what would happen if teens got addicted to books again? The public responded with the following:

• The addiction was actually to escapism. They were right, and the problem has only gotten worse because we apparently can’t discuss it without throwing out strawmen, and making excuses for complacency.

• Imagine how boring life was back then that people are addicted to reading. And I’m a total book nerd.

• Then explain why books are always better than movies.

• Shows that no matter what youth does, someone will complain about it.

• Next thing you know, they’ll be watching movies. Or playing video games. Or on a cell phone all the time!

• I have often felt that books are put on too high of a pedestal. Reading was pushed so hard on my kids when they were in elementary school to the point that they aren’t even interested in reading now because it started to feel like homework to them. As for adults that like to read, usually that’s a great hobby. But some people get very engrossed in reading to the point that other activities or obligations can be neglected. I don’t think it’s fair to glorify reading in every situation and vilify screen time in every situation. Both can be potential additions. Everything in moderation.

• I was addicted to books, too. Stayed well up in the night. Brought a book with me everywhere. Rather read than play with my friends.

• It’s always the same with new things and old folks. I’m looking forward to be the same when I’m old. Just saying nonsense for whatever the YA will like in that days.

And then there’s always that one person who brings politics into everything:

• This sounds like the Republicans now banning books that don’t align with their Christian beliefs, and the craziness of the President.

There were thirty-six rebuttals to that statement including:

1. Books have not been banned. You can purchase any books you wish. Removing books that are not age appropriate from schools isn’t banning them. You need to read more to enrich your vocabulary.

2. False and here’s why: Actual book bans happen at school district and state levels, not via federal action.

3.  Local activism is increasingly important. Attend school board meetings, track proposed removals, support legal challenges.

4. States like Illinois, Minnesota and Maryland have enacted laws to discourage or prohibit local book bans, reinforcing First Amendment protections.

5. You mean age inappropriate books for young children.

You can decide who has their head in the clouds. 

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.