It has emerged what young people in Nizhny Novgorod are reading.

      September 27, 2025 11:14 Culture and LeisureWhich books are being sought today in the libraries and bookstores of Nizhny Novgorod? From Stephen King to Japanese melancholy, from psychological thrillers to novels about love — young people's tastes turn out to be much broader than they seem at first glance. Details — in a piece by NIA "Nizhny Novgorod."

      Library: "The number of readers isn't decreasing"

      At the V.I. Lenin Central City Library, a librarian who introduced herself as Polina met the NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" correspondent. According to her, it is most often young readers over 20 who come.

      "Young people come, and their number, contrary to stereotypes, is not decreasing. Of course, the format has changed. Some find it more convenient to read on smartphones, but people also come for physical books."

      According to the librarian's observations, young people most often choose contemporary prose and books on personal psychology. Books by Elchin Safarli, novels by Stephen King and works by Mike Omer are particularly popular.

      Bookstore: what's topping sales

      At Chitai-Gorod, sales consultant Irina watches customers' choices every day.

      "At the top of the sales chart now is If Cats Disappeared from the World (12+) by Japanese author Genki Kawamura. The book, in the spirit of Japanese melancholy, is about the fragility of memory and the value of things in people's lives," the agency's interviewee shared.

      Among frequent requests are The Café on the Edge of the World (16+) by John Strelecky and Good Girls Don't Kill (16+) by Holly Jackson. Steady popularity is enjoyed by God Always Travels Incognito (16+), Faust (12+) and The Sorrow of Satan (16+). The latter has remained at the peak of interest for six months. Agatha Christie also does not lose ground: And Then There Were None (0+) and Hallowe'en Party (16+). The most read author among young people remains Russian writer Anna Jane, known for novels about love and coming of age.

      Teacher's view: how to ignite interest

      The NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" correspondent also turned to Anna Plyusnina, a Russian language and literature teacher at School No. 102, for comment. In her observation, no more than ten percent of pupils are avid readers.

      "It's most difficult when nobody reads in the family. Then reading is alien to the child. In lessons it's important to engage them with the plot, unusual characters and interesting facts about the work. In that case the desire to read can appear," the teacher believes.

      Conclusion

      Conversations in the library, the bookstore and the school showed that young people in Nizhny Novgorod do not have a single literary taste. Some look for books about self-discovery and psychology, some prefer thrillers and horror, while others are drawn to Japanese melancholy or love novels by contemporary Russian authors. Classics also remain in demand. They read in different formats — print, electronic and audio. But most importantly — reading continues to live on and find its place in young people's lives.

      Author: Anastasia Belenko

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