The generative artificial intelligence (AI) ChatGPT has identified "inner self" as a key word in the novel category for this year. The reading platform Millie's Library announced on the 16th that it published a "Reading Trend Report 2024" analyzing reader data from January to October this year.
As a result of analyzing popular books by category using ChatGPT, Millie's Library selected "inner self" as the key word in the novel category. Novels dealing with inner pain and growth, such as "Little Life 1" and "Proof of the Sphere," garnered much empathy from readers, according to Millie's Library. The keyword in the poetry and essay category also appeared similar, as "mindfulness."
Unlike last year, when reading was predominant in the morning, this year, many people read books between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. It was reported that a significant number of people read in January, a time for new resolutions, and on Mondays.
Another change is the boom of audiobooks. Demand for audiobooks surged across all age groups, particularly among those in their 40s, with a usage rate of 38%. The most beloved audiobooks were "Such trivial things" and "Pantry."
The monthly rankings of popular books clearly reflected seasonal trends and social issues. At the beginning of the year, "Reading Schopenhauer at Forty" showed strong performance in line with New Year's resolutions, while in spring, "Is there a flower road, my life is a flower" received a positive response from female readers. In May, "My Don Quixote," which deals with familial love, captured readers' hearts, and in June, the rainy season, "Little Life 1" also resonated with the audience.
The number of subscribers to Millie's Library has steadily grown from 23,000 when the subscription service started in 2017 to 8.35 million as of October this year. Users are primarily in their 20s and 30s, with female members accounting for 59% and male members 41%.