Through stunning, intimate images from 19 talented photographers, The Reader showcases readers in a wide variety of settings, from cozy cafes to serene parks, city benches to sandy beaches. And despite the diversity of locations, each photograph portrays the universal yet deeply personal connection between a reader and the printed word. Four original essays written by independent bookstore owners and quotes from authors interspersed throughout the book explore the significance of reading, the emotions it evokes, and the escapism it provides.