The adult coloring book controversy continues

Every week, The Thread recommends a book that offers a fresh perspective on the news.

Last week, I let my feelings about adult coloring books be known. If you missed it, here's the gist: I think real books trump coloring books, if you're looking for a way to fill your time.

This week, I'm still digging out from under the avalanche of emails and tweets that came my way after I said that.

To that, I say: Bring it on! I love hearing from you about books, whether it's a "You go, girl!" or a "Where do you get off?" And this pile contained plenty of both.

Tamara emailed to say that I had really ticked her off. "I'm an educated person with two advanced degrees and I like to color," she wrote.

Pastor Chris wrote that she expected more of me. "Adult coloring is used to manage anxiety and other mental health issues," she said. "People like me use it to help focus busy minds during prayer and contemplation."

Then there were the people who wrote to agree. Many, including Cheryl, said they worried that adult coloring books were more evidence of an "infantilizing culture" that condones childish pursuits for grownups. Eric Tweeted: "It's absurd. Same reason adults took over Halloween. Big bodies with child brains."

Do you know what the median number of books read by Americans was last year? Four. Four books. And if that's the median, then plenty of Americans are reading far less.

So, if you are one of the people who wrote to say, "I read and color," this isn't about you.

But if you can count the number of books you read last year on one hand, I still say: "Put down the colored pencils and pick up a book."