At its core, this shift isn’t about literature — it’s about looking like a reader. Books have become an accessory, a personality trait and a status symbol. As a result, people are reading more visibly than ever. The joy of getting lost in a story, of struggling with complex ideas and of truly reading seems to be fading.

A simple cup of black coffee may be the ultimate symbol of mundanity. Plain and pedestrian — black coffee serves as that quick hit of caffeine before a long day of work or a long night of studying. But in the reflection of the darkness of a simple cup of black coffee, Patti Smith sees a way of life — the life of an artist.

The world is enraptured by female suffering. A woman with substance abuse issues, mental illness or unhealthy relationships with men is the subject of drama, entertainment and intrigue. People gather to see her on screen in “Euphoria,” “Fleabag” and “Game of Thrones.” And she’s not necessarily fictional, either — books, music and movies are sensationalized by their creator’s borderline martyred reputation, as with Sylvia Plath, Amy Winehouse, and Marilyn Monroe. 

In a night of spoken word, Boston University students and notable Boston residents shared their favorite poems, which included themes of mythology, cultural heritage and sexism. Ninety members of...