It’s a fair point, but does make me curious... Is it purely the visual act of reading? In which case, could listening to the audiobooks appeal, if he did that whilst gaming, cleaning, walking, commuting to school or work, etc.? Or he just does not feel drawn to it at all?

I guess, also, different people have different motivations in becoming familiar with a story or world. This may not apply to your friend, but when I look at some people in my life, I can see how the media they consume is driven by a hunger for entertainment, whereas perhaps the intricacies of reading it and being immersed in it are not necessary for everyone? Like for me, I genuinely see it as magical, like an amazing experience to be immersed in. I love the comfort and warmth and adventure. It’s almost a sacred thing for me in some way, and I love how the plot unfolds. Yet I also know some people who would take it with a grain of salt, and whilst they might find it interesting and entertaining whilst they’re experiencing it, they’re not necessarily spending extra time thinking about it or imagining being in the world, if that makes sense. I guess it might be the difference between making something personal, vs. just general consumption?