I think it was partly them being smart and partly them thinking they don't want to do something the teacher at school is supposed to do. I find it interesting that given how late people of my generation have learnt to read here, we still top those PISA lists that are about reading skills. I agree, smaller kids might miss some plot points and such if they read Harry Potters at the age of six or so. I think I was about nine too when I read the first one.

I find it interesting that I actually tend to read quite a lot while traveling, but that might be because I often go alone. And I get what you mean by taking time to process a book, I do that too. I can understand you not spending your time on reading because you really do so many creative things that I could never do.

I love beautifully constructed sentences
I think this shows in your own writing, your way of writing is so exquisite and beautiful. I think you manage to pick up a lot of good things from the books you read and use them. And I mean that in the most positive way. :)