This NPR article relies on a discredited book, and claims gender/language differences that aren't supported by science. I've summarized some top science journals' slams on the book:
http://www.readforpleasure.com/2007/09/why-women-read-more-than-men-or-not.html

Even now that The Myth of Mars and Venus is out [another Wordsy story], further debunking the article, NPR won't correct it!