Thursday, September 6, 2007

Booking Through Thursday


I like this week's question:

Okay, so the other day, a friend was commenting on my monthly reading list and asked when I found the time to read. In the ensuing discussion, she described herself as a “goldilocks” when it comes to reading–she needs to have everything juuuuuust right to be able to focus. This caught my attention because, first, I thought that was a charming way of describing the condition, but, two, while we’ve talked about our reading habits, this is an interesting wrinkle. I’d never really thought about it that way.
So, this is my question to you–are you a Goldilocks kind of reader?
Do you need the light just right, the background noise just so loud but not too loud, the chair just right, the distractions at a minimum?
Or can you open a book at any time and dip right in, whether it’s for twenty seconds, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or indefinitely, like while waiting interminably at the hospital–as long as the book is open in front of your nose, you’re happy to read?

I can read anything anywhere anytime. I feel this is because I covet the whole reading experience. The feel of newspaper print and the smell and rustle of the pages is part of a daily awakening routine for me. I assess a book's print type, size and weight along with how easy it will stay open so I can have my hands free for something else. Having a book at hand while I dry my hair, while I am a passenger on even a short car ride helps the time fly by. Having a book is a refuge for more tense situations ---- such as routine medical appts when I can feel my anxiousness increase. Or times when I feel things are a little more out of my control there is something predictable in very old comfortable favorites such as "A Prayer for Owen Meany" or "Traveling Mercies" or "To Kill a Mockingbird" (which I read during the week of my graduate school written and oral comprehensive exams). The stacks of books around our home are testament to my feeling that every moment is the perfect time to read.

6 comments:

Patrick said...

This is probably not a surprise, but my reading times are the same everyday. The only exception that I find is the doctor's waiting room, which I have been visiting more and more lately.

heather (errantdreams) said...

I admit I do appreciate a book that is easy to carry around and easy to hold open---because I like to read anytime, anywhere.

Stephanie said...

I'm with you!! I usually have a book with me in the house at all times. Drying my hair is a big one! (Gee, I thought I was the only one that did that!)

Cool answer!! Happy Thursday!

Kathleen said...

I've read in lots of places and while doing lots of things but I must say I've never read while drying my hair! My BTT is up.

bookinhand said...

I feel like something is missing if I don't have my latest book with me. Although I have to admit, I have never read while doing my hair. Diane

Julia said...

You right, every moments is a perfect time to read. I love that statement :) I pretty much agree with what you said though

Happy BTT!