This week’s Book Blogger Hop question: Are you ever without a book?
Never.
I bring a book to work, on errands, to the doctor’s office, any time I’m meeting someone, to most parties (and never read it), to every meeting of my weekly writing group (where, in three years, I’m positive I’ve never read a book), and…pretty much any other situation you could think of. I’ve gone to the movies alone and read while waiting for the movie to start (though the lighting can be a challenge). I’ve read standing in line at the grocery store and while waiting in line to climb the towers of Notre Dame Cathedral. The only time I don’t have a book with me is when I go for my morning walk and only carry my keys and cell phone—which has a Kindle app, so technically I do have books with me.
Because you just never know when you might have time to read!
Having an e-reader has certainly helped when I’m trying to read as I wait for a movie in a semi-darkened theater. (I never read during the previews or when the movie starts, however–I know how annoying the glare might be for others).
While I think Diane above does raise a valid point about reading possibly being a barrier in public for interacting with others, I also think it can have the very opposite effect and be a great conversation starter. In my experience, my reading in public doesn’t necessarily stop people from socializing with me, but rather gets them curious about what I’m reading. I’ve been known to strike up a conversation with someone I see reading too depending on the situation.
Here’s my response: http://www.literaryfeline.com/2015/08/beyond-books-my-favorite-game-lost.html
Oddly enough, I think the only place I routinely go without having a book for reading with me is when I’m working one of the public service desks at the library. I do usually have a journal or two for reading, though, and of course sometimes I have something to check out for myself with me. Otherwise, I’ll bring a print book if I know I’ll have time to read and keep my Sony Reader in my purse for emergencies.
I agree….you never know when you will find time to read. 🙂
Great answer as always.
Happy Hopping!!
Elizabeth
Silver’s Reviews
My Blog Hop Answer
That is a very introvert way of living – also a way of always being prepared for “down” time. The only negative to having a book at the ready for every situation where you may have idle time is that it can be a barrier to interacting with people you might meet. However, I don’t know how much you would do that anyway in, say, the grocery line. Having a book handy certainly helps with keeping up with your reading challenges!