Thursday, September 06, 2007

Booking Through Thursday: Goldilocks


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 find that I can read just about anywhere, anytime, and under most conditions, although sometimes the book I am reading insists on a more controlled environment. Some books require careful concentration and focus, demanding minimal distractions and longer stretches of time for reading if I expect to fully appreciate the subject matter.

In most instances, however, I have no difficulty snatching a moment here and there with whatever book I am reading. Perhaps I only have a few minutes waiting at the drive-thru or it's a commercial break during a favorite TV show (this is becoming less and less of a habit though since the advent of DVR's and DVD's). It's not unusual for me to break out my book and read before the start of a movie at the theater, while my husband pumps the car full of gas, or to settle on a bench in the mall while I wait for Anjin while he browses in his favorite Anime store. Just yesterday, I read while waiting for my husband's car to be fixed at the repair shop.

Admittingly, I most enjoy my reading time when I can devote a decent chunk of time to a book, especially for the first few chapters--I like having the time to settle into a book and fully take in the mood. Still, it's not a requirement for my enjoyment of a book nor is it always practical. I take what I can get when I can get it.

While I have come to appreciate and sometimes prefer the quiet when I read, I do not mind music in the background, having the television on, or sitting in a crowded room with chatter all around me on the condition that the volume is not overwhelming to the point of distraction. I can only tune out so much regardless of how gripping the book may be. It is not unusual when I am engrossed in a book for a person to have to make a bigger than normal effort to gain my attention. And yet if I am in the lunch breakroom at work and a certain someone is talking on her cell phone at top volume, I discover I have trouble concentrating.

The location matters the least in that I can read just about anywhere. I do like to be comfortable, but comfort doesn't require my living room couch or my most favorite reading place, my bed. A spot on the grass works just fine when I'm in the park or perhaps a chair while waiting in the doctor's office. I can read while outdoors, indoors, or halfway inbetween. I read while traveling, either by car, plane or train. I sit in my car sometimes and read during my lunch break. And I've been known to walk from room to room in my house while reading or while standing in line. Who needs to sit after all?

I try and always take a book with me so I can sneak a peek at any available moment. I've even been known to pack my husband's book in my purse so he has something to read should the occasion arise.

While I am no Goldilocks, I think I fall somewhere between the two extremes.

Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!

14 comments:

  1. Gosh, we do love our books don't we? I'm the same way.

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  2. I used to love reading in bed but now it's hurting my back, not sure why. I still love laying on the couch and reading, go figure!

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  3. I too can read anywhere, anytime, any place.

    Why are cell phone talkers so unbelievably annoying? They're about the only thing I can't quite tune out either, particularly if they're shouting into their phones. Which, for the most part, they are.

    I suppose shoving the phone.....never mind.

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  4. Cee Cee - Yes, we do. :-)

    Erin - Ouch! As long as you can find a comfortable position, I suppose that's all that matters, right? :-)

    Carrie K - I've thought about shoving the phone . . . yeah, like you said, nevermind. ;-) They really are annoying.

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  5. Quick note: LOVE the little paw print that appears for comments. Too cute.

    Thanks for commenting on my blog. It was fun reading your answer as well. I like the "controlled environment" comment.

    Thanks again!

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  6. I can read anywhere...except in the vehicles except trains. Funny eh?

    And yeah, I do find phone talkers distracting, the same goes to the ringing tones of the cell phones.

    Happy reading! :)

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  7. Walking around the house is more challenging in my new house, but I still do it.

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  8. Oops...I didn't notice my error after posting it! :P

    I meant I can read anywhere except in the vehicles but I've no problem reading in the train though, hehe.

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  9. Carrie - Thank you. I really like the paw prints too. My husband found them for me. :-)

    Some ringing tones can be really annoying. One of my coworkers' ring tone is her baby crying. It's really really annoying. She's the reason everyone has to keep their phones on vibrate now. Haha

    Melody - I figured you meant that you could read in trains. :-) Maybe it has something to do with size.

    Chris - Once you get the layout down, you'll have no problems at all. LOL

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  10. OK ... I will admit, and agree, that loud cell phone conversations do distract me - especially in places like coffee shops or restaurants where I can't get away from them. I didn't think of that when I answered.

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  11. Bookgal - Cell phone are unique, I think. :-)

    I do that too though, find I've left stuff out as I read other people's responses.

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  12. I'm with you on this one!! When you brought up Disney, I was like...Man! I wish I had thought to bring a book with me while waiting in those lines!!

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  13. I always try to have a book with me too. You just never know when you'll have a little bit of time.
    I'd find the person talking loudly on their cell phone distracting and annoying too!

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  14. Stephanie - Well, you have kids and so reading in line might not be quite so easy to do. :-) LOL It's no wonder you didn't think of it.

    Tanabata - You really don't know when a reading opportunity might arise! I don't know what it is about cell phones . . . I could probably list a whole set of pet peeves related to the things. Haha

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