On the day-to-day basis of my life, when I read, I'm on the treadmill. It's the only time of day that I really feel is mine and I won't feel guilty because I'm combining exercise and reading. Win-win, right? Now that it's summer, I need to work on my stupid farmer's tan (I'm not really a farmer) so maybe some reading in the sun will be great. To be honest, I don't have many stipulations on what my surroundings must be like when I read. The only must is that I must be comfortable. It's a given, right? Well, if I'm on the treadmill, I actually don't want to sweat. So I feel myself getting sweaty there or even unbearably hot outside, I'm out. While it's not a must, I do enjoy listening to music while I read. The music depends on the book most of the time, and since I'm a mood reader, I'm a mood listener too.
But I was wondering, don't books become more treasured or enjoyable when you're in a better setting? For me, the best thing about being at a hotel
Music, no music, sunshine, air conditioning, nearby water, inside fireplace...they're all changes in our surroundings that people like or dislike. While I do love reading at the beach, I also mourn when I have to work when it's raining because that means no pleasure reading. In Florida summers, we have thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are perfect for movie-watching or reading pleasure. Trust me.
Of course, this is where my impatience comes in. If you've stuck around this far, thank you. I'm trying to process my pondering. Here's a little informal survey: are you particular about your setting? Do you have to be in a certain spot to really enjoy reading? Do you hate a specific setting? Weather? Music? For whatever odd reason, I get sick in the car when I read sometimes, while other times I'm perfectly fine for hours. Can you read in the car? Do you look forward to multitask your reading (tanning and reading, exercising and reading, etc.)? WHAT DO YOU LIKE?
I would kill to live on the beach-it's the best place to read! Like you said, there are just so many positives: the sunshine, the water, etc. I can read almost anywhere but I prefer reading in bed on rainy days (which are my favorite because they are so rare here) and reading in the car or hotel room when we go on trips. Fun topic :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, yes beds on rainy days are the BEST. Sometimes it's the couch for me because I have a slider door next to it so I can really be by the rain and coziness. Also, totally agree about hotel rooms.
DeleteAww love that Charlie gif! I'm quite particular when it comes to reading, as I have a huge family, or endless family stopping by without calling, I like to read snuggled up in my duvet, even more when there's no one else around, I know I sound pretty anti-social, it's what my sisters call me all the time. But I'm either working and never get time to read. Also I love it when it's raining outside and I'm reading indoors, I am a fan of the Summer, but prefer reading in wintery type weather with a hot drink to keep me company. Also I can't read a book in the car at all, but can on my Kindle! So odd! I had a lot of fun reading this discussion post Summer, thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteHa, I am RIGHT THERE with you, Jasprit on being anti-social. I'd rather be by myself reading than almost anything else.
DeleteI'm not very particular about the setting I'm reading in, except like you wrote, I must be comfortable wherever I'm at! My favorite spots to read are at my desk in my room, and (This might be a bit weird to some people.) sitting in the car with the windows rolled down while I wait for my Mom to get done where she's shopping at. I love the way the breeze feels! The only time I don't like to read is when a lot of people are around talking, it's hard for me to focus on the book then. And most of the time, I prefer to read indoors instead of outdoors (I'm a fan of air conditioning and the outdoors is sadly lacking it. (; )! I love reading indoors when it's raining, and I don't mind reading outdoors when it's breezy! I don't listen to music while I'm reading ( I used to, but not now.), I find it hard to focus that way. I'm able to read in the car and used to do it a lot, but now I usually just listen to music and look outside instead now. And reading is the one thing I don't like to multitask while doing! Love the post Summer! It's fun to read people thoughts about it! And a Charlie gif! Love! :)
ReplyDeleteAt a desk? Yeah, strange to me, but hey whatever works ;) Love your comment!
DeleteI love that this post is so personal! For me, I generally spend most of my morning and afternoon commutes on the subway reading books (though there are times when I sleep too!). But my absolute favorite time to read is when I'm traveling. I always remember details from books better by remembering WHERE I was when I read them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alexa! The only reason why I wouldn't mind a long commute is because it does seem like a great time to catch up on my reading. I used to have one and would listen to an audiobook in the car!
DeleteWe get lots of rain on the West Coast, and there's nothing better than curling up with a good book, a cozy blanket and a big mug of tea :). This is a great post! It made me remember one of my favourite reading experiences, which was beach reading on my honeymoon and getting lost in The Shadow of the Wind!
ReplyDeleteHa, that sounds great!
DeleteI can't read if it's too noisy and I can't read much in a car, but otherwise I'm not too particular. Of course, I do prefer reading outside on a nice day, and if it's somewhere like a beach or poolside that is a definite added bonus, though sadly I don't get to do that a whole lot since I don't have a pool and I live in a landlocked state.
ReplyDeleteCome down here!
Delete"Not that I'm above stalking, I do it pretty frequently." Haha! I think we all have a little bit of a stalker side. Last night was my school's prom, so of course I spent some time on Twitter looking at pictures from people who were going (and trying to decide if I'll go next year when I'm an upperclassman or if I'll let my "I don't want to spend money on a dress" impulses win).
ReplyDeleteAnyway, as for your actual post, I can pick up a book just about anywhere - I just read wherever it is most convenient at the time. I also enjoy reading on the treadmill because I feel accomplished for multitasking, and my favorite reading atmosphere will always include the sound of rain. :)
Oh my goodness, that GIF is priceless. :) I'm such a mood reader these days, but honestly, the setting doesn't matter to me. I can read anywhere. That's not to say that some places aren't better than others, but I'll fit reading (or listening!) in whenever I can. I only have to have music if there's other disruptive noise around me, like the TV. My family cannot fathom how I can listen to music and read at the same time, but I have to in order to tune them out, lol. And I most certainly love to multitask. If I can't read while I'm doing something, I'll probably switch over to an audiobook. Like I said, I'll read at every possible opportunity. :) I love this post, Summer!
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