I like to read in public. I find it relaxing. I enjoy the background noise. It seems to somehow mold itself into the happening within the book. As though the chatter from the pub’s patrons are the very chatter I’m reading about. It doesn’t interfere with my concentration. It never has. I don’t just read books in pubs. I read while sitting in the back of my truck in random parking lots, on the beach, around a campfire, etc. And, I use to read while walking from class to class on the UMASS, Amherst campus. One time, while walking with a book in my face, a young lady pulled the book down and kissed me. I don’t know why I didn’t ask her name. Instead I continued on, walking and reading, but now with a large smile on my face.
While in public people often ask what I’m reading. This has lead to many great conversations, as well as, new friends. Generally the question I ask is them is, “What author do you like best?” It seems when one book-head sees another it’s hard not to connect. All I know is that I love to read.
Do any of you read in public? If so, do you have a favorite location?
Matt
mtaggartwriter 
I like to read home. But, I think it is very interesting to read at a bar. I will try it out 🙂
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Yes! I hope that you do try it out and that you have a good experience!
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I will keep you posted *crosses fingers*
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Sounds good! I’ll be looking for an update lol
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“One time, while walking with a book in my face, a young lady pulled the book down and kissed me. I don’t know why I didn’t ask her name. Instead I continued on, walking and reading, but now with a large smile on my face.”
Wow. 🙇
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I guess she was very confident lol
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And she walked with it!! 😂
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She literally did ha!
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Hi Matt. Yes, I used to love to read sitting on the grass under a tree in the city of York, England. There was just something about the atmosphere there that made me feel very happy, and reading there was great. Of course, I remember the best days, when the sun was shining. Don’t think I have ever done it in the rain. I’ve probably done it in coffee shops too. My reading days are over now, but I remember thise days with pleasure
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What a great memory. Thank you for sharing that with us.
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I have my den for reading and writing. Though I read while travelling be it train, bus, plane. But no guy has ever approached me this way. 😀🙂
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Lol it was random for sure. Watch it happen to you next week 😂
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Waiting for the same 😂
Nice lines. 👍
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I’m going to start reading walking in public
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I believe that’s a fantastic idea!
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I was a public reader way back in the day . I fallen out of the habit as I sketch (or sometimes paint) when I’m out and about now.
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I wonder, is it roughly the same feeling? I don’t know how to draw or paint.
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It feels more public. I find that people are more likely to comment on what I’m doing when I’m painting or drawing rather than reading.
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If I am into my book then I can read in public – otherwise I find the background distracting and would prefer to be at home. Interesting to think about though!
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A good book certainly helps!
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Omg! I love reading on my way home from work! The train is my best location for now 😊
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Ah! Nice! I like not being alone in this lol
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I read in public as well. Usually at work, or at the park. But like you, people have come up to me asking what I am reading and conversations that ignite usually are pretty good. Keep reading! Also what are you reading now?
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Reading at the park sounds nice. We don’t have a park where I am. We do have lots of mountains though lol. I just started to read The Cat’s Table. What about you?
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I’m chewing away at The Shadow of What was Lost. I’ll take Mountains anytime, lucky! lol
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Just come visit Maine lol. Hmmm if you are chewing on it, I do hope it’s a decent flavor.
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Like you, I read anywhere and everywhere. I’ve never been kissed while reading though 🤔 but that would be awesome. PS: My favorite author is Peter F Hamilton, though Patrick Walts is a very, very close second.
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Shit! What a great post that would be. It’s your idea. Who’s your favorite author(s). Ask and answer. I’ll participate
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I thought to myself… if I comment and don’t leave an answer… you’ll ask me! LOL I beat you to your own question!
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Not much of a reader. More a skimmer. And I would read anywhere, if I were…a reader
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A speed reader 😜
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Hey Matt no need to ask….how are you though and the rest of the crew
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Thank you for asking. We are doing good. Just watched three deer grazing out back for a bit. How are you?
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Fine Matt
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I can read in coffee houses of all kinds, but bars usually defeat me. Although, the Cambridge Brewing Company has outdoor seating, and I’ve been able to read there while drinking their beer and eating their food.
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Cheers! How have you been?
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Life is improving, thank you. The classes I’ve been teaching have been going well, and one of the major headaches in my life has wound down enough not to mar my attitude.
And sorry to hear about your son taking a fall, but I’m glad you caught him!
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It all depends on what I’m reading. If it’s a straight forward novel that flows well I can read it pretty much anywhere. But anything requiring more concentration and I need as much quiet as possible. I’ll either read in bed, or take myself off to my office, sink into an easy chair and lose myself in the pages of a book.
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