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On Reading in Public

mtaggartwriter38 Comments

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

38 thoughts on “On Reading in Public”

  2. “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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  9. 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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  10. 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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  13. 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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  14. 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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