–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?
The things I require in order to read are as follows:
- a comfortable seat, preferably a couch or recliner
- a decent light nearby
- a drink and a snack within reach, hot tea and something salty are best
- no noise, not even instrumental music or excessive bird chirping
- a chunk of time, I can't stand reading for only a few minutes here and there
- absolutely no TV nearby, if there's a TV I will be watching it, no matter how stupid the program
When written out this way I sound like a Goldilocks type of reader. But reading is important for my sanity so I have created a space in my life that fits these requirements so I may read almost everyday. But it does make it difficult to read outside of my home. I read on a recent vacation during the long drives but I couldn't read in the hotel rooms or at the pool. And I never read while visiting Mom. She owns at least 3 TVs.
The reason that I think I require so many stipulations has a lot to do with stimulation. I become overstimulated easily, and being a person who has always struggled with reading, it is the first area of activity that shuts down if there is a lot of commotion. With instrumental music or nature noises, they just bring about an emotional reaction in me that interferes with the emotions in stories. I will lay down my book, close my eyes and listen with a contented smile.
4 comments:
Nope, I'm not a Goldilocks reader. My husband is amazed how I can read under any circumstances -- while the TV is on, in the car, anywhere. I take something to read just about everywhere I go just in case there's a spare moment or two because I hate to just sit. I think I should just sit more, though. I'm probably missing a lot of what's going on around me. Sometimes that's intentional! ;-)
I'm impressed that you have created reading space for yourself. Good for you!
Your six points could easily be written by me... even down to the salty snacks and the birds chirping. LOL. And heaven help anyone who wants to put the TV on while I'm reading!! Therefore I too must be a Goldilocks reader... though I can read in other places such as when we're away on holiday - I just have to find the right spot. :-)
Anne-it must be nice to be able to follow a storyline despite activity in the background. My hubby can read something online while listening to a pod cast with classical music in the background. That would drive me batty.
Bookgal-the kiddos go to bed by 8pm every night and I don't sleep until 11pm at the earliest. Without a TV, whatelse is there to do? Three or more hours is enough to make a dent in a book.
Cath-at first I thought I was only a little bit of a Goldilocks reader. Then I typed out my list and figured that was about as "Goldilocks" as I could get. lol
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