Where Do You Read?

Susan here, thinking not so much about what we read as where we read—what are your favorite spots for reading books? Here at Word Wenches, we—authors and readers both—all love books and reading, and we’re often discussing our all-time favorites or our current reads, or whatever book we might be writing just now. And you all are always right there with us, sharing your love of books too. Our reading stacks are growing exponentially and of course we’re all doing our best to read, savor and enjoy all these wonderful books . . . .

 
But where? What’s your favorite preferred reading spot? A favorite comfy chair, a sofa in a quiet room, relaxing in bed with lots of pillows and a good book before sleeping? Are there books stacked in a basket beside your bathtub? Do you prefer sitting outside on a porch or a deck, or in a peaceful corner of the garden? If you’re at the beach, do you take a book or would you rather watch the waves rush in and out? Are you a reader when traveling by car, train, plane, boat, or does that motion combined with print make you a wee bit woozy? Do you listen to audiobooks while traveling or commuting? What spot creates for you the perfect atmosphere for reading? Comfort, lighting, quiet or a little background sound--or some outdoor location, a little breeze, a little sun--what sets the stage for magical reading? 

Here’s one of my reading corners in the house—an oak rocker in a sunny spot (we have two “presidential” style rockers and I love them—one belonged to my mom and is a genuine Kennedy rocker made by the same D.C. craftsman who made JFK’s famous rocker in 1961). The room is quiet, with filtered sunlight and walls of bookcases, and is away from the activity in other parts of the house. The chair is comfortable, fits me well, supports my back, rocks lightly if I want, and its generous armrests have room enough for writing and note-taking on a lap desk that I keep tucked nearby. I’ve been doing a lot of reading in this chair lately, staying out of the heat of summer. I also love to read in one of the big comfy chairs on our back deck, getting a little sun or sitting under the big umbrella out there, listening to birds ... though the heat and humidity can send me back inside before I finish a chapter. Pretty much, though, I’ll read anywhere I can—comfy chair, propped in bed, riding in a car (when driving, I love a good audiobook), sitting at the kitchen table, lounging on a sofa, or just about anywhere there's a book and a little time.

Reading is an art in itself. What we contribute to the symbiosis between author and reader to animate the story, how deeply we dive and focus and retain to draw out the most we can get from fiction or nonfiction, how we learn, how we benefit, what we do with that knowledge and new understanding. Reading and books can bring us peace as well as excitement--can change us and  enhance our lives and the way we live them. 

So where are you reading? Tell us about your favorite places! 

Here's a gallery of some very contented readers—in chairs, sitting by windows, in bed, in the garden, in a library, by the seashore, in moonlight, on a train . . . 

 

 

 

    

 

 

 

Comments

[Mary T]

My preferred place for reading is my favorite recliner. Reading outdoors doesn't work for me because I'm too busy watching birds and squirrels and just soaking in nature. Waiting rooms don't work for me either because I'm a natural born people watcher. I have read while traveling - more to alleviate boredom than for pure enjoyment.

As for audio books, I have mixed feelings. I've enjoyed some, others not so much. Sometimes it feels like the reader comes between me and the characters.

[Mary T]

By the way, I love the pictures you have included in this post.

[Susan King]

Thanks, Mary, so glad you enjoyed the post and the gorgeous pictures! I so agree on waiting rooms - I can't focus on a book in there, I'm watching people or I might even be a bit nervous, depending on why I'm there ... With audio books, if the narrator and the book are a good match, it can be a great experience. Being visual, I like to see the words on the page, but I've learned to listen too - and it's great for long drives!

[Mary Jo Putney]

What a lovely collection of reading pictures, Susan! I will read anywhere there is enough light--long post office lines, waiting to pick someone up, over a meal is I'm eating alone, and possibly the best because I'm undisturbed, in the bathtub with fragrant lavender oil and a cup of Sleepytime tea. Waiting rooms are good because a book I'm engrossed in is a good way of blocking out All Those People!

[Jan]

Everywhere and anywhere! I also love the paintings you included.

[Sue McCormick]

I sound like everyone else! I love the pictures, and like Mary Jo I can and do read everywhere.

I do have one special reading place, though — One you mentioned in your post. I love to read in bed, propped up by many pillows. It's not just before bedtime though; this spot works for my at any time. A close second to the bed is our recliner, but it isn't quite as comfortable.

[Bonnie Loshbaugh]

These days I end up reading on my phone wherever I am, but if I get the chance to relax I like curling into a big armchair by the window, or reading sprawled out on the bed like I did when I was a kid.

[Sue McCormick]

I had another look at those pictures. Do you happen to know the artist of the little girl who headlines the pictures? The artist looks familiar to my (from my childhood books?).

[Patricia Franzino]

Hi Susan, thank you for posting such gorgeous pictures.

I like to read wherever I happen to be - airport, train, bus, park, doctor's office, intermission of a concert, before a movie, a long line anywhere, home.

It moves the wait time along with great pleasure to immerse myself in a story.

[Susan King]

Hi Sue, that lovely picture is by Jessie Willcox Smith, who was a book illustrator in the late 19th/early 20th c.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jessie_Willcox_Smith

[StephanieL]

My favorites have changed with age. When I was young, I wanted to read tucked in bed with a million pillows or (like the bottom picture) laid out on the lawn. As an adult, I prefer my comfy recliner. I want tea and a good light and perhaps a throw if it's cool (or my hubby has the A/C in the frigid zone). I love to read while I ride. I can't sleep in a moving vehicle so reading is what I do on long rides. I can't handle audiobooks. Someone reading to me puts me to sleep. Not a good idea if you're driving! LOL Of course I read everywhere I get the chance, the very reason I love my kindle. I can have a plethora of books tucked in my bag at all times, but my preferred parking space is my recliner.

[Jana]

In the big old lazy boy recliner in our busy living room. I'm surrounded by Lego masterpieces, baby baby bouncers,nerf darts, and we'll, noise. A good book helps me keep my sanity when in the middle of chaos.

[Robyn]

I suppose it all comes down to what way you're reading. I think bed is best for me when holding a printed book. However, when I'm on a digital device then it's whenever/wherever and not to much sun to distract from the words.

[Mary M.]

Truly everywhere, including waiting rooms. I once read through a three-hour Customs line at Heathrow. It was annoying when I got to the front of the line and had to turn off my iPhone in the middle of an exciting passage.

[Maggie Robinson]

Lately, before I know it, it's the end of the day and time to crawl into bed with my Kindle (and my husband, but you notice what's first on my mind). I used to read a lot on the deck during the day in summer, but am trying to avoid baking in the wrinkles. I'll read until the Kindle hits me on the face (it doesn't take too long), and consequently it takes me ages to finish a book nowadays. But I always have my phone and/or the Kindle with me to read while waiting for appointments. When I lived on an island, I always read on the ferry ride when I should have been looking for seals.

[Annette Naish]

I am unable to read in a car - especially if I am the driver - I get car sick. I can read on planes and buses. I can read in waiting rooms, in fact I can read nearly everywhere.

Live everyone else, I love the pictures you have included in the post. I checked. On my computer in my screen saver pictures I have over 20 pictures of readers. I believe in looking at something I love.

I have added the Wilcox picture from your post.

[Patricia Rice]

Aren't Susan's images fabulous? That's her art background showing. She has a family gig today but the rest of us are in and out all weekend.

I need to learn to read in bed but never really have. A recliner is my favorite place. By the time I hit the pillows, my eyes are closed!

[Patricia Rice]

Yessssss, she says--which is why my e-reader is so handy to slip into a purse!

[Patricia Rice]

No one can read aloud as fast as I read to myself, so I get irritated at audio. It's just too slow. But reading in the car is one of my very favorite places!

[Patricia Rice]

You've seen one seal, you've seen them all. ;) But each book is a whole new world!

[Mary Jo Putney]

LOL! There you were, sanely adapting to an insane wait, and you had to quit to deal with customs. *G* I'd feel the same.

[Teresa Broderick]

I read everywhere and anywhere. I even have books by the toilet (if that's not too indelicate). There isn't really a favorite spot for me. I get distracted too easily if I read outside. There's so much to see.
I read every chance I get. I even read when I'm cooking dinner. I'm stirring the saucepan and holding the book. The family have had quite a few dried out or burnt offerings over the years. Whoops!! :):):)

[Janice]

Like Teresa, anywhere and everywhere. But my favorite spot is the sofa near the front windows for a couple of hours in the afternoon when the light is just right. Second favorite is in bed at night with my kindle. I always have something to read with me wherever I am. Used to annoy my family no end :)

[Malvina]

Gorgeous, gorgeous pictures. I read anywhere I can, but I do love to read in my comfy armchair, with a coffee at my side. The footrest can come up and I have a cosy throw for the cool times. Bliss.

[Kathy K]

I've been known to read at stoplights. I sometimes feel like "Number 5" saying, "Input! Input!"

[prema]

On the corner of my rocking love-seat for two, in our Family Room, right next to the Kitchen. Bolstered with many pillows and a warm throw if it gets a little cool.