06 September 2007

Goldilocks

Okay, so the other day, a friend was commenting on my monthly reading list and asked when I found the time to read. In the ensuing discussion, she described herself as a “goldilocks” when it comes to reading–she needs to have everything juuuuuust right to be able to focus. This caught my attention because, first, I thought that was a charming way of describing the condition, but, two, while we’ve talked about our reading habits, this is an interesting wrinkle. I’d never really thought about it that way.

So, this is my question to you–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?


Hm. Well, as usual, I have to say, "It depends." Overall, I can read nearly anything, anywhere, at anytime. I admit that if I am reading something with a lot of characters that are all important to the story, or if the plot requires extreme attention to detail, then things do need to be "just right" in order for me to get anything out of it.

For the most part, though, as long as I have a book with me, I am happy to at least try reading it whenever/wherever I can. Not just so I can read it, but also as a buffer against other people, since a lot of people will leave you alone (even give you wide berth) if you are reading something ...

12 comments:

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I can read anywhere anytime. I'll read a book standing up, if need be, but prefer to be sitting in a chair with a cup of tea :) I'm currently absorbed in Enchantment by Orson Scott Card who writes wonderful fantasy/sci-fi books. It isn't quite at the level of his Ender's Game but a wonderful read regardless.

Anonymous said...

Lucky you. I pick up a book and everyone wants to talk to me. Well, OTOH, it's highly unlikely I don't have a book in my hand.....;)

I'm so not a Goldilocks reader. Any where, any time, any place.

Ann said...

Lately knitting has been a higher priority than reading, but I can do either anywhere and almost at anytime. Well, actually for both the size and weight of the book/project is the limiting factor.

teabird said...

The same thing happens to me - if I take out a book, suddenly people want to talk to me. What I want to say (but don't, of course) is, "get your own book and *&%% off!"

Carol said...

I can read almost anywhere. Except in the car which makes me queasy. Now knitting and crocheting, I do much more if everything is "just right" (clean house, etc.).

LadyLungDoc said...

Heck - the world can disappear on me while I'm merely reading the side of a cereal box! You could set off a bomb in the other room and it would be 10 minutes before I'd say "What was that noise?"

BookGal said...

I've found I actually do better reading those "need to know the important details" type books in short spurts. Maybe my old brain just needs processing time.

Brigitte said...

I would have to say no! Although I'm limited as to where I can read - reading on anything that moves (car, train...) makes me nauseous...

Anonymous said...

Anytime, anywhere. I get most of my reading done in the bus in the morning, commuting to work :)

Lauren said...

I'm mostly an anytime anywhere type of girl... when it comes to reading anyway. :D

T said...

I read anything anytime anywhere (except moving cars). Actually, I get so lost in a story if it's good, I'll read until it's too dark to see the pages without remembering to turn on a light. My poor husband really likes to read, but he has to have no distractions - at all. TV off, phone off, good light... you name it, it distracts him. When I have something I really, really want to read, I set him up comfortably, make sure there's no reason to even walk across the room and then we can both dive in.

mary said...

Oh fun question! I read anywhere. In fact, I often read to take myself away from where I am, sitting in a waiting room, airport, airplane, any noisy, uncomfortable place.

I agree with the poster who said when you are reading folks usually give you a wide berth. I find if I am knitting, everyone asks me questions about it or tells me about their knitting. Sometimes I'm in the mood for chatting, but if I'm not, I will be reading.