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?
Don’t forget to leave a link to your actual response (so people don’t have to go searching for it) in the comments—or if you prefer, leave your answers in the comments themselves!
My favorite reading spot is a small green upholstered chair, with matching ottoman, that sits in the far corner of the living room. There’s a reading lamp situated in just the right spot behind it, and during the daytime it gets great light from the windows along the south wall. I have a small table next to it where I can set my water bottle.
I don’t need to be anywhere near that spot in order to read. I read in bed, at the breakfast table, in waiting rooms, in the car (as long as I’m not driving, of course!), at my desk during lunch hour, at Starbucks, on a bench at the mall, at the hair salon…you get the picture. Clearly I’m not a “Goldilocks” reader (although I agree that I like that description). As long as I have a book around, and my reading glasses are handy – which is pretty much all the time, anywhere I go – I’m ready, able, and willing to read.
I can read anything, anywhere. I can not help but read.
Worse, I can’t help but find errors in what I read. Are you aware that there is a typo or just plain mistake in every restaurant menu in the known universe? It’s true.
While I am a truly promiscuous reader I do tend to be a Goldlilocks sort of writer. Which is bad.
But I’m working on it!
Have just now noted that I spelled “Goldilocks” as “Goldlilocks.”
Argh. Glass house. Have at it.
WG – Re: your second comment, I happen to be a good speller but a lousy typist. Don’t worry about it :-).
I also have a fetish for proofreading, if you want to call it that. Some of the things that make it into print amaze me; spell-check is great, but it doesn’t catch word misuse.
I can read anywhere, anytime. I don’t usually bother if I’m going to get less than two minutes, but for anything over that? Absolutely. I ALWAYS have a book with me, just in case.
Your friend, the Goldilocks (that IS an awkward word to type!) reader sounds rather like my son’s girlfriend. She has a learning disability that affects her concentration, specifically with reading. She canNOT handle auditory distractions while reading. She MUST be in a quiet environment.
Interesting, isn’t it?
I used to be a Goldilocks type – mainly because I had to teach myself to read at a normal pace again after the slam bam of grad school. But once my son was born I quickly learned to read in every tiny crevice of time I could find. I read everywhere.
Nope, I’m not a Goldilocks either. On the other hand, it’s not clear that I can function well WHILE I’m reading in other environments – my husband, for instance, often asks me questions three times before I notice that he’s speaking.
Looks like the consensus around here is not in favor of Goldilocks. “Live to read” vs. “read to live,” I guess…
I am a read wherever I am and under whatever circumstances I may find myself in.
I do go through spells where I will ready anything and everything. Then, I go through spells where nothing appeals to my appetite.