CAROLYN
One of my favourite places to read, and probably the most common with many of you, is in bed at night before I go to sleep. I used to be able to read nearly half a book before going to sleep, but that’s not possible now. This, of course, is the hubster’s fault. Before we moved in together I used to read until the wee hours of the morning but now I get poked and prodded, and little whinges of ‘bright light’ creep up from under the bed covers beside me, so now I manage a few chapters, which I suppose is better than nothing…*and no, book lights don’t help either*

I also enjoy reading on my huge comfy sofa – but unfortunately this is also a place where I can get interrupted:
“What ya reading?” says hubby.
“A book.” I reply. I know what’s coming so keep answers short – don’t want to encourage him.
“Is it good?”
“Yes.”
“Are you enjoying it?”
“Yes.”
“What’s it about?”
“Argh!”
Now this may be familiar to many of you, but for those that are not don’t let them fool you – they’re not really interested but are feeling left out because your attention is now away from them. Sometimes it’s endearing, and I look at him fondly *bless him* but mostly I just want him to be quiet so I can READ MY BOOK!
Ahem…anyway. I have found that the older I get the quieter it has to be for me to really enjoy my book. I used to be able to read with music blaring, the TV on or even people talking around me – now I find it boggles my brain. So, it has to be quiet. If I have to endure these distractions then I will as I prefer to read than not, but I eventually found my serene sanctuary – my bath. Nobody follows me in there, *points finger at hubby*, as there’s nowhere comfy for them to sit! It’s utter bliss: warm water, soft scented bubbles and silence….*sighs contentedly* Honestly, to those who don’t read in the bath – you’re missing out!
However, I don’t want to end on a note with the hubby being totally in the dog-house. It is actually getting better. This is because he’s found something he likes to read…and when he’s all comfy in bed enjoying his book, do I seek revenge and turn the tables *evil laugh* of course I do!
“So, what ya readin’?”
LAURA
In my house I have two favourite places to read. The first is my bed. I love my bed, it’s a four poster and I bought it before my husband and I had even moved in together. It was one of those purchases when whatever the price you just know you have to have it, and I promptly spent a fair amount of time paying the price off. Ironically, when we did finally move into our first flat, the bed was nearly as big as the only bedroom, and we could barely fit any other furniture in the room! But I couldn’t find it in me to care. I’ve lost many hours in it snuggled under a thick duvet, absorbed in my favourite stories.

My second favourite place is my giant, purple armchair. Firstly purple is my favourite colour, but the armchair is also, well, giant! It’s big enough for me to hook my legs up onto and snuggle down under a furry blanket. With two cats and a dog in my house, it’s also rare for my reading sessions to be unaccompanied

There is one place that I don’t read and that’s in the bath. I’m slightly odd in that I don’t get relaxed in bath, and take no pleasure in the whole bubble bath and candle thing. It’s kind of like when I’m at the hairdressers and they’ve put the conditioner on my hair and the assistant then starts to massage my temples, all I can think of is please just hurry up and rinse it off. I have it on good authority from my friends that I am slightly strange in this!
One of life’s frustrations for me is that I can’t read and drive, especially since I now drive to work instead of getting the train. Unfortunately I think the traffic police and my poor car would have something to say if I did! However, over the last few months I’ve discovered audiobooks which have given me even more opportunities to stuff stories into my life. In fact, if you’re an audiobook fan, look out for my monthly audiobook review coming soon!
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21 Comments
what a fun post. i like to read in my office, or in my living room, or in a coffeeshop. I love all the photos of comfy chairs and favorite places- so neat
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I'm so glad it's not just my husband that asks lots of questions when reading, it's definitely an attention thing!
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My husband has an uncanny ability to ask questions just when a key turning point a book occurs.
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Hi Marie – Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Dot – I'm glad to hear it's not just mine! Why do they always need constant attention hehe
Hi Kaza – I know what you mean! Once I was reading a really emotional passage and he started with his questions – I nearly bit his head off LOL
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Lol, Carolyn your bit really made me chuckle. I do know those interruptions and as @Kaza says it's always at a good bit too!
Also, gorgeous deck you have Zosia!
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Hi Laura – I may not understand how you can possibly not love reading in the bath lol but I completely understand about the hairdressers! I don't find it relaxing either and with my long hair it's an absolute nightmare sitting there as they try and comb out all the knots!
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I'm embarrassingly rude when someone interrupts me while I'm reading. I feel like I should apologise later – BUT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW BY NOW – you don't interrupt a woman holding a book!
(Thanks Laura!)
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What a nice post. It's great to see where others read!
I do read in the bath, but only books I own. I'd have nightmares about library books being drowned so I keep them safe and dry.
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Man, I wish I had someplace fabulous to read. Alas, my bath is not big enough for me to soak in – I'm too tall for it. Although, the hubby does leave me along when I'm reading. Well, until he wants to know when dinner is ready or if I'm going to calm the screaming child. *sigh*
Right now, my favorite place to read is either at my computer (lame, I know) or downstairs on the couch. My favorite time to read is while the hubby is playing video games and the kids are in bed. NO INTERRUPTIONS!
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I wish that I could read in bed for long periods of time but, my lower back starts to hurt and I end up having to move. I'll usually end up on the couch or outside on the balcony if it's not too humid.
Really enjoyed this posts ladies.
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LOL Zosia! My sentiments exactly, very well put!
Hi Leeswammes – I understand your cautiousness regarding the bath – but in all the years I've been reading in the bath I've only every dropped two! Although I am with you and wouldn't read books that didn't belong to me in the bath.
Hi Jackie – Good idea to read when the hubs is playing video games! I try and coincide my reading with the hubster's favourite TV shows, although we have similar tastes in TV so it doesn't always work
Jen D – Oh I'm sorry to hear about your back, that's not good. I've had back and chest injuries before and it's so painful. I love reading outside if it's a warm night. We don't get many of those in the UK, so it usually happens when I'm on holiday, but it's lovely when I can do it
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I've got an old recliner that used to belong to my late grandfather. It's ratty as heck, but just as comfortable. Probably where I do most of my reading.
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I love reading in bed although recently with the cold weather, my room is a bit icy (with two external walls) so I have instead chosen the living room, as there is a nice wood burning stove and I can also wrap my brown fleece blanket around me.
I love reading anywhere though, although I draw the line at the bath, too many soggy books!!
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My loveseat! I bring a bunch of blankets and pillows and practically camp out xD But I don't bring ALL my books with(I prefer paperback), I bring a few in case I lose interest in one, so I don't have to get up. LOL
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Loved the insights into where everyone reads. I'm not fussy. Reading is such a luxury at the moment anywhere I can snatch a few minutes is good!
It's taken 26 years, but hubbie does now understand the dangers of the 'what are ya readin' now' question… Mind you it costs a fortune in sailing magazines to keep him occupied, but peace and quiet is worth every cent.
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What a great idea for a post. I'm not picky and I don't even have to be comfy to read, I just want to dive right into the story. I can be at work at my desk, in the kitchen at work, at home on my couch or chair or in my bed or in my car. There can even be a tv or music on! I just want to reeeeaad! (although i do HATE when people interrupt me!)
Ashlie@Bookish Novelties
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LOL..great post. Your hubby sounds just like mine. I love to read in the bed even though I get poked and prodded. I've learn to ignore it really well. Also love reading in the backyard. We have a nice deck so when the whether is nice I head there.
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Hi Rabid Fox – I find that the longer I have something the more comfortable it is. I have lots of holey jumpers that are falling apart but I love them LOL
Hi Ruth – That sounds so snug – I love real fires
Hi Hannah – That sounds great! When the weather is good here in the UK I sit out on my patio with blankets in the evening. Unfortunately, we don't really have many warm nights, even in the summer ;(
Hi Helene – I've been with my hubs for nearly 18 years and he still hasn't learnt LOL What is your secret?
Hi Ashlie – Thanks, I'm glad you liked it
I prefer my bath, bed and snuggy sofa but I will, and can, read anywhere, but only if I *have* to…
Hi Ing – Thanks, I'm glad I'm not the only one with a hubby like mine LOL I like reading in the back garden too, but the weather is so variable here in the UK that it's not always possible
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I loved this post! It's always fun to get a glimpse into where you do your reading and to see how it varies! I concur about the "watcha reading?" questions! My favorite spots are my couch and bed!
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Amused – Thanks, glad you enjoyed it! Hehe, I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets 'the questions'
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I thought I was the only person who doesn't like to take baths Laura! I'm glad to know I'm not alone.
I like to read in bed mostly – before going to sleep is about the only time I get time to read.
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