Thursday, September 6, 2007

Booking Through Thursday - Goldilocks

Booking Through Thursday


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?

Great question!! Truthfully, I'm not a discriminate reader at all!! So, the answer is NO, I'm not a Goldilocks kind of reader. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a book with me every where I go! Sure, it's nice to be able to cozy up next to the fireplace with a roaring fire (on a cold winter's night, of course!) with low music in the background. With just me and my book. But in my life that rarely, if ever happens!! With a loud husband, and 3 kids there are very few moments that I consider peaceful!! So I make do with what I can get!! I can tune out most of the background noise, if the book is interesting enough!

I always have a book in the car with me too. That way, I'll be prepared if I need it. If I'm in the passenger seat, I can usually read. And if I'm waiting for my son to finish football practice, I have it open in front of me. Doctor's offices are great places to read since you rarely get in at your appointed time!

When I was in Disney World, I got the cutest Tinker Bell bag. It's really a large purse/carry-all. I now how room to fit in a paperback!! So I'm never without a book!

Happy Thursday!



19 comments:

Kathleen said...

It seems like the majority of us can read anywhere! My BTT is up.

BTW - the blue links are almost impossible to read on your black background.

Stephanie said...

Callista - You are so right. Most of the responses I've seen are really similar to mine !

chrisa511 said...

Now you see, I'm much more of a goldilocks! I can't read if I have too much of a distraction. If there's too much noise around me, I can't concentrate on what I'm reading...unless I'm REALLY into the book, then I have no problem. I envy people like you!

kookie said...

That's funny about your Tinkerbell bag. I just traded in my regular sized purse for a small messenger bag so I could always have a paperback with me. Sympatico, I tells ya.

Stephanie said...

Chris - I'm telling ya...it's having kids around that will do it!!

Kookie - Sympatico, we are!! It was actually my search for my daughter's messager bag for school this year that brought on my purchase of Tinker Bell!!

Julia said...

Goodness, I always have my book(s) in my purse bag with me, so that anytime am somewhere I can be prepared to read it.

Thanks for visiting my blog! Happy BTT

bookinhand said...

I agree, can't go anywhere with out a book! Anywhere at anytime!
Diane

Literary Feline said...

Back when we had season passes, my husband and I often would read while waiting in lines at Disneyland to ride the rides. :-)

CeeCee said...

Now I read a lot but I think you guys have me beat with reading at Disneyland. Maybe I like to people watch too much!

Anonymous said...

Yes, it seems we do have a good bit in common when it comes to reading! Thanks for visiting my blog.

Chris said...

Moms have to Multi-task.

Mei said...

Having a book in the car has really helped me out! I don't get nearly so impatient at drive-thrus or in traffic jams now.

Melody said...

Great answer, Stephanie!

I can read anywhere except in moving vehicles, it makes me giddy!

Anonymous said...

I can read most places too (apart from the car when it's moving). I don't think I have seen anyone say they are a Goldilocks reader so far.

Pam said...

I use to think I was NOT a goldilocks reader until I really started analyzing my habits. What gets it for me is that whiel I could probably read most anywhere, I start obsessing on people's activities around me and lose focus.

Anonymous said...

I too can read anywhere, anytime, under almost any circumstances. Except in a car, but not for lack of trying; it just makes me sick and headachy.

Alice said...

Same thoughts, Stephanie! Thanks for coming by.

Have a good weekend!

tanabata said...

I usually have a book with me everywhere too. There's nothing worse than being caught out with time to kill and nothing to read!

Anonymous said...

i'm not entirely a goldilocks kind of reader, but i do read slowly, so i need to know that i have at least a half an hour to read before i pick up a book. but then, if its in a waiting room, i'd die if i didn't have something to read.

i also rather struggle if the tv is too noisy, and often might read non-fiction or a comic book instead.