Bed, Chair, Sofa, or Floor?
And no, I’m not talking about certain recreational activities. I’m just wondering where you guys like to read.
See, I used to have this image of a “proper” reader: Someone who sits straight-backed in a chair, or lounges with dignity in an armchair, legs crossed, holding a book in two hands, serenely flipping the pages.
But I discovered early on that I’m not like that. Me, I sprawl. I fidget. I cross my legs in a chair, then turn ninety degrees and hang my legs over the arms, then flop onto the floor and lean against my desk. I do all sorts of random stuff. And that’s only at my desk. So I need space to move.
By and large, there are four reading options for me:
Bed
If I’m reading in bed, it’s at night. And if it’s at night, that means a limited period of time. Which kinda sucks if I’m in the middle of a really gripping passage, but hey – self control, right? I also sometimes do work in bed, because I like having the space to spread out. But when it comes to leisure reading, I find that no matter how I start off (leaning back, cross-legged, etc.), I always end up on my stomach with a pillow under my chin.
Chair
For a brief period of time, I actually owned an armchair with those extendable footrests, and lord above, that was wonderful. This was my ideal reading situation, because I could lounge on my back or side, or I could prop my feet flat, or whatever. The world was my oyster! Sadly, the armchair disappeared, and now if I read in a stationary chair, the default position is cross-legged, provided the chair’s big enough. Otherwise, I start my random fidgeting (see above).
Sofa
I find them deadly uncomfortable. Neither bed nor chair nor floor, and just a weird combination of angles that makes for discomfort. Then again, maybe all that means is that I have an uncomfortable sofa. So why do I still read there? Because aside from my front doorstep, it’s the only place I can see the neighourhood.
Floor
Weirdly enough, this actually is an option for me. Sometimes if I know I have to go somewhere, but take the time to read a chapter or two, then I’ll sit on the floor. It’s comfy enough that I can get immersed in the book, but not soft enough that I’ll plant myself there for ages. Exception: When I got engrossed in The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and didn’t move for hours.
Standing in front of an open window in my bloomers
I’m just kidding. I don’t actually do that. (And yes, I know she’s actually wearing a combination.)
I do some outdoor reading, but not a lot, because the bugs love me. So no outdoor hammocks, although occasionally I plop myself on the front steps. I hate reading or studying in libraries because the endless quiet sort of freaks me out. I also do some reading on the subway, but not the bus – that just makes me vomit.
Overall, I’d say my reading venues consist mostly of the bed with a side helping of my armchair. What about you? Are there any places I’ve left out that you’d like to share?
– Jean AAR