# Where do you read? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 5, 2004, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704 "2004-02-05T19:18:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MrVisible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@MrVisible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrVisible)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/1 "2004-02-05T19:18:13Z")
It recently occurred to me that I’ve been way behind on my reading lately. I have a huge stack of books that I’m very much looking forward to delving through, ranging from Robert Van de Castle’s [Our Dreaming Mind](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0345396669/102-5982734-8839312?v=glance) to Michael Chabon’s [The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312282990/qid=1076007937/sr=2-1/ref=sr_2_1/102-5982734-8839312). Bunches of others; three by Christopher Moore, some Stephen Fry, some Jared Diamond… all of which I really want to read. But I find myself spending all my free time in front of my computer, even when there’s really nothing to do. So I examined my life, to try and figure out why I’ve been so remiss on my reading habits, and I came to the realization that I don’t have a comfortable, well-lit place to read. I used to read in bed, but ever since I fell madly in love and moved in with my boyfriend, our differing schedules prevent me from my usual late-night literary pursuits. The living room is set up for watching movies. I sometimes read on the back porch, but that’s only feasible when I’m reading e-books on my palm pilot; the lighting is terrible. Especially at night. Now that I’ve made that realization, I’ve also realized that there’s plenty of space in my home office to set up a comfy reading space. I’m thinking a club chair and an ottoman, maybe, or one of those nifty massage chairs, and a floor lamp. Nothing extravagant, just a designated reading space. So, this weekend, I hit the consignment shops. In anticipation of this great and momentous event, and in celebration of my ability to finally see the stunningly obvious, I thought I’d ask all you Dopers to contribute your tales of reading locales. Do you have a particular place you always read? What’s it like? Was there ever someplace that was just perfect to settle down in with a book and while away the days? What would be your ideal reading nook? ---
**Author:** ![SanguineSpider](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9a140/32.png) [@SanguineSpider](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanguineSpider)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/2 "2004-02-05T19:22:05Z")
I’m female and I read on the pot. Got into the habit from visiting my father, who has massive amounts of reading material in his bathrooms. I also read at the dinner table when I can. I have a different book in each bathroom and sometimes a third at the table. I devour books _wink_. ---
**Author:** ![Eve](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/3 "2004-02-05T19:43:51Z")
In bed, mostly. For an hour or two every night before I turn in. Also, on the train—and I spend a _lot_ of time on trains these days. Much of that time spent saying, “will you shut the hell up on that goddam cell phone, I am trying to read!” ---
**Author:** ![Caricci](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Caricci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caricci)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/4 "2004-02-05T19:56:16Z")
I used to read everywhere: in bed, in a comfy chair with ottoman in the living room, at work during lunch. These days, however, I have taken up knitting and so I just read while sitting on the toilet. I can’t really knit there. Sometimes I read ABOUT knitting there. I often will be sitting there for like 10 - 15 minutes at a time, just for pee pee, reading. About knitting. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/5 "2004-02-05T20:00:02Z")
I read in a tree. No, seriously…I have an office built in a tree, I built it over the summer. I used Nelson Treehouse plans and the finished prodect looks very similar to [this](http://www.treehouseworkshop.com/albert006.htm) Nelson Treehouse. I have a busy job, and a busy home, but when I want to get away I go out back and walk up the stairs to my little retreat. It’s fully furnished and has electric and heat. I have a desk up there and a really comfy sitting couch. A port for my laptop dsl and everything. It’s fair to say I spend many hours up there most recently I was grading papers up there last night till the wee hours of the night. And I have slept up there countless times…sometimes my wonderful wife will come up and sleep with me 🙂 Oh and no phones allowed. That is where I like to read. I also enjoy walking out into the back field and reading in the wheat grass, and who can resist reading in a nice cozy hammock on a breezy summer day…Come on Spring Hurry up! ---
**Author:** ![Politzania](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3ab097/32.png) [@Politzania](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Politzania)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/6 "2004-02-05T20:47:37Z")
I have a comfy chair with an ottoman as well as an end table & lamp close to hand where I do the majority of my reading. In bed occasionally, usually half-propped up on my side, with a pillow under the book. I read in the bathroom as well , not only when on the commode, but also while brushing my teeth. (yes - I’m that much of a bibliovore!) At my family’s cottage on Lake Michigan - I do lots of beach & porch reading, and used to have a favorite tree to climb - I remember reading _Auntie Mame_ and _The House of Seven Gables_ while in that tree. Not much about the books themselves, just where I read them. ---
**Author:** ![Captain\_Amazing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/6de8d8/32.png) [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/7 "2004-02-05T21:29:29Z")
I read on the metro, and I also read at lunch and dinner. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/8 "2004-02-05T22:14:55Z")
I’ve been remiss in my reading lately as well. I think the biggest problem is a quiet place to do it, which simply doesn’t exist in my house. It’s a small place, the TV is usually on, and the only good lighting is in the living room. I used to get up early and read for a half hour or so before work, but now I’m working out at that time, so I can’t do it anymore. I really should bring a book to lunch and read then… ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2004, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/9 "2004-02-05T22:53:30Z")
> [@Phlosphr](#): > > I read in a tree. No, seriously…I have an office built in a tree, I built it over the summer. I used Nelson Treehouse plans and the finished prodect looks very similar to [this](http://www.treehouseworkshop.com/albert006.htm) Nelson Treehouse. Wow. Those treehouses are beautiful. Wonderful. I have a little tear in my eye, I like them so much. My SO and I are fond of trees, especially conifers. His ideal hangout would be a treehouse in a stand of hemlocks and Douglas firs. Thankyou very, very much for the link. ---
**Author:** ![Q.N.Jones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/3da27b/32.png) [@Q.N.Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.N.Jones)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/10 "2004-02-06T00:03:12Z")
In the can. In bed. On the couch while watching TV. I usually have some kind of news site open in a browser window so I can flip back-and-forth from reading to working all day long. Pretty much constantly. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/11 "2004-02-06T00:23:13Z")
In bed, on the toilet, or on the balcony with a cigarette. (I have a third floor apartment with a lake and fountain view and a screened balcony… I love Florida) ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/12 "2004-02-06T01:18:41Z")
Well, I need a treehouse now. I read everywhere–on the couch, at the table when I can get away with it, in the bathroom (while brushing my teeth), in bed. While cooking dinner, sometimes. The couch is the comfiest spot, though. I used to read out on the balcony when we lived in an apartment, but I don’t really read well outside. I get distracted by all the other good stuff going on, so now I mostly read inside and enjoy outside differently. ---
**Author:** ![Girlbysea](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Girlbysea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girlbysea)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/13 "2004-02-06T02:48:02Z")
I love reading at night in bed… ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/14 "2004-02-06T03:12:46Z")
I’m incredibly lucky. I read all day at work. I work at a college bookstore. I also read every night before bed. ---
**Author:** ![JoeSki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/b487fb/32.png) [@JoeSki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JoeSki)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/15 "2004-02-06T03:35:55Z")
So help me God, I will have a treehouse like that before I die. I usually read on on my bed, with a lamp on and a “nature sounds” CD on. Very relaxing. ---
**Author:** ![MrVisible](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@MrVisible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrVisible)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/16 "2004-02-06T07:04:24Z")
If I lived anywhere but the godforsakendesert, I’d be looking into getting a treehouse right now. So, anyway, I did it. I told my boyfriend about my sudden need for a reading nook, and not only did he understand, he thought it was a great idea. So we went out this evening, and at Sam’s Club, we found this microfiber lounge chair/ottoman combination that’s insanely comfortable. Add in a floor lamp from Walmart, and a little rearranging of my office, and I’ve got a reading nook. If you need me, you know where I’ll be. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 3:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/17 "2004-02-06T15:01:25Z")
The only thing I have to say about having a treehouse is in the form of a question: How many lives do \*\*_YOU[/B[]_ have to live? Because my wife and I realized we only had one. 🙂 Happy Building. ---
**Author:** ![Phlosphr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/18 "2004-02-06T15:05:17Z")
Gah! that ‘YOU’ should look like: _ **YOU** _ ---
**Author:** ![Martiju](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e8c25b/32.png) [@Martiju](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martiju)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/19 "2004-02-06T15:09:46Z")
I’m amazed I’m the first so far but the bath is my only place of peace for reading. In fact, the only reason I have a bath normally is so I can go and read! Yes, I shower normally - in preference to smelling! ---
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2004, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-read/227704/20 "2004-02-06T15:11:16Z")
Restaurants and the like. I always have a a book ot two with me - in my briefcase, in the car, and if I stop for a meal I like to drag it out. I tell the waiter/waitress that I am in no hurry and order a coffee. Later I order my meal and dawdle over it. Then I order another drink and dawdle over it while reading. This is Summer activity though. My place is so hot I don’t want to get home before the sun goes down. On these occassions I tip.