Reading Spot

Even the simplest of things can turn into something extremely complex. Like a text, we need to understand a word within a context. For example, consider the word “space”. “Space” has no specific meaning attached to it, the definition and perception of the word changes in accordance to the context. When I am talking about “space” with reference to “reading”, I mean a location or an area wherein one is able to read freely without any interruptions.

Reading is a hobby of leisure. It needs to performed when you are most relaxed. Therefore, it needs to be carried out in an area/ space which is cozy, comfortable, and makes you feel at home. This “space” of comfort, hence, is different for each one of us.

Coffee Shops

Imagine personalities like Hemingway, Eliot, Whitman and several others spending hours at coffee shops and creating history. Several people prefer reading at coffee shops or cafes. The romantic idea of reading at a cafe has a European notion attached to it. Though it proves to be difficult for people with a short span of attention as they easily get distracted, some people manage it really well, too engrossed in the book to care about their surroundings!

Parks

Parks are classic Victorian. Fantasise literary characters such as Jane and Lizzy in the background enjoying a good book. Parks/ gardens form as another alternative, ensuring the reader with complete tranquility and abundance of greenery. Sometimes, the scenario no matter how scenic turns vexatious, as, it is either too hot or there are ants lurking around everywhere making it impossible to for the reader to feel “relaxed”.

Reading Rooms

The age-old concept of reading room is just perfect. A complete silence zone, splendid for reading without any distractions. Reading rooms are slowly decaying and dying as less and less people are using it. It is sad to see this notion from the golden era gradually disappearing from this metropolitan world.  

Bed/ Couch
At the end of the day all you want is a bed, blanket, book and a coffee. There won’t be a single person whose favourite reading spot isn’t a bed or a couch. You loosen yourself, forgetting about all the worries of the day, and simply enjoy a good book while snuggling with your blanket. Bliss.

Hammock

Exotic vacation spot. Hammock. Murakami. If there is an epitome for comfortable reading, the award goes to hammocks. Who wouldn’t want to spend their lazy Sundays like this?

Beach

A summer romance with your latest rom-com novel, with an overwhelming and overpowering presence of the sea, is enough to put any reader in a state of euphoria.

Courtyard
My personal recommendation to Indian readers. Image from Arundhati Roy’s book immediately comes to my mind- a house with a large patio/ courtyard surrounded by different species of plants, pungent smell of rain, and  a cup of chai. A well deserved reading spot.






 

Home is where your book is. Which is your favourite reading spot? Where are you most comfortable reading? And most importantly, what is your definition of “domestic space”? 

Few questions whose answers you are subconsciously aware of, but never thought of it out loud. 

Food for thought until my next post.