I've recently read a ton of graphic novels and memoirs - some I loved and others not so much but were still a thrill to read. Guts by Raina Telgemeier I am always on the lookout for Raina Telgemeier's comics, so when I found Guts available at my library's Overdrive catalog last year, I had to request it right away. Her comics are always delightful, designed for the middle-grade audience, and written very well. Guts is a continuation of her Smile nonfiction graphic memoir series (see Smile and Sisters ) and recounts a period in her childhood when she experienced IBS for the first time. When Raina wakes up one night with an upset tummy, she just assumes it's a stomach bug as her mom is also showing the same symptoms. But when it doesn't go away soon but is instead influenced by the daily highs and lows of being a middle grader - good friends, not so good ones, and then the bullies, she realizes there's something else going on. If you have not read the previous
Last Sunday, when I whined about how much trouble it was deciding what book to buy, Laurel-Rain Snow mentioned that when she goes to a bookstore, she usually tries to have a book in her bag, which she then reads in the attached cafe. That got me thinking about my reading preferences in bookstores. I do like to a read a little something during my visits to a brick and mortar bookstore, but I never really thought about what I read.
I usually like to treat in-store reading as a kind of sampling. Pick a random book that I've been curious about or which someone recommended to me, walk over to the cafe, and, sometimes over coffee, read a few pages of the book. This has helped me decide about quite a few books that I wasn't sure about - Some have raced to the top of my wishlist, some never get into my TBR even. Besides, it's such a serendipitous experience - something I feel lacking in my reading every once in a while, with all the lists I've made months in advance.
But reading Laurel's comment made me realize that I can also read any of the books that I have at home. I do know that many times I carry at least an ebook with me to a bookstore, but I don't think I've ever made a conscious attempt to read one.
So, on Friday, dressed all summery and ready with my copy of Ann Patchett's State of Wonder, I headed to my local B&N. The first thing I noticed was that it was too quiet in there. There was barely a soul in. Oh, who am I kidding! It was a Friday evening and why would anyone hang around in a bookstore, when there are rock concerts, parties and bars to hang out at! Anyways, I conveniently had a headache, so I grabbed a cup of yummy cafe au lait, and plonked myself on a table from where I had a great vantage point of almost all other tables and most of the people. Which is the kind of seat I always look for. Isn't reading a social experience after all?
I usually like to treat in-store reading as a kind of sampling. Pick a random book that I've been curious about or which someone recommended to me, walk over to the cafe, and, sometimes over coffee, read a few pages of the book. This has helped me decide about quite a few books that I wasn't sure about - Some have raced to the top of my wishlist, some never get into my TBR even. Besides, it's such a serendipitous experience - something I feel lacking in my reading every once in a while, with all the lists I've made months in advance.
But reading Laurel's comment made me realize that I can also read any of the books that I have at home. I do know that many times I carry at least an ebook with me to a bookstore, but I don't think I've ever made a conscious attempt to read one.
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Not a picture I took, though it may well have been. (Picture source) |
I opened up my book and thumbed over to page 68. Ann Patchett's beautiful prose was gripping. I took a moment to remember what happened up to that page, where the protagonist was, and oh, that guy in front of me is reading Jane Eyre! Man, I should ask him what he thinks of it - I don't know many guys who like Jane Eyre! Anyways, back to my book. Page 68.
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(Picture source) |
And so I keep reading. Ann Patchett's writing is really beautiful, except you know, it's not a "beach read'. It's not a book you can take with you in public and read in the middle of distractions. It's something you should read in your home at a fireside, or in your recliner. Not in the patio. Not in front of the TV. Not with screaming kids or distracting chores. Not in the airport. And definitely not in a bookstore. Unless you have uber-concentration powers!
But still, I kept reading. Some guy chooses that moment to walk in front of me with a nice looking book whose title is covered. I just had to know what that book was. I don't find out. And moments later, he walks in front of the Relationships section. I promise I wasn't curious. I continue reading. But, it's actually getting cold in here. Wonder if that has something to do with the less number of humans around. Two hours later, I start feeling hungry and decide to head home. Just before closing my book, I saw that I was on page 98.
30 pages in two hours, of a book that's actually beautiful. What a bummer. Though it's thanks to a poor choice of book. But most likely, I forgot to at least "visit" the other books before heading to the cafe - that usually satisfies the bookish me and lets me focus on what I chose to read. Or the fact that not knowing much about the book I'm reading helps me focus on it better than when I am already some part into it - very comfortable with the author and the writing style. Oh, whatever.

Comments
Here in my part of the world bookshops with coffee shops are thin on the ground. In fact, I have not visited one, but sure there must be some.
I tend to crane my neck to see what others are reading in a waiting room. Once there was a long hospital corridor full of people waiting for appointments. I was walking down that corridor checking out every book as I went. :)
carol
Thanks for sharing....
Here's my "reading slump" week at
MY SUNDAY SALON POST
BTW...can't wait to read State of Wonder.
BTW, Friday night at a bookstore sounds like pure fun to me. I suppose all book bloggers would agree :)