Do you ever find yourself staring at a potential reading spot wondering, “Is this space awesome enough to be worthy of the book I have on hand?”
Never be stumped by this question again! I have devised an excellent system for determining if the spot you sit your keister is a good place to read. See below for full details.
Criteria 1: Light
This one is obvious, yet the subtleties are tough to nail. It also depends upon what medium you’re reading in.
For print books, the space needs to be bright, but not so bright that it hurts the eyes or distracts you from the book.
For ebooks, it needs to be bright enough to keep the screen lit, but not so bright that it washes the screen out.
For audiobooks, this factor actually isn’t that important.
Can you read without straining or getting distracted? If yes, add a point. If no, subtract a point. BONUS POINT if you can brighten or dim the light at will.
Criteria 2: Noise
Much more subjectivity comes into place with this criteria, as we all have different tolerances for noise. Still, it’s a consideration you have to think about.
For print books and ebooks, the ambient noise should be quiet and comforting enough to help you focus. Too loud, and they become distractions.
For audiobooks, ambient noise can become a serious liability as it may force you to turn your volume up to hear the book. Be very careful if using headphones to protect your ears! It’s much easier than you think to damage your hearing!
Are you able to focus without being pulled away by exterior sounds in the area around you? If yes, add a point. If no, subtract a point. BONUS POINT if you can somehow control the noise level, like an all-powerful audio god.
Criteria 3: Comfort
Unless you are my high school English teacher taking a physics class, being comfortable while reading is a must. (For context, she once told us that her physics class was so boring the only way she could study the material was to lie flat on her back on a hardwood floor while holding the textbook above her, so she was in constant pain while doing it and her mind couldn’t wander).
For all types of books, make sure you have a space where you’ll feel secure (you aren’t going to fall off anything), warm, and your joints and spine are all in positions that are comfortable and won’t cause visits to the chiropractor.
Are you safe, comfy, and ergonomically arranged? If yes, add a point. If no, subtract a point. BONUS POINT if there is room for a furry companion to snuggle you while you’re reading.
Criteria 4: Snacks and Tea
Access to both of these things is paramount, just in case you weren’t aware. What would happen if you were to start reading and suddenly feel a hankering for Cheetos only to discover NONE THERE?
Even worse, what if you didn’t have ANY tea?!
I think my point is sufficiently made.
If you have handy access to snacks and tea, add a point. If you don’t, subtract a point. BONUS POINT if your space includes a helpful friend, family member, staff member, etc. who is willing to bring said snacks and tea to you without your having to get up.
Criteria 5: Length of Access
The perfect reading space is one to which you have unfettered access all the time. After all, what if your reading space isn’t available when you want to read? What if some miscreant has taken it from you and, insult to injury, they aren’t even reading anything! Fiend!
Being as this clearly cannot stand, if your space is one you can visit any time, add a point. If you can only visit it at certain times, subtract a point. BONUS POINT if your space is one that only you can access, and others have to ask permission to come in.
Scoring
Out of a possible 10 points, here’s what your score means:
- 0-2 Points: This space is terrible? Why are you even considering it? Run away! Run very quickly away!
- 2-4 Points: This space is trying very hard but just isn’t up to snuff yet, sorry.
- 5-7 Points: This space is decent. It isn’t the most amazing space ever, but hey, it’s serviceable and you’ve got most of the things you need.
- 8-10 Points: Dang! You have found a pimped-out space that is just about perfect for reading! Hang on to it, and protect it from interlopers with all of your might and soul!
The Exception
Just so you’re aware, there is an exception to this rule. If you like the space, it can break any or all of these rankings and still come out a perfect 10. Cause at the end of the day, what makes you happy in your reading space is what actually matters.
Thanks for reading! Keep up with my blog and nab a free short story, “Of Gods and Vermin” by signing up for my newsletter.
