The Best Way to Read a Book in the Park

Going and reading a book in public is one of the interesting contradictions that fill our lives. Reading is typically a solitary activity, that we do inside of our heads. Yet when we read in public, we are integrating our solitary activity into the social scene. Being mindful of the differences in environment, expectation, and comfort will help to ensure that you have a book that makes your trip to the park enjoyable.

Pick Your Book

Without going into specific recommendations, here are a few general guidelines before you take a book into public. First, I would not take a book that was valuable, either for financial or sentimental reasons. Taking a book into public exposes it to weather, sun, and the dangers of travel. If it’s a cheap paperback meant to read once and forget, this may not be a big deal. But if it is rare, or has some special meaning to you, it might be better to leave it safely at home. Second, consider the size of the book. Toting around a large tome would be a problem, but sometimes people go too far the other direction, and purchase a copy that is printed with such small font that it is nearly impossible to read. If you are outside on a sunny day, the glare of the sun combined with a small font might make for an unpleasant headache. Finally, don’t bring a book that you would be embarrassed to be seen with. I would always advise that you should never be embarrassed to read any book, and that having the self confidence to enjoy what you like in public as well as private is important. However, if you are uncomfortable, you are going to have a bad experience.

Be Aware of the Environment

Being aware of how we plan to read will be an integral part of the experience. Reading on a bench is markedly different from laying on sand, grass, or sitting on a rock. Whether or not you will enjoy yourself will depend on your flexibility and comfort on each surface. Being mindful of how you feel about getting dirty will make sure that you remember to bring a blanket or chair to sit in if necessary. Additionally, pay attention to the weather. A rainstorm, chill, excessive wind, or too much heat can all make for a sad trip.