Seeing people in public with a book

[gregs317]

I was just at a medical waiting room yesterday, and had to sit there for about 45 mins. I was feeling foolish that I hadn't brought a book with me to kill some time. And of course, three gentlemen proceed to join the crowd - each of them carrying a book! Wow, I felt so silly, lol.

I also spotted a woman at another place with a book.
Have you spotted anyone with a book in public recently? Greg

[LivreAmour217]

Anymore, I've noticed that people tend to pull out their cell phones to pass the time. Of course, some of them might be reading e-books (as I often do), but I don't see too many paper books. Whenever I bring a traditional book to read in a waiting area, I also feel like I stick out because I'm the only one!

[Vickyoreo86]

It's becoming common again (I'm in england/Norway) people read all the time in coffee shops, on long bus/train trips. I read everywhere, on planes, on my breaks at work at the park when I want time outside.

I even see a couple people reading books while walking to places which is kinda nice instead of phones in faces, but still have the same problem of not being aware of others around you I have seen her bump in to walls and grin at herself...very cute!

[hazelk]

I always take my current book with me when I am in my doctor's waiting room, i am always so interested to observe what others are reading as well. I find that women are the ones that read in waiting rooms.

[Vickyoreo86]

I love that it's such a conversation starter. In cafes if I am sat next to someone who has a book I have read I sometimes ask how they are liking it. ?

[gregs317]

hazelk, I agree with you - most of the sightings that I have are of female readers. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see 3 men in the same waiting room at once, each with a book.

-- 16 Feb 2017, 21:16 --

Vickyoreo86, I actually did have someone in a waiting room, notice the book that I had brought with me - and she was curious how I liked it. Apparently, her daughter was reading the same book, so my vote served as a second recommendation.

So it seems that books can be great conversation-starters.

[jlindquist]

When I'm on break at work I pull out a book either physical or e-reader depending on the book I'm reading. I also go for audio books on long road trips. I love seeing people with books. The rail line is also popular.

Once I was at a pool with Outlander when the woman at the other end of the pool swam over to me just to tell me she loved the series too.

[Cowgirl888]

Unfortunately when I'm out in public I don't see many people with a physical book...they may be reading on their phones but who knows. I think it's sad that physical books are being dwindled away.

[Vickyoreo86]

hazelk, I agree with you - most of the sightings that I have are of female readers. So, I was pleasantly surprised to see 3 men in the same waiting room at once, each with a book.

-- 16 Feb 2017, 21:16 --

Vickyoreo86, I actually did have someone in a waiting room, notice the book that I had brought with me - and she was curious how I liked it. Apparently, her daughter was reading the same book, so my vote served as a second recommendation.

So it seems that books can be great conversation-starters.

I've met some great people this way

[Clarisa]

Unfortunately when I'm out in public I don't see many people with a physical book...they may be reading on their phones but who knows. I think it's sad that physical books are being dwindled away.

I agree with you! Less and less people are buying books these days. Whenever I can I try to carry whatever book I'm reading, but sometimes I forget! The electronic era makes it easy to take a book anywhere though.

[kandscreeley]

I also like that I always have a book with me because of my cellphone. I still like paper books, but I can find cheap or free books more easily in ebook form.

[Elaine5]

I ride public transit everyday and see quite a few people reading books. Many are also reading on their phones and e-readers. You can always tell a reader from a texter/scroller

[DATo]

I was just a the doctor's office Friday for my annual checkup and really wished I had a book with me. Sat there about 30 minutes past my appointment waiting for the doctor with nothing to do. Saw one guy with a Kindle and another with a paper book. On the other hand it is for precisely this reason that I go to this doctor. He spends just as much quality time with me as he does with the other people you have to wait for. I just wish I had remembered to bring something to read.

[gregs317]

Please, let's keep paper books alive and well! I don't think it's necessary to make everything electronic quite yet, lol.

[SparklingOne]

Always have my kindle with me, as I can't carry all the books I used to. Will dig it out and read anytime I get the opportunity. While using the ebook others cannot really tell what you are reading, but I have had people ask to look at the device or ask what I was reading. I do like reading on my kindle rather than on a phone, as others can tell you are reading and interrupt less.