21 of the Best Places to Read a Book

Sick of reading in bed or on the couch? I've got your back! Check out this blog post for 21 of the best places to read a book without a bed or couch in sight.

ONE: In a car or on public transport

This fills in time and helps you avoid eye contact and conversation. Don't do this if you're the one driving though (Sorry to all you train drivers out there; Eyes on the tracks).

TWO: On a treadmill

Many of us have tried to read and jog before (you have, haven't you?). It's not as easy as it seems. Multitask, up the difficulty of both activities, and help make yourself more coordinated.

THREE: In a bath

If you like life risky and moist, then reading in a bath is just for you. It is warm and swishy, you turn into a prune, and it's never hard to turn the page.

FOUR: At your kids' friends' birthday parties

No need to mingle or make small talk with people you hardly know (which kid belongs to which parent?!). Escape the awkwardness and read. Ahh.

FIVE: While waiting to go in for a job interview

Choose your book well and you'll look smart and learned, plus you'll look distracted and therefore more confident and less weird and jittery. Try to avoid anything potentially taboo (leave Lolita at home).

SIX: After trauma

Disassociate in a socially acceptable way.

SEVEN: At your mother's house (also after. See #6)

Stay distracted, keep your mouth closed, avoid arguing, and keep her happy. Look, Mum, all that time and money you invested in my education paid off! Win-win.

EIGHT: At a playground

If you struggle to pay attention to your book, then take it to the playground with your kids. The multiple disruptions, requests to "watch this, be 'it', and push me" will fit right in with your inability to stay focused on your book.

NINE: Under the kitchen table

Feel like a kid again. Throw a large sheet over the table so it drapes down to the floor, add mounds of pillows, and ignore any call that sounds like your name.

TEN: At a cafe

The ultimate public display of sophistication, intelligence, and nonchalance.

ELEVEN: Doctor's waiting room

Distract yourself from the snotty, wriggling kids (probably your own) and how many hours have passed since your original appointment time.

TWELVE: On a balcony

Read with a view. This works best when you're a city dweller, so you can watch everyone else scurry around below you, busy with things to do, while you sit and relax. Ahh.

THIRTEEN: On the roof

If you're struggling to get away and find the time you need for yourself. Try the roof. Nobody will ever find you up there.

FOURTEEN: On a boat

Pair a themed read. I recommend Life of Pi by Yann Martel or The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom (I loved both).

FIFTEEN: In front of a fire

Preferably contained, like a bonfire or fireplace. Warm and crackly, and if the book sucks, it will make great fuel.

SIXTEEN: By a river

But only if you're not meant to be watching little people as they swim. Way better than the beach. No sand.

SEVENTEEN: At the cricket

Because cricket is boring, and reading is not.

EIGHTEEN: On the toilet

Because pooping takes time, and people will stay away.

NINETEEN: At the library

If you can't get into one book, you can swap it straight away. A low-risk location to try new genres and unknown authors.

TWENTY: In or under a tree

Connect with nature, swat away mosquitoes, bees, and flies. Listen to birds. Get your daily Vitamin D. Educate the vegetation.

TWENTY-ONE: On a trampoline

Hot tip: If you stop jumping, it makes it easier. If the trampoline has a net around it, then you can sit in the sun with a bit of sun protection, nestle your butt into the corner, and lean your back against the net (avoid the pole), and it's really quite cozy... Until the kids decide to join you.

Where is your favourite place to read a book?

Much love,

Marley