We hear plenty of talk about kids who don’t read and adults who don’t read. As a parent, I stuff books in my kids’ hands all the time to make sure they become fluid readers and are exposed to lots of different kinds of stories. I don’t want them to be in the category of kids– or adults– who never pick up a book. As a writer, of course it worries me when I think about all those missed opportunities for book sales that are a result of adults who don’t read. Wouldn’t my royalty statement be far more glowing if 
the great majority of adults read multiple books a year?
But honestly, sometimes I worry about the opposite end of the spectrum where I’m concerned. Perhaps it’s because I’m a Virgo and the most well-known worrywart in the astrological system. Or maybe it’s because I’m a Catholic and guilt is built-in part of my world view. But I really do start to fret when I’ve had a big reading week and realize I’ve spent almost all my free time reading.
Some weeks I lay on the couch after the kids go to bed and read until I can’t keep my eyes open. Then I read over breakfast, on my lunch break, and the second I finish writing for the day. But the worst part is when I nod vaguely at my kids as they talk to me because I’m a thousand miles—or possibly a thousand years—away. I’m totally engrossed in the book I’m reading, my emotions engaged by fictional people who are receiving the lion’s share of my attention.
Of course, I don’t usually resort to relentless reading until I’m burned out with work or life or I’m stressing about something. Reading is wonderfully cheap therapy, after all. Yet I don’t think it’s necessarily a good thing to check out on the family for days on end either. Surely I should be listening to my kids. And quite possibly my husband said something really important while I was getting caught up in some romance novel couple’s first kiss.
So help me out here. Have you ever checked out on Real Life like this? Any hints for how to keep those binge times manageable? Or should I just read away and enjoy the occasional mental vacations?
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I don’t even try to stop the reading. I read every single night before I fall asleep — a minimum of two hours, usually more like three or four. It’s an addiction. If I can’t read for one night I feel empty. I don’t let myself read novels during the day, though, just because I would never get anything done. I read the newspaper while I’m eating, and since I spend all day on the computer, I read things like this blog. 
About the only time I’ll let myself read for fun during the day is when I’m traveling (airplanes mostly), or if I am sick. Then I do indulge myself.
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I believe it is okay to indulge in a reading marathon as long as someone isn’t
being neglected to the point of being in need of help for safety or health issues.
It is okay to acknowledge the dh or kids once in awhile though, lol.
by RobynL
on August 30th, 2007 at 10:51 am
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I tend to read at night. That way, my day’s responsibilities are done.
by Little Lamb Lost
on August 30th, 2007 at 11:18 am
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reading is fun and watching tv
by kim h
on August 30th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
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The way I see it is that none of us are the perfect wife or mother. There are going to be times when life is stressful and if reading a good book helps me cope then I have no guilt. There are plenty of times when I’m talking to my husband or kids and they are distracted by something else and I haven’t noticed that this causes them any feelings of guilt.
by Maureen
on August 30th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
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I know what you mean about reading whenever you can I do the same. I always carry a book with me and read whenever possible. I also always read at night before I go to bed. If I were you I woulnd’t feel guilty about reading at all.
by Teresa W.
on August 30th, 2007 at 1:48 pm
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I read a lot. I carry a book in my purse when I go somewhere. I also read whenever I can get a few minutes in the daytime and aagain at night.
I have to force myself to put a good book down , so I can get my household chores done.
All my children are grown so I don’t feel guilty, altho my husband has to sometimes speak to me three or four times before he can get my attention away from my book.
by Estella
on August 30th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
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I read daily and I get lost in my books much the same way as you. I used to read four or five books a week but now that I have started writing more regularly, I only get one or two read. LOL I miss my books. 
by Patty L.
on August 30th, 2007 at 6:20 pm
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Read whenever you can as long as you are getting whatever else is necessary done.
by Pat L
on August 30th, 2007 at 7:17 pm
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Every once in a great while, I get to spend the entire weekend doing nothing but reading. I will get so into it, that I have to forget to stop to eat! 
I will stay up until 2 or 3 am. During those times, I can usually read 4 or 5 books.
I don’t get to do that too often though…only when the kids are off spending the weekend with friends or some such.
However in the real world world, I get to read about 1 hour every weeknight and maybe 3 or 4 per night on weekends.
by Angie T
on August 30th, 2007 at 7:40 pm
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I have to agree Joanne, reading is cheap therapy.:-) I see nothing wrong with getting carried away in a book and forgetting the world around you a little bit. That just goes to prove how powerful good books are! Its the ones you can put down easily that we should be worried about.
by Carol
on August 31st, 2007 at 2:05 am
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I love to steal moments here and there to read. I have a whole stack of TBR books. I just love to sit in front of them and devour the covers, previews on back covers and inside of the book, to figure out which book I want to read next. It is an absolute pick me up when I am down to wallow in my books.
I am like Gail Barrett. I read every night before going to sleep in bed. I sometimes will read for 15 minutes but usually it is more like an hour to two hours I spend reading before I go to sleep. Some books are so hard to put down!
by Michele L.
on August 31st, 2007 at 8:36 am
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Had to laugh when I read Estella’s comments. Sounded like me. I’m retired now so I pretty much read a book a day. More often than not my husband will ask, “Are we going to eat sometime soon?” as a way to get my attention. LOL Bless his heart, he understands.
by Laidybyrd
on September 1st, 2007 at 8:31 pm
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I read all the time also. Hate to put a book down. Take one to work to read on breaks and lunch and to the doctors office. Also to bed with me. lol
by Loretta
on September 1st, 2007 at 11:15 pm
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I agree. Do something to escape everyday… whether it’s read, take a walk, knit , listen to music or call a friend. We all need a break from our hectic schedules. I can handle my emotions a lot better if I’d had a moment to recharge myself.
by Laurie
on September 2nd, 2007 at 6:16 am
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Both Gail and Joanne sound like my kind of girls! I’m always reading; usually have several books going (one by the bed, one in the living room, one on tape in the car, a hardback in the car for “emergencies”). Of course, that may be why I live alone. My greatest loves are my children, grandchildren and my books. Read on!
by Elizabeth P.
on September 2nd, 2007 at 1:04 pm
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I always have a book with me, that way I can read whenever the chance arises! 
Joanne, enjoy your mental vacation while it last. After all who knows how long it will last and when the next one will come your way!
by Susan
on September 2nd, 2007 at 1:55 pm
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Read away! You’re no good to anybody if you don’t take care of yourself first. Reading is cheap therapy and we all need a way to unwind and let go of the stress of the day.
by Sue A.
on September 2nd, 2007 at 3:43 pm
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Exactly, reading is my relaxation time!
by Kathleen
on September 2nd, 2007 at 4:28 pm
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I love to read and always have a book with me.
One winter I took my SUV through the automatic car wash early in the morning. It was below freezing and the exit door froze shut. Luckily I had a book and a cell-phone so I had something to read while I waited to be rescued. 
by Christy H.
on September 3rd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
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You can see why I’d love these responses!! I do appreciate the permission to indulge without guilt!
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*** Prize Winner***
Congratulations to Angie, winner of the thread prize. Thanks to everyone for chatting and making me feel better about taking those occasional mammoth chunks of time to read!
