We should always be prepared, whether we are or are not Boy Scouts. In order to truly prepare yourself for any experience, it is helpful to create a list. Reading is a very important undertaking and so, in the hope that I can help you increase the enjoyment derived, I have compiled the following list. You may wish to adjust it to your own needs and specifications, but it will get you started in the right direction.
1. The book. This may seem like a given; after all, who would sit down to read without a book? But you’d be amazed how many times people sit down only to get back up, having forgotten to fetch it.
2. Reading glasses. Perhaps you don’t need glasses, but if you do, you mustn’t forget them. If you squint at the pages, as you know you shouldn’t do, you could strain your eyes and give yourself a terrible headache. That would necessitate adding a subcategory 2A, which would be “headache medicine.”
3. A snack. You’ve no idea how many perfectly good reading sessions are interrupted by the reader having to go and get something to eat. If you keep the snack handy, there’s no need to go anywhere at all. Note: if you are reading a library book, you will want to incorporate subcategory 3A, “Wet Wipes.”
4. A heavy cast-iron skillet. This item comes in handy two ways. First, if you are reading a thriller, it will give you a sense (however false) of security that if someone were to break into your home, you would be able to defend yourself. Secondly, you can throw the skillet at anyone who tries to interrupt you. If this technique doesn’t work, I recommend subcategory 4A “rubber bands” and 4B “hard rocks.”
5. Kleenex. I recommend this highly, although not quite as highly as the skillet (hence why it is #5, and not #4.) If you are reading a romance, a drama, or any other type of book that is apt to touch you emotionally, you will want a Kleenex. You could also, in a pinch, substitute a Kleenex for item 3A.
6. A blanket. Regardless of the weather, the reader is apt to become chilled when sitting too long in one position. One remedy is to get up and move around from time to time, but as the ultimate goal is to become completely immersed in your book, a blanket is the best solution.
7. A back-up book. You already selected a book (see item #1) but just in case you have difficulty getting into it, it’s best to have a back-up on hand. This is also good just in case you find something offensive in your first choice, but if you’ve chosen your reading material from that recommended on Families.com, you’re safe on that count.
8. A notebook and pen. Occasionally a sentence or a phrase will strike you just right and you’ll want to hang on to it for future reference. Keep paper nearby so you can.
9. A cordless telephone with Caller ID and an answering machine. There are times when we are able to unplug the phone, but other times when we must remain accessible. By placing a cordless phone next to you, you don’t have to get up. By making sure it has Caller ID, you can see who it is, and with the machine, you don’t have to answer it. Best of all is a phone that allows you to turn off the ringer. You still get your messages on the machine but the ring does not distract you.
10. And last, but certainly not least, water. People get dehydrated before they even feel thirsty. In fact, studies have shown that a feeling of thirst is one of the last signs your body gives you that you need water. Keep a water bottle handy to sip while you drink. This is especially handy to go along with item #3. And lest you worry that drinking will make you need to go to the bathroom, not to fear. Don’t people keep books in their bathrooms? The two were practically made for each other!
I hope you find this list helpful. As mentioned, you will want to add to it to make it more personal to your own needs. My list includes chocolate. Others have added such things as fuzzy slippers, a flashlight, a bookmark, a pillow, and a spatula. Whatever works best for you should be included. In the meantime, happy reading!
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