As a bookworm practically since birth, I never questioned that grabbing a paperback before leaving home might be the beginning of rudeness.
TresSugar discovered a disgruntled The Telegraph commenter, who wrote, “I find this even worse than the sight of people reading a book at a public dining table. Often travelling on business for years I had to dine alone — but I would never have brought a book, or worse, business papers to the table.”
I’m not sure what this chick does when she’s dining alone (stare at the patrons with meal companions, maybe?), but I don’t see anything wrong with occupying yourself when you’re alone. Sue me.
Of course, it could be yet another rude American trait, as the blogger pointed out that she used the British spelling of travelling.
What about you — do you read in public?
–Whitney Teal
Photo: Britt Selvitelle
I read in public all the time; on the train, on a plane, in a house
and especially if I’m dining alone. Often I escape my house and curl up somewheres in coffee shop in order to find somewhere quiet to read. Why would it be considered rude? I found it odd that when I went home to spend time with my mother and we went to have “coffee” she brought out her copy of “Breaking Dawn” and proceeded to read it while I stared at her sipping my coffee but whatevs… Love her anyway.