Prompted by an Instagram post, and the hashtag #BuildAReadingDay, I thought I would share what would be my perfect reading day.
What Would I Be Reading?
My favourite genres are mystery, thriller and psychological fiction. So I would be reading one of those. I would possibly be reading some contemporary or literary fiction, but I think it would depend on how I feel on the day as I am quite a mood reader.
Where would I be reading?
I would either be lying on a sunbed, under a shade, near the swimming pool, reading with someone bringing me plenty of cold drinks as soon as I wanted one.
If I was at home, though, I would be lying in the garden in the sun or sitting overlooking a beautiful view, hopefully featuring water as I find that calming.
What would the weather be like?
Wherever I am reading, I would be outside in warm sunshine, not too hot but definitely not cold; this is the ideal day after all! I would have some shade, though, as I don’t like direct sun, just the warmth, and I burn so quickly even with sunscreen, so shade is essential!
I don’t mind if it’s a little cloudy, as long as it’s warm and I can lie and relax.
What would I be eating or drinking?
I would be drinking an ice-cold lemon Fanta (or maybe Taz Lemon, depending on where I am abroad!) and probably snacking on some crisps. I do sometimes have a cocktail or three, but I like the refreshing taste of Fanta Lemon, especially in the heat. Just drinking it at home reminds me of summer.
I would undoubtedly be insultingly rude and continue to read at the dinner table while eating some beautiful seafood and salad, my absolute favourite in the heat.
What would I be listening to?
I don’t tend to listen to anything when I am reading. I like the sounds that surround me to envelope me into their cocoon. The noise of nature, the birds, maybe some crickets, people walking or playing nearby.
I love the sounds of children playing by the pool, others talking among themselves, or my children and husband talking next to me.
Occasionally, I will listen to some well-known music while reading, but it’s too distracting if I don’t know it well!
When my eyes become tired, though, I switch to an audiobook.
What would be the scent filling the air?
If I am near home, then the smells of nature, freshly cut grass, the soothing smells of the river or sea, or fish and chips if I am near the beach.
Abroad, in the sun, it’s the smell of chlorine that I like in the pool or the salty smell of the sea or saltwater pool, along with the delicious aroma of sunscreen. I especially like coconut sunscreen; it always reminds me of the sun, the warmth, of relaxing summer days reading in the shade.
Now I am dreaming of lying in the shade with a lemon Fanta and a good book on a sunbed next to a pool somewhere hot with someone bringing me refills as I want them! I would periodically cool off with a dip in the pool but would spend all day until it got cold, just led reading. Blissful!
What would your perfect reading day be like?