keep getting interrupted while reading

[crich70]

lol. I had a teacher in college who when a classmate said that he'd "found the lord" replied that he hadn't known he was missing.

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

Ask 'em whether they've found the Lord or whether they'd like to hear about a multi-level marketing program. They'll flee.

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by Freeshadow

I
when someone asks if the reader's a kindle I am nasty enough to answer "No, this is actually a real ebook reader, not only a portable amazon-outlet"

Now....explain how the Kindle isn't a "real book reader?"


Please spare us the "you're locked into buying books from amazon" speech.

[kindlekitten]

Originally Posted by crich70

lol. I had a teacher in college who when a classmate said that he'd "found the lord" replied that he hadn't known he was missing.

and the rest of that saying is; "he was behind the couch with the marbles I thought I had lost all along!"

[mSSM]

Originally Posted by Fbone

I'm surprised. The British usually respect your privacy especially if you appear busy. Unless they had a pint that loosened them up.

Although during my visit I found it unnecessarily difficult to strike up conversations and in Germany even more so.

At the grocery store today I chatted with a customer at the deli counter, beneath the canned pineapple, two in check-out line and one in the parking lot. Plus several employees. And I'm generally not outgoing.

In Germany it is indeed rather difficult to get into a conversation with someone; in the North more so than in the South. Although from my point of view people usually are really happy if they can find a friendly face to talk to, especially when waiting. I had that several times, where people seemed like they wanted to talk but were super nervous about it, until I just said "Hi!".

Although someone working on a laptop or reading for that matter - that indeed seems rude if you just interrupt that person.


I have to add though: with the classic book you could just check the front cover and know what the person was reading (maybe you have the same interest? ). These days it gets harder with eReaders. Maybe they should introduce a screen on the back displaying the cover?

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

Now....explain how the Kindle isn't a "real book reader?"


Please spare us the "you're locked into buying books from amazon" speech.

The K's are just as much a book reader as all the others out there. Though, it's a bit harder to get books for it if you don't live in the US or UK...

Originally Posted by mSSM

I have to add though: with the classic book you could just check the front cover and know what the person was reading (maybe you have the same interest? ). These days it gets harder with eReaders. Maybe they should introduce a screen on the back displaying the cover?

No thank you! I rather like my privacy and nobody needs to know what I'm reading right then. Which is what I've always found one of the major points of ebookreaders.

[astra]

Originally Posted by Lady Fitzgerald

No need to lie about it. Just politely explain that it is nothing against the person (unless it is, then just skip that part) but that this time is one of your rare opportunities to escape the world via a good book and that you would appreciate it if s/he would allow you to read uninterrupted.

That's what I am planning to say

[Mercury]

Good luck Astra! I have this same problem, have had it for years, paper books, ebooks, talking on the phone and STILL the same person pulls up a chair. Far too close, and asks that question. What're you doing?

I could never say that i didn't want to talk to them - it would be mortifying! It's on a par with saying someones baby is ugly! Please, please let us know if you can go through with it.

[desertgrandma]

@mercury and astra.

Sometimes, no matter how badly we don't want to hurt someones feelings, it has to be done.

I don't think you have to be rude, or nasty, like some of the posters here do, but a firm, polite "I'm sorry, but I am really involved in this book and don't want to be disturbed" is necessary.

If they take offense......you've done the best you could. Its on them, not you.

[Sparrow]

No need to be rude - just fart a lot.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

@mercury and astra.

Sometimes, no matter how badly we don't want to hurt someones feelings, it has to be done.

I don't think you have to be rude, or nasty, like some of the posters here do, but a firm, polite "I'm sorry, but I am really involved in this book and don't want to be disturbed" is necessary.

If they take offense......you've done the best you could. Its on them, not you.

I agree. Being polite and non-aggressive the first time is usually sufficient but there is the occasional, insensitive twit that needs to receive a verbal slap in the face to wake them up when being polite doesn't work.

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Originally Posted by Sparrow

No need to be rude - just fart a lot.

[astra]

Originally Posted by Mercury

Please, please let us know if you can go through with it.

I definitely will.
I narrowly missed him yesterday. When I arrived he was leaving So, the next time is most likely sometime next week

[roger the rabbit]

You could always try a switch to audio books for your lunchtime read.

Very easy then to shut you eyes and ignore anything but actual physical contact.

[astra]

Originally Posted by roger the rabbit

You could always try a switch to audio books for your lunchtime read.

Very easy then to shut you eyes and ignore anything but actual physical contact.

Audio.....is not the same as reading. I cannot compare them.

[roger the rabbit]

Originally Posted by astra

Audio.....is not the same as reading. I cannot compare them.

Agreed, I also much prefer the written word but it might solve your problem