S.R. Johannes

Read Like No One's Watching 

   We've all heard of that classic saying- dance like no one's watching. But what about reading? Every hard core reader has those moments when you just can't hold in the giggles or the gasps as one of your precious characters steps out of line, whether in a comedic or a heart-wrenching way. So why hold back? Here are five ways to let your newest literary obsession lighten your mood, just by pretending like you're the only reader in the room: 

1. Laugh out Loud

Instead of silently chuckling at [insert snarky heroine's name here]'s newest quip, why don't you just unleash your inner nerd? Who cares if everyone in the late night study room hears you snorting- maybe they'll ask what you're laughing at and grab an extra copy. 

2. Don't Withhold Information 

If you just can't keep your mind off of your newest book find, tell everyone! Friends, family, that kid who sits next to you in that really boring Art and Culture class you're only taking to fill credits- spill the juicy details of Katniss Everdeen's latest exploits regardless of the audience. Perhaps you'll find that a lot of your friends are obsessed with similar fictitious characters. 

3. Make Time for Fiction

Just because everyone is working hard on some project or another doesn't mean you can't read that new YA dystopian thriller you splurged on- go for it! Don't let deadlines or stress keep you from your sacred reading time. Just be sure to plot out time on your calendar to finish it all, and take breaths in between to read a few chapters; nothing clears your mind and refreshes you like a hardy thriller, packed with breathless romance and suspense. 

4. It's Okay to Gasp

Let me guess- the lead love interest just introduced an amazing plot twist and you can't help but yell? Yep, sounds about right. Not to sound like every other Disney crazed fangirl on the face of the Earth, but in this circumstance just "let it go." Throw that book down and gasp so loud the person next to you raises his eyebrows. It's okay! Whatever you're reading is worth the exclamations and a few weird looks ;) 

5. And, Finally, Remember to Smile

When you finally turn the last page of that fantastic novel you picked up twelve hours ago, (because, let's face it, you stayed up well into the night to finish), lean back and have a smile. Because hey, whatever you just read straight through without a breath is worth a few moments, right? Just take a second to appreciate the awesomeness that was that story, and savor the moment after a solid reading binge- trust me, it's worth it.

So there you have it folks- a few things to help all of us readers while we're out in public. Not that we're every actually aware of our surroundings in the first place, of course. So lean back, relax, and remember to smile, because the people around us will probably realize we're in a different world at the moment anyway. 


Best wishes and happy reading,

-Ashley 

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