From sofa to the plane, from the bed to the train, team Borough talk best locations and conditions for delving into a good book…
I’ve recently moved house, which was the perfect excuse to buy The Sofa of My Dreams. It’s huge and squishy and perfect for reading in, so it’s become my unofficial territory – luckily there is another TV in the dining room, so my flag-planting isn’t causing too many fights.
Suzie Dooré, Publishing Director
Travelling alone.
Reading can sometimes feel like a private act. And there’s something about travelling alone, the anonymity, that allows that. I also find that a book can take on a new layer of meaning when I read it far away from home, unfettered and uncomforted by my normal life.
It’s not where I often read, but it is perhaps my favourite.
Charlotte Cray, Commissioning Editor
When the stars align, I sometimes find time to sit outside and read whilst having breakfast. There’s nothing better than some fresh air to wake you up (especially in such a polluted city!).
Grace Pengelly, Graduate Trainee
When at home, my top reading spot is curled up on this sofa – it’s upright enough that I don’t end up napping, and in the summer, the light is perfect, while in the winter, I can light a fire or some candles and it’s super cosy. I do have to share it more often than not with Simon the cat though…
Carla Josephson, Commissioning Editor
I have always read in bed. As a child, my parents’ request for lights out without fail elicited a plaintive ‘oh but please can I just finish this chapter?’ Even now, I can’t fall asleep without reading a few pages.
Reading for work I find myself nose in a book everywhere, hastily finishing manuscripts on trains and at my desk and in the coffee queue. But reading in bed is a luxury. A rainy Saturday morning, an early Monday night. My bedroom is painted a cloud-like grey and here is where I find peace.
Ann Bissell, Publicity Director, Commissioning
Bed. However, I’m usually curled up at the top, brow furrowed in deep concentration, or I’m sat on the edge, bent over, nose between the pages or face almost inside my kindle. The door always has to be closed, a blanket somewhere nearby in case of sudden temperamental British weather changes, and a mug of something warm within reach.
Normally, the blinds are open and the sun provides the perfect natural light. Otherwise, if it’s dark out and the book is really good, a peek around the door and you’ll see a small light in the corner of the room: me with a small bookmark light, desperately trying to finish the last few pages of whatever has kept me up for so long.
Ore Agbaje-Williams, Editorial Assistant
Featured Image by Leah Kelley from Pexels
