So, this is my question to you–are you a Goldilocks kind of reader?
Most of the time, no. See below for exceptions.
Do you need the light just right, the background noise just so loud but not too loud, the chair just right, the distractions at a minimum?
There must be light. If there is no light, I cannot see anything, let alone read. I don't care about the background noise--usually I can just tune that out, otherwise that's what earplugs and headphones are for. I don't really care whether or not the chair is comfortable or even if I'm standing, sitting, or lying down in bed. And it depends on the distraction--if it's something as obnoxious as noise at a road construction site, then no, I'm not reading then.
Also, I cannot read in most moving vehicles because I get dizzy and nauseous. I'm okay on an airplane with no turbulence, possibly on train-type transportation, i.e. trains, subways, monorails (I haven't tried reading on one yet), and maybe boats (although I've been known to get sick on them).
Or can you open a book at any time and dip right in, whether it’s for twenty seconds, while waiting for the kettle to boil, or indefinitely, like while waiting interminably at the hospital–as long as the book is open in front of your nose, you’re happy to read?
I would prefer to have at least a half-hour chunk to concentrate on a book. However, if a book is really compelling, I'll take whatever time I can get.
Football -- kicking the ball around, not using hands except for the goalie -- is nothing like "gladiatorial games." American football isn't either! It's harmless entertainment, well, harmless to those who don't play it and those who don't lose big bets on it.
I detest most sports (including seemingly inocuous ones like figure skating), so don't take my terseness personally. If other people like sports, good for them. As long as they don't forcibly drag me to a game.
