To ignore ‘What are you reading?’

[EmJay19]

Well I’m not bloody reading if I’m talking to you am I!

Over the last week been asked by:

A work colleague. I’d barely read two lines.
My husband when he got bored scrolling on his phone during a train journey
A salesman in a posh clothes shop while DH tried on clothes
Pretty sure there was one more…

YABU to want 5 mins peace and quiet and not to want to stop reading to discuss what you’ve just stopped reading
YANBU reading a book clearly means don’t talk to me and piss the piss off

@TheYearOfSmallThings

You don't even need a seat, surely?

It's safest if I sit. I was once reading on the tube, standing between the seats holding the rail above me with one hand, and a great big Stephen King book in the other. Unfortunately I lost control of the book while trying to turn the page one-handed, and launched it like a brick into the head of a seated passenger. She certainly was in no doubt what I was reading that day .

Similar happened to me on the tube; standing, holding a book in one hand (a paperback and not one of Stephen King's monsters, fortunately!). Someone next to me holding the overhead handrail let go of it and lowered her arm – onto my book, which went flying. It didn't hit anyone, but I did lose my place She did apologise but not that feelingly

On a primal (and possibly unconscious level) they want to know what it is that has your attention so completely.
On a primal, and very conscious level, people who interrupt your book to make small talk are twats.

YANBU. I'm totally with you on this. I read a lot, often in public spaces (Dr's surgery waiting room, shopping centre waiting for DDs to choose from 30 pairs of identical jeans, café while dining alone etc.) and I used to get approached and asked what I'm reading quite frequently, not so much these days - in fact, I can't recall when the last time was. Perhaps it's (one, very small) benefit from the pandemic - people are less keen to approach strangers. I've not really considered why, I'm glad though, it saves me from the involuntary eye roll which always follows.

I do read at home. It's usually DH who asks me what I'm reading and makes me cross!