Today I came across an interesting post by Becky over at One Literature Nut. She talks about two different kinds of readers, the “distracted” reader and the “escape” reader. Basically the distracted reader is one who is easily pulled out of a book – whether it be by background noise (such as the TV or music), being in a public place (such as waiting in line or using public transportation), by technology (your cell phone or computer), or by another book altogether- and the escape reader is someone who can tune everything out when they’re reading to the point that you’d practically have to light them on fire to get their attention.
I don’t know about you, but for me I don’t think I’m clear cut either a distracted or escape reader. Let’s be honest I think it depends on how engaging and exciting overall the book is or the specific passage of the book you’re reading is. It also depends on how emotionally distracting my real life is at the moment. When I’m under a lot of stress or feeling down sometimes only one type of book will do if any at all. On the other hand if you asked my husband he’d definitely say I was an escape reader lol. There have been certain books that I’ve become so sucked into that my mind has a hard time leaving the character’s world when it’s time to stop reading. I’ve spent meals and times at work functioning only partway in the real world. Has that happened to any of you?
One thing I’ve always had a difficult time doing is reading more than one book at once. I’m usually more into one book or the other and can’t stop thinking about the one when I’m reading the other. That is unless I’m not feeling either book then I’d rather not be reading at all. 
So what kind of reader are you? Distracted, escape or depending on the situation a little bit of both?
Stop by and say ‘hi’ to Becky if you have a chance. She teaches high school English and apparently gives out a distracted v. escape reader survey to her students each year. Maybe we could persuade her to post it on her blog. I don’t know about you but I do love a good personality/reader quiz.
I’m a little bit of both. Like you, it all depends on how I’m feeling and of just how engaging the book is. Lately I haven’t been reading a lot and the few books that I do pick up, I end up setting down… but I know why: school’s starting and my focus is being redirected :S
I used to be able to juggle two (or three) books at once but since I started reviewing, I just can’t seem to do that anymore o.o
I totally understand what you mean when there are times you can’t read. It doesn’t happen very frequently but they do happen and I try not to beat myself up over them.
I think I’m like you, it depends on the book and the situation I’m in while reading. I try to read wherever I can and sometimes I have to stop suddenly (like when the train arrives or I’m next in line at the ATM machine) so I have no choice but to get pulled out of the world that I’m reading.
When a book is really good and I can’t stop thinking about it even after I’ve finished the book, I call that having a “book hangover” and yes, that’s happened to me with all of my favorites.
I’m glad I’m not the only one who feels lost in RL after a good read.
I like the phrase “book hangover” although I don’t know what a real hangover feels like.
Interesting post. My husband can fall asleep while reading and I’ve never been able to figure that one out.
I used to be completely an escape reader. I once had all by books taken away by my Mom because she tried to get my attention for 10 minutes and I honestly did not hear her. I can still tune out most distractions but I’ve had to learn not to since becoming a mother. It’s really not good to tune out one’s children. Walls get colored on with markers when you do that.
(I do often only function partway in the real world.)
If it’s late enough and I’m in bed admittedly I can fall asleep too, but I fall asleep doing lots of things.
Now that I think about it last time I really fell our of touch with RL when reading was before I was a mother. Having children def changes things, as it should.
Interesting. I’m not sure if I’m an escape or distracted reader. I agree with you. It depends on the book I’m reading. Well most of the time when I really like the book I don’t get distracted. I’m so focused that you have to tap me on the back to get my attention!
Lol I’ve had reading moments like that before.
I don’t think I’m a full escape reader, but I’m not a completely distracted reader, either. Like everyone, I think it depends on the book. There are times when I couldn’t move on after I finish reading the book (Never Let Me Go is the most recent example), but there are times when I can switch books just like that.
I read more than one book at a time, but it’s usually different genres and formats. So I may be reading one YA fantasy in print and I’m also reading a YA Contemporary ebook at the same time. The trick is not to read the same genres. My iPod touch is very useful for reading books when I’m commuting at night — it keeps me less bored when it’s traffic. I also read right before I go to bed especially when I find it hard to sleep.
I think this meant that I read everywhere. So maybe I am more of a distracted reader. ^^ LOL.