BOOKing Your Coffeehouse Time
But Can You Really Find Your Reading Flow There?
Pax and Beneficia Coffee, Dallas, Texas
Coffeehouses are my jam. In fact, they are favorite places of mine to immerse myself in a good book….
The white noise; espresso machines in motion; random conversation with fellow patrons for me signifies the quintessential “Third-Place” lifestyle.
Taking in a good book at one of these locales is how I enter into the flow state, my bibliophilic zone. There’s something about the cozy atmosphere, background chatter, and the aroma of coffee that helps me foster deep focus and engagement with the written word.
Many of my fellow reading acolytes concur that a calming coffeehouse ambiance helps them lose track of time and immerse themselves fully in their book. They say that’s a wonderful way to escape distractions and enjoy the pleasures of a favorite read.
These sorts of experiences, while delightful, may not be your cup of java. But if you are up for exploring the potential benefits, here are some steps to help you make the most of it:
Choose the Right Coffeehouse: Pick a coffeehouse that suits your preferences. Like me, there may be times where you are seeking a spot with a more quiet and subdued ambiance. Or if you like taking breaks from your book to people watch, a place that’s more bustling will likely be more appealing. Other considerations include the seating, lighting, and noise levels of a particular spot. For example, I tend to geek out on places with lots of natural light and a warm ambiance. But that’s just me — find what works for you.
Pick a Good Book: Bring a book that matches your mood and reading goals. Whether it's a novel, non-fiction, or something else, make sure it's something you're excited to read.
Order Your Beverage: Order a coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage. Many coffeehouses offer a variety of options, so choose one that complements your reading experience. My personal preference. My personal favorite is a “dirty chai,” a popular coffeehouse drink that is a blend of chai tea and coffee flavors. It typically consists of a shot of espresso mixed with spiced chai tea that helps me dip into my reading flow.
Find a Comfy Spot: Choose a comfortable chair or table with good lighting. Ensure you have enough space for your book and beverage. One of my favorite tricks if I’m feeling a bit extroverted is lay a book out in view of patrons. This has long been my go-to way to spark conversations with fellow book enthusiasts.
Eliminate Distractions: Put away your phone or any other distractions. The goal is to immerse yourself in your book. Too much white noise or people talking too loudly near you? Then grab your headset and phone so you can take in some good music.
Communal Coffee is San Diego’s South Park neighborhood is my all-time favorite spot to read a book and hangout
Set Realistic Goals: I always determine a specific amount of time or number of pages I want to read. This can help you stay on track and make progress in your book.
Take Breaks: Enjoy sips of your beverage and occasional breaks to people-watch or simply relax. Coffeehouses are great for gazing and finding inspiration. Let your mind wander, listen to some music, and take in the whole experience
Respect the Space: Keep your noise level to a minimum, so you don't disturb others. Use headphones if you want to listen to music or an audiobook.
Engage in Discussion: Coffeehouses are often hubs of intellectual discussion. So if you're open to it, strike up a conversation with fellow patrons or join a book club meeting if one is happening.
Revel in the Atmosphere: Savor the aroma of coffee and the ambiance of the coffeehouse. Let the environment enhance your reading experience.
Primo Passo Coffee, Santa Monica, CA
Note Your Thoughts: If you are into this, consider bringing a journal or use a note-taking app to jot down interesting passages, thoughts, or quotes from the book. I have been journaling for well over 40 years and find it an invaluable practice.
Just Relax and Enjoy: Most importantly, relax and embrace the experience. Stay in the moment. Reading in a coffeehouse is not just about the book; it's about the entire sensory experience. Breath deeply, take in the aroma
Remember that everyone's reading style is different, so adapt these steps to your personal preferences. The key is to create an enjoyable and immersive reading experience while savoring the coffeehouse atmosphere.
Let me know what you come up with. Until next time, stay thirsty for a good book
Among the musical selections I listened to while writing this piece.
I can get so much done in a noisy coffee shop! Great piece, thanks.
Love this. As I shared with you previously, my father was a really big coffee shop reader/writer. He would start conversations with strangers over books. He started writing clubs that never quite took off but gave him bursts of joy and connection. He passed at Christmas last year so I read this with a lot of emotion in my heart. Maybe I'll find him lurking in coffee shops in the years to come. <3