I find Cranford fits well and often into this bite-sized reading category for me. I also find my mind often wandering over the best ways to create a simple “bookwraps“ made out of vintage or repurposed fabrics or even leather that would facilitate the safety of these books I love to carry around. Have you come across anything like that?
My current favorite carry it with my book is The Holiness of Ordinary People by Madeleine Delbrêl.
Another favorite, though a little fatter, but perfect for reading in snatches, is God in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel. I carried that one around for years. Never finished it, but I read and pondered on many passages.
When I worked at a cemetery for several years I would carry small books with me while waiting for funerals. I read Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" that way; also quite a number of the old Everyman's Library volumes.
Contra your point about phones: I have a friend who read "The Brothers Karamazov" on his phone; it could be that many of the people we see waiting in line or hanging out at airports are actually reading good literature using their phones.
Yes. Just last night while I was sitting in the dojo during my kids' karate lesson I was reading a book on my phone, The Glass Hotel by Emily St John Mandel, because Heidi convinced me I needed to read it. Though I often bring physical books, sometimes the Kindle app is the most portable way to read. I often bounce back and forth between my Kindle, the Kindle app on my phone, and audiobooks. Sometimes I'll have the same novel going all three places. (Looking at you, Kristin Lavransdatter.)
Hello Melanie! Years ago, I followed your blog, The Wine Dark Sea, which was always such an enjoyable read. Are you still writing on the blog? Or writing somewhere else, like here on Substack? If so, would love to read your thoughts once again! Happy New Year 2025 and Happy Feast of the Epiphany today!
Hi, M.E.!!! Thank you for your kind words. Sadly, we could no longer afford hosting for the blog, but I've moved to a new Substack. Click on the "Singing each to each" by my name and that will take you to my new page. I'm writing mostly about books and poetry now-- not really much about family or homeschooling anymore. Happy Epiphany and Happy New Year to you!
Love this post from stem to stern. I appreciate the list. I wish there were ways to search bookseller sites for EDC (every day carry) especially in physical dimensions. I love books that measure around 4.25" by 6".
Thanks for the great recommendations. I read Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness back when it was published. His description of Arches has stuck with me all these years. The Roger Scruton book is a gem too!
When I buy a backpack purse, it has to accommodate:
a) my Book
b) food
So… every time I leave the house, I pack my current book I’m working my way through. But my treat is an Agatha Christie. Sometimes when I’m feeling irresponsible and don’t want to read whatever smart-person book I’m reading, I throw in one of hers. They are the best accompaniment to waiting rooms and errands and piano lessons and long stop lights:)
I have 'Invisible Ink' on my tbr, but as a huge Modiano fan, I'd highly recommend many of his other books as well - they're all pretty short & revolve around the same themes, but his writing never ceases to pull me in.
Back in 2006/2007 when I lived in VA and took the metro every day to work in DC, I read all sorts of books during my commute. Jane Austen, you name it. The most interesting thing was that I never had any fellow travelers comment on what I was reading until I began "Watership Down." That was the only book I read that aroused anyone else's interest. Both commenters (men, interestingly) informed me that it was "their favorite book." I still think about that, and how much has been lost since we've all gone into our hypnotic smartphone rabbit holes.
I agree, great post and intriguing list! I first read Teaching a Stone to Talk as a college freshman and my life has never been the same. I had no idea writing like that was out there.
Love the name Books for Everyday Carry. I used to do that…and think I will start again!
My favorite for this is anything by PG Wodehouse because they are always entertaining, can tolerate distracted reading somewhat, and I have old beat up editions of most of them.
Thank you so much for sharing this website. I’m so excited!
Slightly Foxed books - something for everyone, and the perfect size for an EDCB.
Slightlyfoxedquarterly.com
Wasn’t able to access the website with the link provided above. The actual website link is:
https//www.foxedquarterly.com
Hope that helps! 👍🏻
https://www.foxedquarterly.com
Oops. There. Fixed it. 😹
Thanks! I hope you enjoy Slightly Foxed
I was recently reading the three musketeers, which fit nicely in my hoodie pocket.
I’ve always carried a book with me everywhere, and I’m glad other people do too 🥰
I find Cranford fits well and often into this bite-sized reading category for me. I also find my mind often wandering over the best ways to create a simple “bookwraps“ made out of vintage or repurposed fabrics or even leather that would facilitate the safety of these books I love to carry around. Have you come across anything like that?
Hey, hey! Looks like it is time to start my Christmas shopping! Thank you!!
I love the idea of Everyday Carry books.
My current favorite carry it with my book is The Holiness of Ordinary People by Madeleine Delbrêl.
Another favorite, though a little fatter, but perfect for reading in snatches, is God in Search of Man by Abraham Joshua Heschel. I carried that one around for years. Never finished it, but I read and pondered on many passages.
When I worked at a cemetery for several years I would carry small books with me while waiting for funerals. I read Salinger's "Franny and Zooey" that way; also quite a number of the old Everyman's Library volumes.
Contra your point about phones: I have a friend who read "The Brothers Karamazov" on his phone; it could be that many of the people we see waiting in line or hanging out at airports are actually reading good literature using their phones.
Yes. Just last night while I was sitting in the dojo during my kids' karate lesson I was reading a book on my phone, The Glass Hotel by Emily St John Mandel, because Heidi convinced me I needed to read it. Though I often bring physical books, sometimes the Kindle app is the most portable way to read. I often bounce back and forth between my Kindle, the Kindle app on my phone, and audiobooks. Sometimes I'll have the same novel going all three places. (Looking at you, Kristin Lavransdatter.)
Hello Melanie! Years ago, I followed your blog, The Wine Dark Sea, which was always such an enjoyable read. Are you still writing on the blog? Or writing somewhere else, like here on Substack? If so, would love to read your thoughts once again! Happy New Year 2025 and Happy Feast of the Epiphany today!
Hi, M.E.!!! Thank you for your kind words. Sadly, we could no longer afford hosting for the blog, but I've moved to a new Substack. Click on the "Singing each to each" by my name and that will take you to my new page. I'm writing mostly about books and poetry now-- not really much about family or homeschooling anymore. Happy Epiphany and Happy New Year to you!
What a wonderful post! A short book that fits nicely in the hand is a thing of joy.
Love this post from stem to stern. I appreciate the list. I wish there were ways to search bookseller sites for EDC (every day carry) especially in physical dimensions. I love books that measure around 4.25" by 6".
Thanks for the great recommendations. I read Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness back when it was published. His description of Arches has stuck with me all these years. The Roger Scruton book is a gem too!
When I buy a backpack purse, it has to accommodate:
a) my Book
b) food
So… every time I leave the house, I pack my current book I’m working my way through. But my treat is an Agatha Christie. Sometimes when I’m feeling irresponsible and don’t want to read whatever smart-person book I’m reading, I throw in one of hers. They are the best accompaniment to waiting rooms and errands and piano lessons and long stop lights:)
I have 'Invisible Ink' on my tbr, but as a huge Modiano fan, I'd highly recommend many of his other books as well - they're all pretty short & revolve around the same themes, but his writing never ceases to pull me in.
Provocations: Spiritual Writings of Kierkegaard.
The physical size of this book might be a bit large for every day carry, but the anthology format is wonderful for interval reading.
Here is a review with some excerpts: https://brianzahnd.com/2006/09/provocations/
Back in 2006/2007 when I lived in VA and took the metro every day to work in DC, I read all sorts of books during my commute. Jane Austen, you name it. The most interesting thing was that I never had any fellow travelers comment on what I was reading until I began "Watership Down." That was the only book I read that aroused anyone else's interest. Both commenters (men, interestingly) informed me that it was "their favorite book." I still think about that, and how much has been lost since we've all gone into our hypnotic smartphone rabbit holes.
I agree, great post and intriguing list! I first read Teaching a Stone to Talk as a college freshman and my life has never been the same. I had no idea writing like that was out there.
Love the name Books for Everyday Carry. I used to do that…and think I will start again!
My favorite for this is anything by PG Wodehouse because they are always entertaining, can tolerate distracted reading somewhat, and I have old beat up editions of most of them.
YAS 🔥👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻