Read while waiting

I am sitting in my study, tweaking my website, catching up on my email, trying to keep my cat off the printer where she likes to sit and watch the traffic in the street outside.

There’s a young woman waking past, holding a book out in front of her, totally engrossed in what she is reading. Fortunately some of the uneven pavers have been replaced in recent months or she might have taken a spill. She appears oblivious to what’s going on around her.

It must be a riveting book. Perhaps she is limbering up for tomorrow - Saturday, August 23, is Read While Waiting Day.

The idea is that wherever you happen to be in the world, at 3pm you head into a public space, alone or with friends, and read for 15 minutes.

The project originated in Kuala Lumpur. The objective is to see more people reading any form of literature whenever they wait, and to make them more conscious that if they’re going out somewhere and know that some waiting will be involved, then take something to read.

Down Under venues for planned gatherings include:

• Sydney: Wharf 2 & 3. Circular Quay.
• Melbourne: Bourke Street Mall Tram Station.
• Perth: In front of David Jones, Murray Street Mall.
• Wellington: Civic Square. Outside Civic Art Gallery
• Auckland: Aotea Square, Queen Street
• Christchurch: Cathedral Square

If you're heading out tomorrow, take a book with you. A paperback Elizabeth David book is a good size...

If you're curious and want to hear more, check out this YouTube item.