The Seattle Library Blog has a list of books that were spotted on buses last week. I noticed most of the books were fiction, which I’ve found myself reading more and more often too. Back when I lived in SF and had a long train ride to San Jose, I would read only non-fiction books because I could make quite a lot of progress in the hour trip. Now with my 25~40 bus ride, it’s hard to really get through a long non-fiction book, and I find myself reading almost entirely novels.
Space may also be a factor, the bus generally has less elbow room than the train had, and novels are smaller usually than non-fiction.
So, do you read on the bus? If so, what do you read? If not, how do you pass the time? I’d be especially interested to know whether there’s more non-fiction on Sounder as a test of my theory.
I read the newspaper most days. It comes at about 6 usually, and I catch my bus downtown at 6:30. When the paper is late to my door I’m pissed off and usually bring a magazine.
Unfortunately, reading isn’t an option for me. I get motion sickness when concentrating on something right in front of my eyes.
Generally, I listen to music and either watch the scenery go by and sleep.
Early in the week, the Economist; once that’s done, I’m usually chipping away at some nonfiction book.
I have to say that I probably wouldn’t take public transit nearly as much if it didn’t give me an opportunity to catch up on my reading.
One of the only things I dislike about being a bicycle commuter is that I can’t read during the commute.
Although, my experience from being a frequent bus rider in the past is that something about buses puts me to sleep, so it’s hard for me to read even then.
I listen to my iPod, sometimes I play video games, though the motion of the bus is a problem for me like 47hasbegun
I started out on the Ipod, but switched once I realized that riding the bus is an excellent opportunity for reading. Also, the Ipod isolates you more than a book.
I have read some fiction, but am currently reading a non-fiction book about transit in Europe. (Thanks Ben!)
When I have to take the bus (another bike commuter here) my New Yorker is always with me.
I never thought about the economist, that’s a perfect bus read actually: a mix of short and long pieces, most of which are interesting and enough material for at least a few days ride.
I saw a kid reading a comic book on free comic book day. I also saw a giant fat dude reading the same comic book, which weirded me out,
I tend to hack away at my Wired through the month, and go after some non-fiction. Although, it is also satisfying to just allow myself to collect my thoughts..