What’s in My Bookish Bag? The Things I Never Read Without
There are two types of people: those who can leave the house with just their phone and keys, and those of us who somehow need an entire bag just to go sit somewhere and read.
Can you guess which one I am?!
Whether I'm heading to a coffee shop or just looking for somewhere quiet to read for an hour, I have a little collection of things that almost always come with me.
So, what's actually in my bookish bag?
Let's get into it. ☕📖
Of Course, There's a Book
This one probably goes without saying. I almost always have a physical book with me, even if I'm not entirely sure I'll have time to read it. There's just something about knowing it's there.
Right now, I'm carrying The Last to Drown by Noelle Ihii and it's been getting a lot of attention lately.
I also have a bad habit of bringing one book while thinking about the next three books I want to read. My TBR may be endless but apparently my bag has to reflect that too.
My Kindle
Because apparently one book isn't enough. My Kindle is my backup for when I don't want to carry a heavier book around or when I suddenly decide that the book I brought isn't the book I'm in the mood for. We've all been there. There's also something so satisfying about having hundreds of books available in one tiny device. It's basically a portable library.
A Cute Bookmark
You will NEVER see me dog-earing a book!
I also know that receipts, random scraps of paper, and even old shopping lists technically work. But where is the fun in that? I love having a pretty bookmark tucked inside whatever I'm reading. Bonus points if it matches the book's aesthetic.
I'm currently using an Off Campus themed bookmark and it's one of those tiny things that makes reading feel a little more special.
My Reading Journal
I don't always bring this with me, but when I know I'm going to have a longer reading session, it comes along. I love being able to jot down favorite quotes, random thoughts, theories, or even just my immediate reaction to something that happened. And if I'm reading a fantasy or romantasy? The journal is coming. There is simply too much lore to keep track of.
Headphones
Because sometimes the perfect reading environment involves a little background music.
I usually have a few playlists saved specifically for reading, depending on what I'm reading.
Fantasy romance calls for something completely different than a psychological thriller.
And yes, sometimes I spend longer choosing the playlist than I do choosing the book.
Lip Balm
A book, a drink, and lip balm. The essentials.
I always have at least one in my bag, and somehow it is never the one I was looking for five minutes ago.
A Coffee or Water Bottle
Reading without a drink nearby just feels wrong. Usually it's coffee, iced coffee, or water depending on where I'm going. There is something about sitting down with a book and a drink that immediately tells my brain, Okay, we're relaxing now.
A Little Bookish Emergency Kit
This sounds dramatic, but hear me out.
Mine usually includes:
Hand sanitizer
Tissues
Hair tie
Phone charger
Pens
Gum or mints
A small snack
Because the minute I actually get comfortable and start reading, I inevitably need something that I left in the car.
And, Obviously, My Phone
Mostly because I need to take pictures of the book.
Or look up another book.
Or add something to my TBR.
Or send my friends a message that says, “YOU NEED TO READ THIS.”
You know. Important things!
The Real Essential: Time to Read
At the end of the day, though, the best thing in my bookish bag isn't really something that can be packed. It's time. Even if it's only twenty minutes at a coffee shop or a few chapters before bed, I've learned that making space for reading is one of my favorite ways to slow down. So yes, my bag might be slightly overpacked.
And yes, I absolutely could survive a reading outing with just my phone and a book.
But where's the fun in that?
A good book deserves a good setup. ✨
Now I'm curious.. what's one thing that's always in your bookish bag?
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