Forget road rage. How about Book Rage.

[Gyppo]

Found in the paper archives today and dusted off.  (And believe me, it really was dusty.

I was having dinner in the park today and reading a book.  Why is it that whenever you have a book in your hand everyone assumes you have nothing better to do and tries to engage you in conversation?  Everybody - and his bloody dog - stops to pass the time of day, ask the way, or ask for a light, or just make a general nuisance of themselves.  My answer to 'light' requests really confuses them.  "Sorry, mate, I'm just as much in the dark as you are."

We British are justifiably famous for minding our own business - or at least appearing to do so - but the sight of an open book triggers veritable gushers of verbal diarrhoea in otherwise inoffensive passers- by.  People who would normally make a Trappist monk seem gabby suddenly start to babble like an auctioneer on Speed.

I think I'm going to make a flag which reads 'Piss Off.  I'm reading from choice and nothing you can say will enhance the experience or be of any possible interest to me.'

But in my inner heart I know what will happen.

"Hello, Mate.  I see you like reading.  What's it about then?"

I wonder if the courts would accept 'Book rage' as sufficient grounds for justifiable manslaughter.

Gyppo

[ma100]

 

Brilliant and I know just what you mean too.

[Alice, a Country Gal]

I've experienced much the same thing when I choose to read in a public or even semi-public place.

With nothing more to say than "What's you reading?" people will interrupt just to interrupt. They don't have anything to say in reality.

I've often been tempted to answer "A book. When was the last time you read one?"  So far, I haven't. But with age I'm becoming less tolerant with the inane.

[2par]

haha, oh alice, i get the "age" thing.  when you're young and say or do something that people would rather you didn't, you're tagged the dumb kid or reminded of manners, etc.   but when you're older and you do or say something that would be  unacceptable in a young person, then they will say, "oh, don't mind her.  she's just eccentric," and go off laughing.

[jkaram]

Funny, my child used to do this whenever I would sit still for anything! Fun read (verbal diarrea)! 

[James Josiah]

My ex wife used to consider me burying myself in a book as rude, woe betide you if you dare speak during the three hours of soaps she watched a day mind ....

And I take it we have all seen this (contains some swearing)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwkdGr9JYmE

[bri h]

Thanks for the blue-linky JJ. BH was/is brilliant and still one of my favourite stand-up comedians. Love his mimicry of Jack Palance, "Pick up the gunn!" heh heh

[James Josiah]

"I don't wanna pick it up Mister,  you'll shoot me"

I love Hicks, was way too young at the time but to still be relevant now is a testament to his power.

[bri h]

Squinted eyes . . .  . . . long . . . pause . . .

"Pick up . . .  . . . the gunn."

Eyes flick down fleetingly to the gun, and back up to the gunman . . . Down to the gun and back to the gunman . . .

[thatollie]

Excellent Post, Gyp.

Also . . .

You all saw it, he had a gun.

[bri h]

Brilliant. We should start a new topic: All the things Bill Hicks said. "We're Christians and we didn't like what you said there, Hicks!"
"Oh yeah? Then forgive me."

Love it. Now there was a man who used his pent-up rage to his own advantage. He made a career out of bein an angry young man. RIP.

[James Josiah]

“I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out.”

[bri h]

And we're back to topic . . . I remember a joke from someone in the 70's. "Er? Excuse me, are you reading that paper you're sitting on?" heh heh

[sune]

I think I'm going to make a flag which reads 'Piss Off.  I'm reading from choice and nothing you can say will enhance the experience or be of any possible interest to me.'

But in my inner heart I know what will happen.

"Hello, Mate.  I see you like reading.  What's it about then?"

I wonder if the courts would accept 'Book rage' as sufficient grounds for justifiable manslaughter.

Gyppo

You really cracked me up so hard..and I really know what you mean..

I consider that as a obvious human reaction for serenity..!
Mostly I find a place in the bush, park or beach  where no one even see me or can't be bothered to come near..
So that I can keep my repose in-tact..

Try that method Gyppo....You won't get absorbing treasured moments in a busy park..!!