From Hilary Gee, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria, UK
I sometimes joke about being a print addict, and now I see disturbing similarities between my reading habit and the behavioural addictions that Moya Sarner discusses (14 September, p 42). I look up and find I am somehow still reading at 4 am. I experience a “flow state” and am uneasy if deprived. Reading blanks out unhappiness, pain, misery and illness.
I feel compelled to read any print – yes, including cereal packets. While reading, I am almost totally unaware of anything outside of the story. I have a house full of books and keep a spare e-reader handy.
Of course, pursuing an academic career has allowed me to use this tendency quite a bit. And no, I don’t plan to go to rehab.
