The Fairy Bookmother Advice Column: BookCation Edition

Your fairy bookmother (a.k.a., the wonderfully wise Courtney Smith) is back, responding to bookish questions that all of us voracious readers have every day. We hope you enjoy this bookish advice and be sure to send us your questions on Twitter with #FairyBookMother. Please note, this advice is for bookish entertainment only and not to be taken as professional advice. ?

My travel plans were canceled, but I was really looking forward to reading a page-turner on the plane. Should I save it for later or read it now?
—Ready for Takeoff 

Ready for Takeoff, I feel your pain. I had all my travel planned out with matching books for each flight, but, alas, we live in crazy times! Thankfully, the current state of the world does not preclude us from settling into a good story. I would suggest reading the book you had saved for your trip now. Too much has been taken from us this summer already; don’t let 2020 take your TBR pile, too! Honestly, I think the cancellation of your trip means you should not only read your planned travel book, but also treat yourself to at least one more book purchase to make up for the fact that you’ve probably seen too much of the inside of your home for the last few months.

If you think some of the impact of the story will be lost reading it in your living room instead of on a plane, may I suggest recreating a corner of said living room to be more airplane-like? Get your most uncomfortable chair and place it directly in the corner. Put another chair in front of it so your knees slightly touch it while you’re sitting. Lastly, close your windows and just circulate the air with a low- blowing fan right on your face. Level up: Have someone you’re living with (or a quarantine buddy) shake your chair for about 10 minutes to really get that turbulence feel going. Flying tuna-can atmosphere? Achieved! P.S. Need some advice on books that will take you to other places? Map out your BookCation across the USA with these titles.

Halp! My favorite book is being made into a movie, and I’m scared they’re going to mess it up!
—Concerned Bibliophile

I should really start a support group, Concerned Bibliophile, with the frequency in which I hear this concern. A book-to-movie adaptation is always bittersweet: you can’t wait to see your favorite story brought to life, but you know that, inevitably, your brain will pick apart every inconsistency until it’s more like an English essay instead of a fun two hours. However, don’t fret. With the proper precautions, you will be able to enjoy both the book and the movie.

First and most important, do not feed the temptation to reread the book right before the movie comes out. This will cause all the minor details and plot intricacies to be in the forefront of your mind, and you’ll inevitably hate the movie. You can read the book again after you’ve seen and enjoyed it on the big screen. I would say a six-month window is good, though a year is better. Second, remind yourself of adaptations you honestly enjoyed. A recent one in my memory is P.S. I Still Love You, the much-anticipated sequel to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Not only are both books fantastic, but the first movie was so amazing. I didn’t know how a sequel adaptation could ever live up to expectation. In reality, the second movie exceeded my expectations and I actually came to enjoy the differences in plot and characters from the book (shocking, I know). This leads me to my third point and some hard truths: you have to meet the movie where it is and not expect a line-for-line remake. It’s unrealistic that a movie can recreate a book down to the most minor details. Remember, the production company wouldn’t have optioned the book if they didn’t love it, so they’re going to do their best to translate the story to the screen, but it’s a compromise. Finally, try your best to go in with an open mind and an open heart. These are characters you love! Give them the benefit of the doubt. If worse comes to worse, you can always fall back on an adage for the ages, “The book was better.” 

My books keep getting bent and ripped when I travel. What do I do?
—Clumsy Traveler 

Clumsy Traveler, your question made me cringe because there’s nothing I hate more than damaging a book. I’ve done it more times than I care to count, and each time it still hurts. It’s a double-edged sword, isn’t it? Either leave your book at home and risk boredom or bring it and risk permanent damage. Clearly, leaving the book behind isn’t going to cut it, so here are some of my tried-and-true methods of safekeeping:

• If traveling by plane and packing away your book, situate it between layers of clothes and leave plenty of room around all four sides.
• If bringing it as a carry-on, either carry it onto the plane or pack it between something hard (i.e., laptop, tablet, journal) and something soft (i.e., toiletry bag, snacks).
• Going to the park or an outside coffee shop space or friend’s yard? Stand it up in a tote bag, on the side that will rest against your hip, and put something soft or light in front of it.

A few other options:

• Download the e-book or audiobook (either purchase or borrow through your library).
• Buy a protective case (I personally use a Book Beau).
• If you’re traveling with a hardcover, leave the jacket cover at home.

Where should I go to read outside? I’m looking for tips for social distancing while still getting sun in the city.
—Deficient in Vitamin D

Vitamin D Deficient friend, you and I, we are the same. This is a cause near and dear to my vitamin D–deficient heart because I’m terrible at remembering to take this supplement and thus, spending as much time as possible in the sun is integral to my health. I also live in a one-bedroom Brooklyn apartment that does not have a balcony or outdoor space (I can only dream). Lucky for all of us, there is still nature to be discovered in the midst of all the concrete. I love reading at the park or on the beach, so if you’re near one of those, definitely take advantage! Stay safe by going early when less people are out, bringing a large blanket or tarp to stake out your space, and wearing a mask if you notice a lot of people walking by or sitting too close. I suggest a face covering that says: “Do Not Disturb, I’m Reading!” A café with outdoor seating is a good option, but that may be hard to come by nowadays, especially if there’s too much adjacent foot traffic. Another idea: find your local library and see if they have outdoor seating! Just make sure to bring a disinfectant wipe or two to wipe down the surface before settling in. Also, consider searching around on Google maps for those elusive green squares and make your way over to one. Worst-case scenario, you just got a good walk in!  If you live in NYC, be sure to check out this article about great reading spots.

I need the perfect beach read NOW. Don’t let me down.
—Desperate for Escape

Desperate for Escape, okay, okay! Your fairy bookmother is here and she has brought a great selection. (Yes, I’m speaking about myself in the third person and surviving quarantine just fine.) I’ve recently devoured a fantastic bunch of books that I think will serve you well (see list below). And if you want even more suggestions, check out these titles that are sure to take you on a BookCation.