John and Cameron here, your second- or maybe third-favorite coffee blog proprietors. First and foremost, we’re busy people! But the drought is over, fair reader. After weeks of research, we finally put finger-to-keyboard to bring you crucial findings. We’ve been shocked—no, appalled—to realize that people are upset at young men reading at cafes. You'd think a guy quietly flipping through a book would be a welcome sight. Enlightened times, we thought! But alas… turns out a paperback is the new public menace.

Luckily, we here at Ready Set love reading—just like you! After all, you’re reading a coffee website blog. Whether you’re on your couch, in your car, or sitting in the café, we’ve compiled our research into six irrefutable principles to reflect on and practice while reading at Ready Set—or any café at large.

1. Order those drinks and breakfast sandwich for here

Drink the latte—from a real cup, not some sad paper to-go lid. Grab a glass of water while you're at the bar—hydrate like a grown-up. When you finish your latte, get another one! Then sit down. Let them bring you that breakfast sandwich. You're not in a rush. This is the good stuff. Just how it's supposed to be. You’re here to slow down and enjoy, which people don't do enough of. Oh, What's this? A little QR code with a 10% discount code to use on this fine site when you sign up for Ready Set’s Newsletter? Don't mind if I do! Reading is already paying dividends, now let’s crack into this Tolstoy! 

2. Engage in some light banter

This one’s a bit of a tightrope—even some regulars still fumble it. A quick little chat can go a long way in making yourself immersed in the cafe, but no need for an epic. No one needs the saga of your dog Mabel raiding the pantry again.

Just keep it simple. “Some weather we’re having huh?”, “How ‘bout those Browns, huh?”, “Pretty busy for a Friday, huh?”. Small stuff, low stakes. Get some mileage out of that open ended “huh”. It might feel like nothing, but honestly, you never know who might really need that tiny moment of connection, but again don't overdo it. You’re here to read stories, not tell them. 

3. Find a cozy spot and know your window

A nice corner, a big open window, whatever you’re feeling. Ready Set’s got three big rooms, each with its own vibe. Give yourself some distance from the bathroom. Bad toilet energy. And be perpendicular to the doors. Command position. Always keep an eye on that clock, the biggest faux pas is being the careless reader who's been in the cafe 10 minutes past close. Don’t be that person. Return those cups early, and give yourself a good out time.

4. Dress the part

You’re here to relax, but you don’t want that book to look out of place. A linen button down, casual shorts, fresh pair of sneakers or some elevated sandals. Let the reading do the rest and leave the bookstore tote bag and matching dad hat at home.

5. Actually read

Yes, we all say we’re going to read. But then your phone connects to the Wi-Fi, the boys chat starts going off, and the old battleaxe is telling you their drink order, whatever it might be. Put your phone in Do Not Disturb and hunker down, they’ll probably want an Iced Vanilla latte with oatmilk anyway. No such thing as “performative reading” if you are actually reading.

6. Get some solid reading material

By solid reading material, we mean ANY reading material. Comics aren’t just for the can, bring that water-logged, dog-eared copy of Garfield at Large! Break The Power Broker out of the prison of your nightstand! Pick up that local paper, find a newspaper rack. If you’re reading, that’s all that matters. Don’t feel guilty about it! Just enjoy it and have fun.

Still not sure what to read? Try something by a local publisher. Maybe Probably, Ohio, available to order from Lakewood-based publisher betweenthehighway. No bias here, folks! Just an honest and dang good suggestion!