The article explores various aspects of reading as a material practice and delves into the metaphors of materiality found in readers’ expressions. Despite earlier predictions suggesting that the advent of screen reading would diminish the materiality of reading, it remains intact. For readers, the tangible qualities of books as physical objects retain significance, not only for ease of use and specific reading habits but also for aesthetic reasons (such as preferences for certain publications or series). Reading also persists as a bodily activity that is integral to daily life and must be accounted for within its economy. Consequently, fragmented reading and the intricate materiality of the spaces designated for reading are natural outcomes.

Material metaphors are prevalent in readers’ discourse, encompassing descriptions of both the book itself (“tough”) and the act of engaging with it. Commonly, these metaphors draw parallels between reading and consuming food or drink (e.g., “swallowing books,” “going on a binge,” or experiencing “a hangover”). Such visceral metaphors may indicate that reading is perceived as a fundamental need. Evocative descriptions of the discomfort of reading underscore the importance of finding comfort in selecting reading material. Readers seek comfort not only in the content and aesthetics but also in its integration into their existence, and any disruption to this comfort is perceived as a violation of bodily integrity.

Reading as an embodied practice persists, evolving to encompass additional dimensions such as audio (audiobooks) and emerging technologies for text reproduction.