A.A. Milne, or something written by a Spice Girl. And while you re at, try to work my website into every single conversation you have with everyone. If crossword puzzles are your thing, bring some along. I myself went through an entire book of New York Times puzzles in a single day. I even got a few of the clues.
Nothing says go away like a book.
It s not foolproof, as anyone who has ever tried reading on an airplane will tell you, but generally, people are less inclined to invite you over to their lunch table if you seem engrossed in a book. On the other hand, you don t want to bring anything too weird and freakish, like Lovecraft, Bret Easton Ellis, or the Bible, because, while most people will keep their distance, those few that do approach and want to talk to you will scare the living crap out of you. Try not to bring a book with an inconspicuous cover, because people, being very curious, will want to know what it is that you re reading. Make sure the title is visible, but not particularly exciting. Are Mine .